How to Officiate a Wedding in Juneau, Alaska

So, you’re thinking of getting married in Juneau, Alaska -- or perhaps, you’ve been asked to officiate a friend’s wedding ceremony! If so, you’ve come to the right place.

The raw, rustic, awe-inspiring corner of the U.S. is unparalleled. So, whether you're a local or you’re just an admirer of the wonder of Southeast Alaska, the state capital of Juneau is the perfect spot to start the epic adventure of marriage. 

In our guide, we have all the need-to-know info on how to get legally hitched in the Last Frontier state, for both the chosen officiant and the couple (and some extra tips that will make sure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.) So, without further ado, let’s get this Alaskan love story started!
 

STEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let’s start with the ordainment process. According to Alaska Code 25.06.261, marriages may be performed by ministers from any church or congregation in the state, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. 

You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

Wedding officiants in Alaska are not required to register with any government office prior to performing marriage, so once you’re registered with us, you can officiate weddings throughout the state!

STEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Juneau

Now that the easy part is out of the way, it’s time to prepare for the wedding ceremony itself.

Alaska’s website provides sample wedding ceremony scripts that meet the requirements of AS 25.05.301. Basically, you just need to make sure that during the ceremony, both parties declare that they take each other to be husband and wife (or husband and husband, or wife and wife) in the presence of two witnesses.

You can also check out our wedding training pages, where you can find our sample wedding ceremony scripts, brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.

STEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license at the Juneau Vital Records Office. Be sure that they have their valid marriage license and that two witnesses are present before you perform the ceremony. Then, help them to complete the marriage license and get both witnesses’ signatures.

In Juneau, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. The couple will take care of the rest.

To apply for a marriage license, both parties must appear in person to be sworn in by a licensing officer or notary at the Juneau Vital Records Office at 5441 Commercial Boulevard. If you’re outside of Juneau, you can go to another courthouse to obtain one. This list is available here.

When you go, just remember to bring:

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or Tribal/BIA card)
• $60 marriage application fee (check or money order)

Three days later, the office will have it ready for you to pick up. It is valid for one year from the date you applied, however, once you retrieve it from the office, you have 90 days to hold your ceremony. If you don’t use it within 90 days from picking it up, you have to reapply.

The Basics

There 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’ll also want to rent a venue to take the party after the “I dos.”

Pearson’s Pond 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’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.

For a bigger gathering, you’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 “I dos” 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. 

Your 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.

Transportation

The only transportation in and out of Juneau is by boat or airplane. Once you’re in town, you’ll find it’s easy to get around to many of the attractions on foot, but if you’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.

Weather

The 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’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.