Alaska Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: Two (Physically Present)
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: No
All relevant parties must be physically present for the ceremony. This includes the minister, the couple, and two witnesses. The ceremony can be fully customized, but it must include the legally required “I do’s,” which signify the couple’s consent to marry.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 (or 16 with Guardian Consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples aged 18 and older can marry in Alaska. Minors aged 16-17 may marry with parental consent, while those aged 14 may marry only with a Superior Court Judge’s approval and guardian consent. Alaska welcomes both in-state and out-of-state couples, including international residents. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Statewide
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person or By Mail
- Cost of License: $60
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Divorce Was Finalized Within 60 Days
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples can apply for their marriage license either in person or by mail. They must present valid ID and pay the $60 fee. If either has divorced within the past 60 days, an official divorce decree is required.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: 3 Days
- License Valid For: 90 Days
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 7 Days of Ceremony
The marriage license becomes valid three days after application and remains valid for 90 days. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the issuing office within seven days.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Vital Records Office
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
Ministers ordained by Ministries of Love are legally authorized to officiate weddings in Alaska. Ministers should confirm with the issuing office if any documentation (such as ordination credentials) is required. It’s a good practice to have a copy of ordination credentials on hand.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the minister must complete the officiant section of the marriage license, including:
- Full legal name (without titles).
- Title as “Minister.”
- Church/Ordaining Body as “Ministries of Love.”
- Home address for potential contact.
The minister must ensure the couple and witnesses sign the document and that it is returned to the vital records office within seven days. Keeping personal records of ceremonies is recommended, especially if compensation or contracts are involved.