Alaska Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any AK county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.
Cost of License
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $25.00 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirements
What are the residency requirements for Alaska?
None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Alaska to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Waiting Period
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.
Age Requirement
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Blood Tests and Physical Exams
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
License Expires
How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 90 days from the date it is issued.
Divorced and Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 60 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online.
How Do I Legally Change My Name?
What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?
Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
We have created a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient.
Miscellaneous Questions
Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.
Are cousin marriages legal?
Yes, cousin marriages are allowed.
Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.
Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not allowed.
County Clerk Address and Phone Number List
Barrow RecorderFairbanks District Court
Vital Statistics
604 Barnette St
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907-452-9210
Map Bethel Recorder
Bethel District Recorder
204 Eddie Hoffman Hwy
Bethel, AK 99559
907-543-3391
Map Cape Nome Recorder
Cape Nome District Recorder
P.O. Box 431
Nome, AK 99762
907-443-5178
Map Homer District Recorder
Department Of Revenue
195 E Bunnell Ave Suite A
Homer, AK 99603
907-235-8136
Map Juneau District Recorder
Vital Statistics Bureau
350 Main St # 114
Juneau, AK 99801
907-465-3392
Map Kenai County Clerk
Kenai District Recorder
120 Trading Bay Road # 230
Kenai, AK 99611
907-283-3118
Map Ketchikan District Recorder
415 Main St, Room 320
Ketchikan, AK 99901
907-225-3142
Map Kodiak Recorder
Kodiak District Recorder
204 Mission Rd, Room 16
Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-9432
Map Palmer District Recorder
Vital Statistics Clerk
435 S Denali St
Palmer, AK 99645
907-746-8102
Map Sitka Recorder
Sitka District Recorder
210 Lake St # C
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-3275
Map State Vital Statistics
Anchorage District Recorder
527 East 4th St
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-269-0990
Map