Unalaska Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) starts with the state HAVRS system. The Unalaska District Court is the local courthouse resource.

Unalaska District Court

The Unalaska District Court handles local civil and criminal matters and assists with marriage commissioner appointments. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a commissioner for $25 to perform one ceremony in Alaska under AS 25.05.261. The court falls under the Third Judicial District.

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 Anchorage HAVRS office at 3901 Old Seward Hwy (907-269-0991) is accessible by air from Unalaska. Most residents use the mail-in process to Juneau HAVRS. After the ceremony, order a certified copy: $30 for the first, $25 for each additional. Order through VitalChek.

Waiting Period and Validity

The mandatory 3-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031 begins when the license is issued. No exceptions. The license is valid for 90 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

Alaska law allows ordained or licensed clergy, judges, magistrates, and justices of the peace to officiate marriages. The Unalaska District Court processes marriage commissioner appointments under AS 25.05.261. Any adult 18 or older can pay $25 at the court to receive a one-ceremony commissioner appointment valid anywhere in Alaska. For a remote community like Unalaska, this is a useful option for couples who want a specific community member or colleague to officiate. Given the commercial fishing and processing industry presence in Dutch Harbor, some couples choose a captain or longtime coworker as their commissioner. The ceremony can be held anywhere, from the courthouse itself to outdoor locations across the island.

Certified Copies and 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 become publicly available. Before that cutoff, eligible requesters include parties to the marriage, their parents, adult children, siblings, and legal representatives. Order certified copies through VitalChek online or by mailing a request to HAVRS. Include the full names of both parties, 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. In-person requests can be made at the Anchorage HAVRS office at 3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, accessible by air from Unalaska. Heirloom certificates are available for $65 for the first copy. Call (907) 269-0991 with questions about record ordering.

Borough and Nearby Cities

Unalaska is in the Aleutians West Census Area. The nearest major city by air is Anchorage.