How to Fill out an Alaska Marriage License with Examples & FAQs

Asked to officiate a wedding in Alaska? Getting married in Alaska? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon-to-be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out an Alaska marriage license correctly the first time!

 

Wedding bells are ringing, so let’s take a look! 

 

How to Fill Out an Alaska Marriage License: Samples & FAQs

 

1. How to Fill Out an Alaska Marriage License (for the Officiant)

 

In Alaska, a couple’s Certificate of Marriage has two portions printed on a single document: the “Marriage License” and “Certification of Marriage.” The top portion is the “Marriage License,” and is completed by the licensing officer when the license is issued to each couple. The bottom portion is the“Certification of Marriage,” and must be signed by the wedding officiant and one (1) witness after the ceremony.  

 

Wedding officiants should review the names and dates printed on the top of the certificate before the ceremony begins, to confirm the couple’s identities and that the license hasn’t expired. Immediately following the marriage ceremony, take a few moments to complete and sign the Certification of Marriage, along with the witness.

 

Once completed, the entire document must be returned to the Health Analytics and Vital Records office within seven (7) days. Do not cut or remove the bottom portion of the document.

 

Note: It’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain a marriage license before the wedding day. A sample Alaska marriage license application is available for download on the AK Department of Health site.

 

Whether a couple is getting married on a glacier or in their own backyard, this process looks the same: officiate, sign, return! Below, we cover some important details to help you perform your duties with confidence.

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Here are a few pointers from the Alaska Department of Health to help you get started:

 

• The officiant must check the date printed on the marriage license to confirm that the document is still valid: verify that the 3-day waiting period has passed, and the 90 day expiration date has not passed. 

 

• One witness must be present at the ceremony and sign the license. Please make sure they sign their name and print their home address on the form. The officiant cannot serve as a witness. 
   

Note: You might see space for two witnesses on the license. However, as of 2022, only one witness is required. You can safely leave the second space blank if you wish. 

 

• Print all responses clearly in black or blue ink (no cursive, except for your signature). 

 

• In the space marked “Official Title,” write “Minister” if you are ordained with American Marriage Ministries. 

 

Note: Always write Minister as your official title if you’re ordained with AMM, even if the ceremony is nonreligious, because it is your status as an ordained minister that allows you to perform the ceremony. Likewise, please write Minister on the license even if you prefer to use an alternative title in daily life (such as Pastor, Celebrant, Priestess, or Reverend). 

 

• In the space marked “Church or Office,” you will write “American Marriage Ministries” if you are ordained with AMM. 

 

• In the space marked “Address,” you will write your personal home address. 

 

Learn more: Which Address Should I Write on the Marriage License?

 

 

Who signs the marriage certificate? Alaska marriage laws require the person who performs the ceremony and one adult witness to sign the bottom portion of the Certificate of Marriage after the ceremony. The top portion of this document, the marriage license, is already signed by the couple during the application process; they do not need to sign again after the wedding. (Photo: Allison / iStock)

 

 

2. Alaska Marriage License Example

 

Below is an example of an Alaska Certificate of Marriage with instructions for the Officiant, issued by the Juneau HAVR Section (Vital Records office). Your marriage license may not look identical to this one, but it will be similar. Read each section carefully before you begin.

 

(Sample Marriage License Alaska, with instructions for the officiant.)

 

 

3. Returning the License: Where Do you Take an Alaska Marriage License After the Wedding?

 

One of the most important details for an officiant to know is when and where to return an Alaska marriage license. Here are our recommendations to help you cross this important task off your list:

 

• Follow all instructions given to the couple by the licensing officer when they receive their license. The licensing officer is generally your most reliable source of information, because websites take time to update, and may not always be current as marriage laws change. The officer who hands a couple their license is likely to have the most up-to-date information on how to handle the license.

 

• We recommend that the officiant returns the marriage license promptly following the ceremony. This ensures you are compliant with state law, and that the 7-day deadline is met. Newlyweds can easily get busy with post-wedding details and lose track of time, leading to delayed filings and other complications. 

 

• Do not return a marriage license to a courthouse. Licenses should be returned to the HAVR Section offices instead: 

 

If you are returning a license in person, you do so at the Health Analytics and Vital Records offices in Anchorage or Juneau. 

 

If you are returning a license by mail, it should be sent to the Juneau Health Analytics and Vital Records location at: 

 

5441 Commercial Blvd., 
PO Box 110675, 
Juneau, AK 99801 
(Please make sure this address is still current before dropping the license in the mail by visiting AK Vital Records)

 

When mailing, we recommend that you send the license out later that day or the following day, and pay for USPS Priority Mail with tracking (if mailing in-state) or Priority Mail Express with tracking (if you end up mailing it from out-of-state for any reason). A priority package should reach the office within 1 to 3 business days, and you can confirm its safe arrival with the tracking information.

