Anchorage Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Anchorage is simple. The city has a walk-in HAVRS office at 3901 Old Seward Hwy, one of only two in Alaska.

Anchorage HAVRS Office

The Anchorage HAVRS office is at 3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101. No appointment needed. Walk in during business hours, complete the application with a licensing officer, and pay the fee. The $60 fee can be paid by credit card. Both applicants must appear at the same time. You cannot come in on separate days. The 3-day waiting period starts once the license is issued, not when you apply, so plan for that gap between application day and your ceremony date.

Requirements

Each applicant must have a valid government-issued photo ID: driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal/BIA ID card. Both must be present together and sworn in by the licensing officer. Under AS 25.05.021, both must sign the application at the same time. No blood test required. No residency requirement. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage.

If either applicant was divorced within the past 60 days, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. The HAVRS officer must see it before the license is issued. This applies to every applicant statewide without exception.

Fees and Certificates

The marriage license costs $60 in person at the Anchorage office. After the ceremony, order a certified copy of the marriage certificate: $30 for the first copy, $25 for each additional ordered at the same time. A decorative heirloom certificate is $65 for the first and $60 for each additional. Order through VitalChek online or in person at either HAVRS office. Marriage commissioner appointments at the Boney Courthouse are $25 and authorize any person 18 or older to perform one ceremony.

Waiting Period and Validity

The 3-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031 starts the day the license is issued. Day of issuance does not count as day one. Earliest ceremony: day four. The license is valid for 90 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days. That step officially records the marriage. Late returns delay the certificate you need for name changes.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

Under AS 25.05.261, any person 18 or older can be appointed as a marriage commissioner for $25 at the Boney Courthouse at 825 W 4th Avenue. This authorizes them to perform one ceremony. Judges, magistrates, and ordained religious officials are also authorized. The Alaska Court System marriage FAQ explains the commissioner appointment process in full detail.

Borough and Nearby Cities

Anchorage is in the Anchorage Municipality. Other nearby communities within the municipality also use the same HAVRS office.