Sitka City and Borough Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Sitka City and Borough starts with Alaska's state HAVRS system, with the Sitka Superior Court serving as the main local resource for assistance and marriage commissioner appointments. This page covers what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate.
Sitka City and Borough Overview
How to Get a Marriage License in Sitka City and Borough
All marriage licenses in Alaska are issued by the state through HAVRS. The Sitka Superior Court at 304 Lake Street is the main local court resource for Sitka City and Borough. Sitka is on Baranof Island, accessible primarily by ferry and air, and is in the First Judicial District. The Juneau HAVRS office is the nearest walk-in vital records location, accessible by ferry or air. Sitka is the fourth-largest city in Alaska by area and has a full court with both a superior court and district court.
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 see this before issuing the license.
Sitka Superior Court
The Sitka Superior 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 under AS 25.05.261, authorizing them to perform one ceremony in Alaska.
| Court | Sitka Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 304 Lake Street Sitka, AK 99835 |
| Phone | (907) 747-3291 |
| District | First Judicial District |
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 to officially record the marriage.
Alaska Vital Records Offices
The Juneau HAVRS office is the nearest walk-in location for Sitka residents and is accessible by ferry or floatplane. The Anchorage office is also available for those who fly there. Mail-in applications go to the Juneau address.
| 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 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 Sitka records dating to the Russian colonial period can be found at the Alaska State Archives. Sitka has some of the oldest European-influenced records in Alaska. The FamilySearch Alaska collection includes many of these digitized records.
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 for $25 at any Alaska court. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for details.
Cities in Sitka City and Borough
Sitka is a unified city and borough. All marriage licenses for residents go through the state HAVRS system.
Nearby Boroughs
These boroughs border or are near Sitka. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.