{"id":17263,"name":"Juneau","state_id":4,"county_id":528,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:36:44.927-07:00","updated_at":"2026-05-28T11:04:51.889-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Juneau, Alaska. Learn about online ordination, marriage license application, ceremony planning, and wedding tips.","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Juneau, Alaska","tagline":"There will be bears...","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eSo, you\u0026rsquo;re thinking of\u003cstrong\u003e getting married in Juneau,\u003c/strong\u003e Alaska -- or perhaps, you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a friend\u0026rsquo;s wedding ceremony! If so, you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis rugged, rustic, awe-inspiring corner of the U.S. is unparalleled. So, whether you\u0026#39;re a local or want to \u003cstrong\u003eget married in Alaska from out of state\u003c/strong\u003e, the capital of Juneau is the perfect spot to start the epic adventure of marriage.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this\u0026nbsp;guide, we cover\u0026nbsp;all the practical need-to-know info on how to get legally hitched in the Last Frontier, for both the chosen officiant and the couple, plus some extra tips to ensure\u0026nbsp;the whole process goes as smoothly as possible. So, without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s get this Alaskan love story started!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with who can\u0026nbsp;officiate a wedding in Alaska, and how you can meet these requirements. According to Alaska Code 25.06.261, marriages may be performed by ministers from any church or congregation in the state, \u003cstrong\u003eincluding online-ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e(1)\u003cstrong\u003e \u0026ldquo;A minister, priest, or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state,\u003c/strong\u003e or by a commissioned officer of the Salvation Army, or by the principal officer or elder of recognized churches or congregations that traditionally do not have regular ministers, priests, or rabbis, anywhere within the state;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e(2) by a marriage commissioner or judicial officer of the state anywhere within the jurisdiction of the commissioner or officer; or\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e(3) before or in any religious organization or congregation according to the established ritual or form commonly practiced in the organization or congregation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e(4) by an individual holding an elective public office in the state.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ordination-application\"\u003eordained in Alaska\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;with AMM to qualify as a \u0026quot;minister\u0026quot; to meet the requirement in\u0026nbsp;subsection (1).\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s online ordination process is free\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and takes only a minute to finish. Once you have been ordained by AMM, you\u0026#39;re authorized to officiate a wedding anywhere in Alaska, and your ordination never expires.\u0026nbsp;Because ministers aren\u0026#39;t required to register with any government office prior to performing marriage in the state,\u0026nbsp;there are no other legal steps to take before the wedding. You will need to prepare for a beautiful ceremony though, so keep reading!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 2: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony in Juneau\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, it\u0026rsquo;s time to prepare for the wedding ceremony itself.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor a simple civil ceremony, the Alaska Court System provides \u003ca href=\"https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/docs/sample-marriage-scripts.pdf\"\u003esample wedding ceremony scripts\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;that meet the simple\u0026nbsp;requirements of the state law\u0026nbsp;(\u003ca href=\"http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title25/Chapter05/Section301.htm\"\u003eAS 25.05.301\u003c/a\u003e). AMM also offers a huge wedding script library to use for free: \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts\"\u003eWedding Ceremony Scripts for Ministers\u003c/a\u003e. This library contains dozens of officiant scripts to inspire you, including a mix of nonreligious, religious, modern, and traditional ceremonies. When choosing what to say at the ceremony, just make sure that both parties declare that they take each other to be lawful spouses, in the presence of you and a witness.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor more help preparing, visit our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003eWedding Officiant Training pages\u003c/a\u003e, where we cover everything from writing the wedding ceremony to delivering it with confidence.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain a valid marriage license from an official Alaska State Vital Records Office or an Alaska Court System location before the wedding ceremony. It\u0026#39;s the wedding officiant\u0026#39;s responsibility to sign and return it after the wedding.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nBe sure that the couple brings the license with them to the ceremony, and verify the date it was issued before you deliver your script: a\u0026nbsp;wedding can take place on the fourth day after a license is issued (there is a 3-day waiting period), and within three months.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter delivering a beautiful ceremony, you will sign the license along with one adult witness.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter completing the license, it\u0026#39;s your responsibility to return it to the Alaska Health Analytics \u0026amp; Vital Records office within seven days. (The license must be \u003cem\u003erecieved\u003c/em\u003e within this timeframe.)