Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area means working through Alaska's state HAVRS system, since this area has no local vital records office. Residents typically use the Ketchikan District Court as a local resource or apply by mail through HAVRS Juneau. This page covers the full process, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate.

How to Get a Marriage License in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is part of Alaska's unorganized borough, covering Prince of Wales Island, the Hyder area near the Canadian border, and surrounding islands. There is no local county or borough vital records office. All marriage licenses come from the state through HAVRS. The area is in the First Judicial District. The Ketchikan District Court serves as the nearest local court resource for residents here, accessible by ferry or floatplane.

Both applicants must appear together in person. Each needs a valid government-issued photo 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. For the mail-in process, contact HAVRS at (907) 465-3391 to request forms and instructions.

Ketchikan Court - Nearest Resource

The Ketchikan District Court at 415 Main Street, Ketchikan, is the nearest local court resource for Prince of Wales-Hyder residents. The Craig area on Prince of Wales Island is accessible from Ketchikan by ferry or floatplane. Marriage commissioner appointments can be made at the Ketchikan courthouse for $25.

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. 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

The Juneau HAVRS office is the nearest walk-in location for Prince of Wales-Hyder residents and is accessible by ferry. Mail-in applications also go to Juneau.

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 Prince of Wales Island and the Hyder area are available at the Alaska State Archives and through 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. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for details on commissioner appointments.

Communities in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

This census area includes Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, Hyder, and many other small communities on Prince of Wales Island and nearby. 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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.