Wrangell City and Borough Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Wrangell City and Borough starts with Alaska's state HAVRS system. Wrangell has a district court that serves as the local resource for license assistance, and the Juneau HAVRS office is accessible by ferry for in-person state vital records services. This page covers what you need, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate.

How to Get a Marriage License in Wrangell City and Borough

All marriage licenses in Alaska come from the state through HAVRS. The Wrangell District Court at 505 Criminal Street is the local court resource for Wrangell City and Borough. Wrangell is on Wrangell Island in Southeast Alaska, accessible by ferry and air. The borough is in the First Judicial District. The Juneau HAVRS office, accessible by ferry, is the nearest walk-in state vital records location. Many Wrangell residents apply by mail or travel to Juneau for in-person service.

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 this before issuing the license.

Wrangell District Court

The Wrangell 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 under AS 25.05.261, authorizing them to perform one ceremony in Alaska.

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 and you must apply again. 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 Wrangell residents, accessible by Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Mail-in applications go to the Juneau address. The Anchorage office is also available for those who fly there.

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 Wrangell records are available at the Alaska State Archives and through FamilySearch Alaska. Wrangell has one of the oldest settlement histories in 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 for $25 at any Alaska court. See the Alaska Court System marriage FAQ for details.

Communities in Wrangell City and Borough

Wrangell City and Borough is a unified city and borough. The city of Wrangell is the only community. No communities 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 Wrangell. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.