Alaska Marriage Records

Marriage records refer to details and information about civil unions registered in the state. These records are created to document the marriage event officially. They usually reveal the spouses’ names, the place and date of the marriage, and the names of the witnesses and marriage officiant.

Marriage records are a subset of Alaska family court records and will usually contain the following information about a marriage event:

• The full names of the bride and groom.
• The spouses’ full names.
• The place of the marriage.
• The date of the marriage.
• The witnesses’ and officiant’s full names.
• The signatures of the spouses, officiant, and witnesses.
• The marriage license number.
• The issuance date of the marriage license.
• The Stamp or Seal of the issuing authority.
• The Spouses’ dates of birth and age.
• The spouses’ marital status before the marriage.

What Types Of Marriage Records Are Available In Alaska?

Alaska’s Marriage Records are maintained by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, the Department of Health, and the courts. The types of marriage records maintained by these governmental agencies include civil records such as:

• Marriage Licenses
• Marriage Certificates
• Marriage Registers
• Marriage Applications

In addition to civil records maintained by government agencies, churches have historically created and preserved marriage records, which can be valuable for genealogical research. Personal documents, such as family bibles or written agreements, were sometimes used to verify marriages before the widespread use of official civil records.

The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues marriage licenses and maintains the state’s marriage records. The local courthouses maintain copies of marriage licenses and marriage records from the Marriage Registry.

Alaska Marriage Certificates

Marriage Certificates are official documents that show that a marriage took place and is legally certified. This document is typically issued to couples after a successful marriage ceremony as the legal proof of their union. It contains details such as the spouses’ names, place and date of the marriage, officiant and witnesses’ names, marriage license number, and Stamp or Seal of the issuing authority. Alaska has some special requirements for obtaining marriage certificates. The major requirements for a marriage certificate include a wedding ceremony and a duly completed Marriage Certificate from the wedding officiant.

Alaska Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses are legal documents that give a couple the legal permission to get married. This legal document must be obtained from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics and local courthouses before the wedding ceremony. Marriage licenses will usually contain details such as the couple’s names, the issuance date, the expiration date, the intended location for the marriage, and any required waiting period. The special requirements for a Marriage License in Alaska include:

• The age requirement is at least 18 without parental consent or 16/17 with parental consent and judicial approval.
• At least two witnesses with their names recorded on the marriage certificate.
• Solemnization of the marriage within three months of issuance.

Are Alaska Marriage Records Public?

No, Alaska Marriage Records are not public records. Marriage records will be restricted for 50 years after the marriage. Within these 50 years, these records are only accessible to the spouses named in the certificates, their legal representatives, their immediate family members, and others with concrete proof of reasonable interest in the record. In some instances, such as when both spouses are deceased, access may be granted to individuals who can provide death certificates or other required documentation. After 50 years, marriage records in Alaska have become public records accessible to anyone based on the provisions of the Alaska Public Records Act (APRA).

How to Find Marriage Records in Alaska

Marriage records in Alaska are inaccessible to the public for 50 years from the wedding date. Only authorized individuals, including spouses, witnesses, and legal representatives, can access these records within this period. The first step is to determine your eligibility to access marriage records of less than 50 years or ensure the records sought have been in the archives for over 50 years. After determining your eligibility, get the needed information to access the records. You must provide a valid government-issued ID and pay specific fees to access the records.

Marriage records in Alaska are accessible through the Alaska Vital Records Office. The public can query the records department of the Alaska Vital Records Offices between 10 am and 3 pm on weekdays and between 1 and 2 pm to request these records. There are two records offices in Anchorage and Juneau. Individuals may need to visit the office in person to request certain records, especially for recent years. Marriage records are also available through the marriage registries at county courts. Access to marriage records is available to persons who complete and submit the Alaska Marriage Certificate Request Form. For online searches, enter the names of the spouses, the date of the marriage, and the town where the marriage took place to refine your search. Records of county-certified records are generally accessible through the Marriage Information website.

Note: When requesting marriage records, you may be required to provide identification and meet specific eligibility requirements. Some records may only be available for in-person requests, and additional documentation may be necessary depending on the town or the time the record was generated.

How To Get a Marriage License in Alaska

A marriage license refers to a document that authorizes a couple to proceed with the celebration of their marriage. In contrast, a marriage certificate is the document that evidences the marriage occasion and the couple’s union. Marriage licenses are applied for and given before the wedding ceremony, while the certificate is given to the couple afterward. Marriage licenses are available through any Alaska Court or the Alaska Vital Records Office. The Marriage Licenses webpage has a list of requirements for obtaining a marriage license, which include the following:

• Both parties must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent or 16 and 17 years old with a court order and parental consent. A 16/17-year-old cannot marry anyone more than three years older. Certain documents, such as parental consent for minors, must be provided in written form to ensure the legality of the application.
• The marriage license is only valid for marriages conducted in Alaska or Alaska State waters.
• A waiting period of 3 days follows the faxed or mailed marriage license application.
• Submission of payments by mail with your marriage License Application.
• Alaska Marriage licenses are valid for three months from the date they were issued. The marriage must be conducted within those three months.
• No proxy marriages.
• All divorces must be final for divorced applicants before getting a new marriage license.

Alaska has no blood test or physical examination requirement for marriages. There is also no residency requirement to comply with.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records In Alaska?

Alaska marriage records are available in phases. The first phase is the first 50 years after the wedding, during which access to marriage records is limited to the spouses, their legal representatives, and witnesses. After 50 years, marriage records in Alaska become public, accessible to all. The legal requirements for accessing these records are as follows:

• Determining your eligibility to access the records. This applies to records less than 50 years old that have limited access.
• After determining your eligibility, approach the Alaska Vital Records Offices for a physical request or use the online platform to mail or fax your request.
• The person requesting the record must provide a valid government-issued ID and pay the required $60 fee, or attach evidence of payment when you mail or fax your request.
• Wait for the office to get the records for your inspection or make copies.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Alaska?

Yes, there are various online platforms for the public to look up marriage records in Alaska. Third-party websites are non-governmental sources of public records, such as marriage records. These websites offer organized archives that the public can access for free. Users can often view images of historical marriage records and certificates, providing access to digital or scanned copies of documents. Many platforms allow users to narrow their search results by entering a date range, which is helpful if the exact marriage date is unknown. Some platforms also allow users to request official copies or send returns to the appropriate authorities. Third-party platforms can provide all-day access to records, as users can go online and access their archives from anywhere and at any time. Their website interface is typically user-friendly with advanced search features. The public is generally advised to confirm the fee policy of a third-party records platform before proceeding with a request.

Is Alaska a Common Law State for Marriage?

No, Alaska is not a Common Law State for marriage. Common Law marriages are marriages between couples who are considered legally married without the formal registration of their union through religious or civil wedding ceremonies. This type of marriage can be entered into through Cohabitation, Public declaration, and an intent to be married from both parties. In other states, the couple cohabits by living together for a period, they can declare themselves married to the public, and an intent to be married from the couple must be present. Alaska has some alternatives to common-law marriage, such as cohabitation agreements. This agreement is a private contract between both parties that is not made public or recorded with the state. While this agreement has the benefits of flexibility, financial security, and clarity, it is generally not recognized by law as a legal marriage would.