Nome Census Area Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Nome Census Area means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system, with the Nome District Court serving as the main local resource. This page covers how to apply, what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to order your certified marriage certificate.
Nome Census Area Overview
How to Get a Marriage License in Nome Census Area
Nome Census Area is part of the unorganized borough of Alaska. All marriage licenses come from the state through the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section (HAVRS). The Nome District Court at 113 Front Street serves as the primary local resource for Nome residents. Nome is in the Second Judicial District, which covers western and arctic Alaska. Nome is accessible by air from Anchorage, and the local courthouse staff can assist with questions about the marriage license process.
Both applicants must appear together in person. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID: driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Under AS 25.05.021, both must be sworn in and sign the application at the same time. 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. The officer must review it before issuing the license.
Nome District Court
The Nome District Court is the local court for Nome Census Area and handles civil and criminal matters for the area. Marriage commissioner appointments can be made here for $25. This authorizes any person 18 or older to perform one wedding ceremony in Alaska under AS 25.05.261.
| Court | Nome District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 113 Front Street Nome, AK 99762 |
| Phone | (907) 443-5216 |
| District | Second Judicial District |
The 3-Day Waiting Period
Under AS 25.05.031, Alaska requires a mandatory three-day waiting period from when the license is issued. No exceptions. The day of issuance does not count as day one. The license is valid for 90 days. If the ceremony does not take place within 90 days, it expires. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days.
Alaska Vital Records Offices
Nome residents typically fly to Anchorage for walk-in HAVRS services or use the mail-in process to Juneau. Both options are available.
| HAVRS Juneau | 5441 Commercial Blvd, Juneau AK 99811-0675 (907) 465-3391 |
|---|---|
| HAVRS Anchorage | 3901 Old Seward Hwy Ste 101, Anchorage AK 99503 (907) 269-0991 |
| bvsoffice@alaska.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Order certified copies through VitalChek online. A service fee applies.
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: $65 for the first, $60 for each additional. Not accepted for legal use. Alaska marriage records are confidential for 50 years. Historical records for the Nome region can be found through the Alaska State Archives and FamilySearch Alaska. Nome has records dating to the gold rush era around 1900.
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 marriage commissioners. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a marriage commissioner for $25 at any Alaska court. The Alaska Court System marriage FAQ has full details.
Communities in Nome Census Area
Nome Census Area includes the city of Nome and surrounding villages such as White Mountain, Golovin, Elim, Koyuk, and Shaktoolik. None of the smaller villages meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All marriage license applications go through the state HAVRS system.
Nearby Boroughs
These areas border or are near Nome Census Area. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.