Alaska Marriage Records

Marriage records refer to details and information about civil unions registered in the state. These records usually reveal the spouses’ names, the place and date of the marriage, and the names of the witnesses and marriage officiant. Marriage records will usually contain the following details about a marriage:

• 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:

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

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.

Marriage Certificate:

Marriage Certificates are official documents that show that a marriage took place and is certified. This document is 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.

Marriage License:

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

• Age requirement of at least 18 years old 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 other individuals with concrete proof of reasonable interest in the record. After 50 years have passed, 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 date of the wedding. Only authorized individuals can access these records within this period, including spouses, witnesses, and legal representatives. 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 certain fees to access the records.

Marriage records in Alaska are accessible through the Alaska Vital Records Offices. The public can approach the records department of the Alaska Vital Records Offices between 10 am to 3 pm on weekdays and between 1 to 2 pm when the office is short-staffed. There are two records offices in Anchorage and Juneau. Marriage records are also available through the marriage registries at county courts. Online access to marriage records is available through the Alaska Marriage Certificate Request Form. The county court records are accessible through the Marriage Information website.

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 while a marriage certificate is the document that evidences the marriage occasion and couple’s union. Marriage licenses are applied for and given before the wedding ceremony, while the certificate is given to the couple after the wedding ceremony. Marriage licenses are available through any Alaska Court or the Alaska Vital Records Offices. The Marriage Licenses webpage has a list of requirements for obtaining a marriage license, which includes:

• Both parties must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent or 16 and 17 years with a court order and parental consent. A 16/17 year old cannot marry anyone more than three years older.
• The marriage license is only valid for marriages conducted in Alaska or in Alaska State waters.
• A waiting period of 3 days following 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. 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 records accessible to all. The legal requirements include:

• 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.
• Provide your valid government-issued ID as required and pay the required fees of $60 or attach evidence of payment as 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. Third-party platforms can help 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 must confirm the fee policy of a third-party records platform before patronizing. Ensure that data accuracy is tested with governmental sources, which are regularly updated.

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 simply cohabit by living together for a period, the couple 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.