Homer Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Homer starts with the state HAVRS system. The Homer District Court is the local courthouse resource.

Homer District Court

The Homer District Court at 3670 Lake Street handles civil and criminal matters for the southern Kenai Peninsula and assists with marriage commissioner appointments. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a commissioner for $25, authorizing them to perform one ceremony in Alaska under AS 25.05.261.

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.

After the ceremony, order a certified copy: $30 for the first, $25 for each additional. Order through VitalChek or at the Anchorage HAVRS office. The mandatory 3-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031 cannot be waived. The license is valid for 90 days.

Waiting Period and Validity

The 3-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031 starts the day HAVRS issues the license. It cannot be waived or shortened. The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. If the ceremony does not happen within 90 days, you must reapply and pay the fee again. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days. Homer officiants typically mail the license to the Juneau or Anchorage HAVRS office directly after the ceremony.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

Alaska allows several types of officiants to perform legal wedding ceremonies. These include ordained or licensed clergy, judges, magistrates, and justices of the peace. The Homer District Court also processes marriage commissioner appointments under AS 25.05.261. Any adult 18 or older can pay $25 at the Homer District Court to be appointed as a marriage commissioner, which authorizes them to perform one ceremony anywhere in Alaska. Homer is a popular destination for scenic waterfront and outdoor ceremonies. As long as a qualified officiant is present and the license is returned to HAVRS within seven days, the ceremony can be held anywhere.

Certified Copies and Historical Records

HAVRS holds all Alaska marriage records from 1913 onward. Records are confidential for 50 years under Alaska Stat. 18.50.270. After 50 years, they are available to the public. Certified copies of recent records are available to parties of the marriage, parents, adult children, siblings, and legal representatives. Order through VitalChek online or by mailing a request directly to HAVRS. Include both parties' full names, the marriage date, and the ceremony location. The fee is $30 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy in the same order. Heirloom certificates suitable for framing cost $65 for the first and $60 each after that. In-person requests can be made at the Anchorage HAVRS office at 3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101.

Borough and Nearby Cities

Homer is in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Nearby Kenai Peninsula cities include Kenai, Soldotna, and Nikiski.