Lake and Peninsula Borough Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Lake and Peninsula Borough means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system, since there is no local vital records office in this remote borough. This page covers how to apply, what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified marriage certificate after the ceremony.

How to Get a Marriage License in Lake and Peninsula Borough

Lake and Peninsula Borough is one of Alaska's most remote organized boroughs. It has no local vital records office, and most communities are accessible only by small aircraft. All marriage licenses come from the state through HAVRS. The nearest court resource is the Dillingham District Court, which serves some of the western Alaska area. King Salmon, the main hub community in the borough, has limited local services. For most residents, the mail-in process is the most practical option.

Both applicants must appear together in person and sign the application at the same time before a licensed notary or officer. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under AS 25.05.021, both must be sworn in. The fee is $60 in person or $70 by mail. No blood test needed. No residency requirement applies.

If either applicant was divorced within the past 60 days, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. This must be reviewed before the license is issued. Contact HAVRS at (907) 465-3391 for current forms and mail-in instructions.

The 3-Day Waiting Period

Alaska requires a mandatory three-day waiting period under AS 25.05.031. No exceptions. The day of issuance does not count as day one. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance. If you do not hold the ceremony within 90 days, the license expires and you must apply again. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days.

Because of the remote nature of this borough and limited mail service to many communities, plan well in advance. Apply at least four to six weeks before the intended ceremony date to allow for processing and the waiting period. Build in extra time for any mail delays.

Alaska Vital Records Offices

The Juneau HAVRS office handles mail-in applications from Lake and Peninsula Borough. The Anchorage office is accessible by air for residents who travel there for services.

Order certified copies online through VitalChek. A service fee applies, but it avoids the need to travel to an office.

Getting Your Marriage Certificate

After HAVRS records the marriage, order a certified copy: $30 for the first, $25 for each additional ordered at the same time. Heirloom certificates are $65 for the first and $60 for each additional, but are not accepted for legal use. Alaska marriage records are confidential for 50 years. Historical records for this region can be found through the Alaska State Archives and FamilySearch Alaska.

Alaska Marriage Law Overview

Alaska marriage law is in Title 25, Chapter 25.05. AS 25.05.011 covers who may marry; AS 25.05.021 covers the license process; AS 25.05.031 sets the three-day wait; AS 25.05.261 authorizes marriage commissioners. 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 details.

Communities in Lake and Peninsula Borough

This borough includes King Salmon, Naknek, South Naknek, Igiugig, Iliamna, Nondalton, Port Alsworth, and many other small communities. None meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All marriage license applications go through the state HAVRS system.

Nearby Boroughs

These boroughs border or are near Lake and Peninsula Borough. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.