College Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in College starts with the state HAVRS system. The Fairbanks District Court is the nearest courthouse resource.

Fairbanks District Court

College is an unincorporated community that borders Fairbanks to the west, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. The Fairbanks District Court at 101 Lacey Street is the courthouse for this area and handles civil and criminal matters under the Fourth Judicial District. The drive from College to the courthouse is short, under 10 minutes from most of the community.

The court assists with marriage commissioner appointments under AS 25.05.261. Any person 18 or older can pay $25 to be appointed as a commissioner, authorizing them to perform one ceremony anywhere in Alaska. This is useful for couples who want a friend, professor, or family member to officiate the wedding. The appointment is only for one ceremony, so a new appointment is needed each time someone wants to perform another ceremony.

Requirements and Fees

All marriage licenses in Alaska come from the state through HAVRS. Both applicants must appear together with valid photo ID. Under AS 25.05.021, both must be sworn in and sign at the same time. Fee: $60 in person, $70 by mail. No blood test. No residency requirement. If either was divorced in the past 60 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage.

The nearest walk-in HAVRS office is in Anchorage at 3901 Old Seward Hwy Ste 101, about 360 miles south. The Fairbanks area does not have its own walk-in HAVRS office. Most residents apply by mail to the Juneau HAVRS office or travel to Anchorage if they prefer in-person service. Mail applications cost $70 and take additional processing time. Plan the application well before your intended ceremony date to account for mail transit in both directions.

After the ceremony, order a certified copy: $30 for the first, $25 for each additional. Order through VitalChek or at the Anchorage HAVRS office. Heirloom certificates are $65 for the first copy.

Waiting Period and Validity

The 3-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031 starts from the date HAVRS issues the license. There are no exceptions. The license is valid for 90 days. If you apply by mail, the 3-day wait begins from the issue date printed on the license, not when you receive it in the mail. Send the application early enough that the license arrives with enough time to wait 3 days before the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days.

Marriage on the UAF Campus

College is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and some couples choose to hold ceremonies on or near the campus. Alaska law does not restrict where a ceremony happens. Any outdoor, indoor, or campus location is fine as long as a qualified officiant is present and the license is properly returned to HAVRS within seven days after the ceremony.

The UAF campus sits on a ridge above the Tanana Valley with views of the Alaska Range on clear days. If you're planning a ceremony here, check with the UAF Facilities Services office for any permit requirements. Religious organizations and clubs on campus may also have clergy who can perform ceremonies, or you can appoint a commissioner through the Fairbanks District Court.

Certified Copies and Records

HAVRS holds all Alaska marriage records from 1913 forward. Records newer than 50 years are confidential under Alaska Stat. 18.50.270. Qualified requesters, such as the parties to the marriage or close family members, can order certified copies at any time. For records older than 50 years, any member of the public can request a copy.

Order certified copies by mail to HAVRS, through VitalChek online, or in person at the Anchorage HAVRS office. Provide the full names of both parties, the date of the marriage, and the location. Cost is $30 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person requests, so plan accordingly if you need a copy for a legal deadline.

Borough and Nearby Cities

College is in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Adjacent communities include Fairbanks, Badger, and Farmers Loop.