Hoonah-Angoon Census Area Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system, since this area has no local vital records office. Residents typically travel to Juneau for in-person services or apply by mail. This page covers the full process: what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your marriage certificate.

How to Get a Marriage License in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area is part of Alaska's unorganized borough and has no local government office for vital records. All marriage licenses come from the state. The Alaska Department of Health through HAVRS issues all marriage licenses statewide. The Juneau HAVRS office is the closest walk-in option for most Hoonah-Angoon residents. The area includes Hoonah, Angoon, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and other small communities scattered across Chichagof, Admiralty, and Baranof islands.

Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the same time. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under AS 25.05.021, both must be sworn in and sign the application in person. You cannot apply separately or by proxy. The license fee is $60 for in-person applications, or $70 if applying by mail. No blood test is needed. There is no residency requirement.

If either applicant was divorced within the past 60 days, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. This is a firm requirement before the license will be issued.

Applying from a Remote Community

Many Hoonah-Angoon residents live in communities not directly served by a local court. The mail-in application process through HAVRS Juneau is often the most practical option. Call HAVRS at (907) 465-3391 to request application forms and get current instructions. Processing time can run four to six weeks once the application is received, so build that into your timeline. The good news is that the three-day waiting period starts once the license is issued, not when you mail the application.

The Alaska Court System has a magistrate in Hoonah who may be able to assist with some procedures. Contact the Sitka Superior Court at (907) 747-3291 for guidance on what's available locally, as Hoonah falls under that court's jurisdiction for some matters.

The 3-Day Waiting Period

Under AS 25.05.031, Alaska requires a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license is issued. No exceptions. The day of issuance does not count as day one. Your ceremony can take place on day four or later. The license is valid for 90 days. If you do not hold the ceremony within 90 days, the license expires and you must apply again.

Because many communities in this area have limited transportation, plan well in advance. Apply at least a month before the intended ceremony date when possible. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days to officially record the marriage.

Alaska Vital Records Offices

The Juneau HAVRS office is the nearest walk-in location for most Hoonah-Angoon residents. It is accessible by ferry or floatplane from several communities in the area. The Anchorage office is also available but typically less convenient for Southeast Alaska residents.

Certified copies can also be ordered through VitalChek online, which adds a service fee but avoids the need to travel to an office.

Getting Your Marriage Certificate

Once HAVRS records the marriage, you can order a certified copy. Cost: $30 for the first certified copy, $25 for each additional ordered at the same time. A decorative heirloom certificate is $65 for the first and $60 for each additional. Alaska marriage records are confidential for 50 years. Historical records for this region can be found through the Alaska State Archives. The FamilySearch Alaska collection has over 1.1 million digitized Alaska vital records documents.

Alaska Marriage Law Overview

Alaska marriage law is in Title 25, Chapter 25.05. Key sections: AS 25.05.011 on who may marry; AS 25.05.021 on the license process; AS 25.05.031 on the three-day wait; AS 25.05.261 on who may perform ceremonies. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a marriage commissioner at any Alaska court for $25. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for full details.

Communities in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

This census area includes Hoonah, Angoon, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and several other small communities. None meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All marriage license applications for residents go through the state HAVRS system, with Juneau as the nearest walk-in option.

Nearby Boroughs

These boroughs border or are near Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. All follow the same HAVRS licensing process.