Alaska Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Alaska: $60 in person ($73 if mailed) license fee, 3 days waiting period, 90 days validity, minimum age 18, 1 witness (18 or older) witnesses required. Apply at the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Alaska Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Alaska?
A marriage license in Alaska costs $60 in person ($73 if mailed). This is the standard fee charged by the Bureau of Vital Statistics when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Alaska's fee is in line with the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Alaska
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Alaska does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics
Both applicants must appear in person at the Bureau of Vital Statistics in any Alaska county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $60 in person ($73 if mailed) fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 3 days
Alaska has a mandatory 3 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Alaska: Ministers, priests, rabbis, or leaders of any religious organization (including a Salvation Army officer or the principal officer/elder of a denomination without regular clergy); judges, magistrates, and other judicial officers; marriage commissioners appointed by the state; or an individual holding elective public office in Alaska. Alaska also allows a one-time marriage commissioner appointment for a friend or family member through the court system.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Bureau of Vital Statistics (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Alaska law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Alaska
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Alaska counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Out-of-state couples
Alaska has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Bureau of Vital Statistics with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Alaska following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Alaska on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Alaska Notes
Who Can Officiate in Alaska
Ministers, priests, rabbis, or leaders of any religious organization (including a Salvation Army officer or the principal officer/elder of a denomination without regular clergy); judges, magistrates, and other judicial officers; marriage commissioners appointed by the state; or an individual holding elective public office in Alaska. Alaska also allows a one-time marriage commissioner appointment for a friend or family member through the court system.
Good to Know
Under HB 62 (Chapter 67 SLA 22), effective November 30, 2022, Alaska lowered the ceremony witness requirement from two witnesses to one (the witness must be 18 or older, confirm both parties intend to marry, and cannot be the officiant), raised the absolute minimum marriage age from 14 to 16, and now requires anyone age 16-17 to obtain both parental consent and a Superior Court judge's order, with the other spouse no more than 3 years older. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge or magistrate for good cause. Applications are handled by the Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics; the Alaska Court System separately handles waiting-period waivers and marriage commissioner appointments. Alaska does not recognize common-law marriages formed within the state, but does recognize common-law marriages validly formed in another state that permits them.
Alaska Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Alaska drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $60 in person ($73 if mailed) - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 1 witness (18 or older) for the ceremony, each at least 18
First dance
You guys!!
License filed. Now plan the photo sharing.
Once the legal paperwork is done, set up Pix Wedding in five minutes. Guests scan a QR code at the reception and every photo arrives in your shared album.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
No app, no account
UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
Emma & Jack
June 21, 2026
647 photos · 95 guests
SCAN TO TRY
pix.wedding/
your-wedding
Marriage License Requirements in Other States
Related Alaska Wedding Guides
Alaska Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Alaska marriage license costs $60 in person ($73 if mailed). The fee is paid at the Bureau of Vital Statistics when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Alaska requires a 3 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Under HB 62 (Chapter 67 SLA 22), effective November 30, 2022, Alaska lowered the ceremony witness requirement from two witnesses to one (the witness must be 18 or older, confirm both parties intend to marry, and cannot be the officiant), raised the absolute minimum marriage age from 14 to 16, and now requires anyone age 16-17 to obtain both parental consent and a Superior Court judge's order, with the other spouse no more than 3 years older. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge or magistrate for good cause. Applications are handled by the Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics; the Alaska Court System separately handles waiting-period waivers and marriage commissioner appointments. Alaska does not recognize common-law marriages formed within the state, but does recognize common-law marriages validly formed in another state that permits them.
A Alaska marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Alaska accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Yes. Alaska requires 1 witness (18 or older) for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Alaska does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Bureau of Vital Statistics as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Alaska a popular destination wedding state.
Explore more free wedding tools
Everything you need to make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable.
Seating Chart Planner
Plan your reception seating visually.
Guest List Manager
Track RSVPs and dietary needs.
Timeline Builder
Plan your entire wedding day.
Countdown Timer
Count down the days to your big day.
Wedding Checklist
Month-by-month planning checklist.
Bachelorette Party Games
15+ games with rules, supplies, and timing.
Alternative to Wedding Guest Book
15 creative alternatives guests actually enjoy.
Wedding Menu Builder
Design and print your reception menu.