How do I get a marriage license?

Alaska Vital Records Office or Alaska Court Office (state level - no county clerk function in Alaska)

Step by Step

How to do it

Download and complete the Marriage License Application from health.alaska.gov/en/services/marriage-license/ - both parties must fill out their respective sections
Submit the completed application and fee to the nearest Alaska Vital Records Office (Anchorage or Juneau) or Alaska Court Office - submit in person or by mail
Wait the mandatory 3-business-day waiting period (begins when the application is received)
Return to pick up your license on or after the 4th business day (or it will be mailed if you submitted by mail)
Get married within 90 days of license issuance - the license is valid for 90 days only
The officiant and one witness sign the license after the ceremony
Return the signed original license to an Alaska Vital Records Office (in person or by mail) to be registered with the State
Order your formal Certificate of Marriage separately for $30 - needed for name changes, insurance, etc.

Details

Required Docs

Completed Marriage License Application (both parties must complete their sections)
Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties
Social Security numbers for both parties (and parents' full names, places of birth)
If divorced: date(s) and place(s) of prior marriage(s); copy of divorce/dissolution decree if divorced within past 60 days
As of 2025: copy of officiant's certificate of ordainment required at application
If under 18: parental consent and court order required; no one under 16 may marry in Alaska

Fee

$60 in person; $70-$73 by mail (includes Priority Mail tracking); Certificate of Marriage (post-ceremony): $30 first copy, $25 each additional

Waiting Period

3 business days from receipt of application LICENSE VALIDITY: 90 days from issuance

Online Option

No - cannot apply online; must apply in person or by mail

Where to Go

Alaska Vital Records Office (Anchorage or Juneau) or any Alaska Court Office

Alaska Notes

Alaska does NOT allow self-solemnization (self-uniting marriages) - an officiant is required.
One witness is required at the ceremony.
No residency requirement - non-residents may marry in Alaska.
No blood test required.
Birth records become public after 100 years; marriage records become public after 50 years.
Alaska has some of the most spectacular wedding venues in the world - elopements in national parks, glaciers, and remote wilderness are popular with non-residents.

Official Source

State Office

Alaska Vital Records - health.alaska.gov/en/services/vital-records-orders/ | [email protected] | Anchorage: (907) 465-3391