Northwest Arctic Borough Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Northwest Arctic Borough means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system. The borough seat of Kotzebue has a district court that serves as the main local resource for license assistance and marriage commissioner appointments. This page covers how to apply, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate.

How to Get a Marriage License in Northwest Arctic Borough

All marriage licenses in Alaska come from the state through HAVRS. The Kotzebue District Court at 140 Lagoon Street is the primary local resource for Northwest Arctic Borough residents. Kotzebue is the borough seat and the largest community, accessible by air from Anchorage. The borough is served by the Second Judicial District. Most residents of smaller villages in the borough use the mail-in application process through HAVRS Juneau.

Both applicants 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. 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.

Kotzebue District Court

The Kotzebue District Court handles civil and criminal matters for the borough and assists with marriage commissioner appointments. Any person 18 or older can be appointed as a commissioner for $25, authorizing them to perform one wedding ceremony in Alaska under AS 25.05.261.

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 happen within 90 days, it expires. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to HAVRS within seven days.

Alaska Vital Records Offices

Northwest Arctic Borough residents often travel to Anchorage for walk-in HAVRS services or use the mail-in process. Kotzebue has direct air service to Anchorage, making the walk-in office accessible for those who need in-person service.

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 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 Kotzebue region are available through the Alaska State Archives and FamilySearch Alaska.

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. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for details.

Communities in Northwest Arctic Borough

Northwest Arctic Borough includes Kotzebue, Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik, and Shungnak. 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 Northwest Arctic Borough. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.