Alaska Marriage

Alaska marriage laws allow couples to be married only with a valid marriage license. Age requirements and certain documentation requirements may apply to certain individuals, particularly minors and those who have been recently divorced. The specifics of Alaska marriage license requirements are set forth below.

Alaska Marriage Consent Laws

• With Parental Consent: Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old must submit a parental consent form in order to get married in Alaska. The one exception to this rule is that individuals under 18 who are on active duty in the U.S. military don’t have to obtain parental consent. Individuals younger than 16 are not allowed to marry in Alaska.
• Without Parental Consent: Any individual 18 years of age and older can get married in Alaska without parental consent.

Alaska Common Law Marriage

The state of Alaska does not recognize common law marriages.

Alaska Marriage License

• Residency:  No Alaska residency requirements – non-residents may apply for a marriage license.
• Tests: None.
• Identification Required:  Parties must simply present a photo ID such as a driver’s license. For individuals under 18, additional documentation may be required. See the Marriage Consent Laws section above.
• Appearance/Proxy:  Proxy marriages are not permitted in Alaska. Both parties must be present to apply for the Alaska marriage license.
• Previous Marriages:  Parties must disclose all prior marriage and divorce dates, but a certified divorce decree is required only if the last divorce occurred less than 60 days before the marriage license application.
• Length of License:  An Alaska marriage license is valid for 3 months after its issuance. If a couple waits longer than 3 months, the license will be invalid and no refunds will be given.
• Fees:  $25, payable by cash only.
• Filling Out the License/Submitting the License:  There is a 3 day waiting period between the time of application for an Alaska marriage license and the time the parties can officially get married.
• Authorized Alaska Officiants:  Any minister, priest, or rabbi may perform an Alaska marriage ceremony. The officiant must present a marriage certificate to the couple and to the state.