 

Note: Unfortunately, you might see conflicting information about this while researching online. For example, the AK Dept. of Health website says that “the person who performed the ceremony or the couple” can return the license, while the Alaska Court System Form VS-361 and state law emphasize that “the person who performed the ceremony must return the completed marriage certificate” – not the couple. These sources also disagree on where exactly to return the license, which can be stressful for a first-time officiant! Luckily, following the suggestions above should make the process easier for you.

 

 

4. What if You Make a Mistake on an Alaska Marriage Certificate?

 

If you make a mistake while filling out the marriage license – such as a misspelled name or address – contact the Vital Records office directly to ask what steps should be taken to correct the error. Do not use white-out or corrective tape. Depending on the type of error, the couple may need to purchase a replacement license to fill out again with accurate information. 

 

Contacting the Vital Records office for next steps is the simplest way to handle any issue that comes up.

 

How to amend a marriage certificate in Alaska (after it’s registered)

 

To request a change or correction on your Alaska marriage certificate, you must “email the [HAVS] Special Services unit with your mailing address, and they will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions.” (via Alaska Department of Health) 

 

A note on changing your name after marriage 

 

If you want to change your last name after marriage, you don’t need to amend your marriage certificate. This type of name change process starts with filing a Marriage Certificate Request form (online, by mail, or in person at an Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Section office), and taking this certified copy of your certificate to the Social Security Administration office (SSA). You will also use this copy to update your identification at the DMV, bank, etc. If you want a totally new last name (not your spouse’s last name or a hyphenate) or to change your middle name, you’ll need to follow the standard name change process for adults. 

 

License mistake in Alaska? How to make a change on your marriage certificate: Email the Special Services department of the Vital Records office to request a packet with the necessary forms and instructions for the type of error or update you describe. They’ll be happy to answer any questions for you! (Photo: Face Stock / Adobe Stock)

 

 

5. Who Can Marry You in Alaska?

 

Who can officiate a wedding in Alaska? You can! Friends and relatives can conduct weddings anywhere in the state in two ways: by becoming an ordained minister (free, never expires), or by registering as a marriage commissioner with the state ($25 fee, one day only). 

 

Compare your options: Online Ordination vs. Alaska’s One Day Marriage Commissioner Application

 

Alaska recognizes online ordination for wedding officiants. This means that people who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries (AMM), can officiate weddings in Alaska and sign the marriage license. Minister registration is not required, so once you’re ordained, you’re authorized to marry couples anywhere in the state. Click the link below to get ordained with AMM today. 

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A word of caution: If your officiant is ordained online with a church other than American Marriage Ministries, it’s important to verify their minister credentials before they perform your wedding ceremony: 

 

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding

 

 

6.  What is the Cost of a Marriage License in Alaska?

 

Marriage license prices may vary slightly by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. For the most-current Alaska marriage license cost, click the link below, or contact your local licensing officer: 

 

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

 

 

7. How Long Does it Take to Get Married in Alaska? (Waiting Period)

Alaska has a three (3) business-day “marriage license waiting period,” which means couples must wait three full business days to marry after their marriage license is issued. Weekends and federal holidays are not included in this daycount, so it’s important to take them into consideration when timing your application. Weddings can be held on the fourth day.

 

• Learn more about the marriage waiting period and waivers: State-by-state marriage waiting periods should be part of your wedding plan

 

Some couples may be able to waive this three day period if it would cause undue hardship or delay. Contact a licensing officer with questions to see if your circumstances qualify for a waiver. (§ 25.05.161)

 

 

8. How Long Are Alaska Marriage Licenses Good For?

 

The length of time your marriage license is valid is called the “expiration period.” This is the amount of time you have to hold your ceremony after the license is issued.

 

In Alaska, a marriage license is valid for 3 months per state law, however the specific instructions you receive with your license / application might say “90 days.” Because months vary in length, these two timelines can conflict. To ensure your license is not rejected, we recommend you play it safe and follow whichever time period is shorter. 

 

If you have any questions, ask your licensing officer for the most up-to-date expiration information. 

 

• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• See all Alaska marriage license laws 

 

 

9. Where Do I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in AK? 

 

You can purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate after it's filed by:

 

• Mail or fax, using Marriage Certificate Request Form
• Online, using the VitalChek system (you can confirm this Vitachek link by navigating to it using the Alaska Dept. of Health site)
• In person from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section in Juneau or Anchorage 

 

To replace a marriage license before it's filed, couples should contact their issuing office directly to discuss their circumstances and options. 

 

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Explore More Alaska Wedding Ideas & Inspiration from AMM

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding in Anchorage, Alaska
   
• How to Officiate a Wedding in Juneau, Alaska
   
• Alaska Officiant Government Registration Requirements
   
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Alaska to Officiate a Wedding?
   

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