\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nOnce that\u0026#39;s done, you\u0026#39;ve successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. So, take the rest of the day off and head down to Anchorage Brewing Company. You\u0026rsquo;ve earned it!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eBoth parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;be sworn in by a licensing officer or notary. A license can be obtained anywhere in the state at an official Alaska State Vital Records Office or an Alaska Court System location. To apply for a marriaeg license in Juneau, visit the\u0026nbsp;Health Analytics and Vital Records (formerly the Bureau of Vital Statistics) at 5441 Commercial Boulevard.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/marriage-faq.htm\"\u003eMarriage Information: Alaska Court System\u003c/a\u003e to see a list of Court Locations by Judicial District to apply at a\u0026nbsp;courthouse near you.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGovernment-issued photo ID (e.g., driver\u0026rsquo;s license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or Tribal/BIA card)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$60 marriage application fee (check or money order)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThree days later, the office will have it ready for you to pick up. It is valid for three (3) months.\u0026nbsp;If you don\u0026rsquo;t use it within this three month window, you have to reapply for a new license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are so many incredible outdoor spots to get married in Southeast Alaska. Around Juneau, you can say your vows in front of a backdrop of glacial views (or on an actual glaciar), the shores of Mendenhall Lake, Sandy Beach, Eagle Beach, Auke Bay or the Chilkoot Inlet, just to name a few options. But you\u0026rsquo;ll also want to rent a venue to take the party after the \u0026ldquo;I dos.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://pearsonspond.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePearson\u0026rsquo;s Pond\u003c/a\u003e is a perfect spot for a small wedding reception and/or ceremony. You can say your vows at one of the above-named scenic locations or hold your ceremony in the inn\u0026rsquo;s picturesque garden, have an intimate reception with a catered dinner, and then spend the night in one of its luxurious suites. However, the venue can only accomodate a group of about 15.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor a bigger gathering, you\u0026rsquo;ll want to check out the stunning Glacier Gardens. The 50 acre forest and botanical gardens can accommodate a group of up to about 100 people. You can say your \u0026ldquo;I dos\u0026rdquo; beneath the hanging begonia, fuchsia, and petunias or set out into the rainforest. The facility provides tables and chairs and a list of recommended caterers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYour Juneau marriage license is valid anywhere in Alaska, so make sure to check out some of the other destinations in the state during your research, as well.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe only transportation in and out of Juneau is by boat or airplane. Once you\u0026rsquo;re in town, you\u0026rsquo;ll find it\u0026rsquo;s easy to get around to many of the attractions on foot, but if you\u0026rsquo;re taking your party to one of the surrounding attractions, taxis, Uber and public transportation are available, although you may want to spring for some private transportation, just for fun. There are a couple of limo services available in town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe best season to spend time in Juneau is between May and August, when the landscape is bursting with greenery, the ocean wildlife is active and the sun is shining. It\u0026rsquo;s the height of the tourist season, so accommodation pricing and crowds will be at their peak, but the days are long and sunny, with average temperatures in the mid-60s. Winter is not as cold and dark as you might think (but still probably not when you want to get married.) In December, Juneau gets six hours of sun and 18 hours of darkness. The weather from October through May is wet, windy and often snowy, with average daily highs in the mid-30s.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre online ordained ministers recognized in Alaska?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYep! All online ordained ministers, including those ordained through AMM, are recognized in Alaska.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan nonresidents get married in Alaska?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply for a marriage license.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf one (or both) of the marriage applicants is divorced, do we need to provide a divorice decree(s) to get married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSubmitting a copy of a divorce decree is only required if the divorce or dissolution occurred less than 60 days prior to applying for the marriage license.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we use our Juneau-issued marriage license anywhere in Alaska?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, you can acquire your marriage license in Juneau and have your ceremony anywhere else in the state, or Alaska state waters.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnce we have the marriage license, how much time do we have to use it?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYour application stays on file one year, however \u003cstrong\u003eyou must use your license within 3 months\u003c/strong\u003e.\u0026nbsp;If you do not get married within that time frame, the license will be void and you must reapply and pay the $60 fee again.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office: \u003c/strong\u003eHealth Analytics and Vital Records (HAVR), 5441 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $60\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003e3 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 3 months\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;By mail or in person by the officiant\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}