Emona Court
Marriage License Requirements
Are you planning a wedding or vow renewal ceremony in Alaska? Looking for top-rated marriage officiants who can make your special day unforgettable? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential information you need to know about Alaska wedding officiants, marriage license requirements, waiting periods, fees, and more. Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. Finding the right wedding officiant is a crucial step in making your ceremony truly special. Alaska offers a range of options for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.
Marriage ID Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Alaska, you will need a picture ID such as a driver’s license, as well as a birth certificate to show proof of age.
Marriage Waiting Period
Alaska has a three (3) business day waiting period that starts once a mailed or faxed application is received by the issuing office. This means you must wait at least three full business days after submitting the application before you can pick up the license and have the marriage ceremony.
Marriage Residency Requirements
Good news for non-residents: You do not have to be a resident of Alaska to get married there!
Previous Marriages and Records
If either party has been previously married, you’ll need to provide the name of the former spouse, the marriage date and place, and the date and place the marriage ended. If the marriage ended within the past 60 days, a copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate may be required before the license is issued.
Covenant Marriage
Alaska does not have covenant marriage requirements.
Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee is $60, payable when the license is issued.
Proxy Marriages
Proxy marriages, where someone stands in for a party, are not allowed in Alaska. Both parties must be present, along with witnesses and the officiant, for the ceremony to take place.
Cousin Marriages
Yes, cousin marriages are allowed in Alaska.
Common Law Marriages
Alaska does not recognize common-law marriages.
Marriage Blood Test
No blood test or physical exam is required for marriage in Alaska.
Name Change After Marriage
Getting a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change your name. You can use an online marriage name change kit for this purpose.
Marriage Age Requirements
Both parties must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent. Individuals aged 16 and 17 must submit a parental consent form, and those under 16 can marry only with a court order.
Marriage Officiants
Alaska allows licensed ministers, recognized religious leaders, judges, and more to officiate weddings. Additionally, anyone can become a marriage commissioner to perform ceremonies after obtaining a court appointment.
Marriage Witnesses
Two witnesses are required for the wedding ceremony.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
An Alaskan marriage license is valid for three (3) months from the date of issuance, and the marriage must be performed within this period.
Marriage Application Requirement
A completed application is necessary to obtain a marriage license. Both parties must fill out part of the form, and if one party is out of town or state, further instructions must be followed.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage License
For a copy of the marriage license, you can contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services.
Conclusion
Your wedding day is one of the most important moments in your life, and choosing the right wedding officiant is key to making it truly memorable. With Alaska’s flexible requirements and various officiant options, you can create a ceremony that reflects your love story.
FAQs
- Can non-residents get married in Alaska? Yes, you do not need to be a resident of Alaska to get married there.
- Is there a waiting period for obtaining a marriage license in Alaska? Yes, there is a three-business-day waiting period after the application is received.
- Can anyone officiate a wedding in Alaska? Yes, after obtaining a marriage commissioner appointment from an Alaska court, anyone can perform a marriage ceremony.
- How long is an Alaskan marriage license valid? The license is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
- What documents are required for individuals aged 16 and 17 to get married in Alaska? They must submit a parental consent form signed by both parents and follow additional instructions provided by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics.
