Yakutat City and Borough Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Yakutat City and Borough starts with Alaska's state HAVRS system. Yakutat is a remote borough in Southeast Alaska accessible mainly by air and ferry. This page covers how to apply, what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and how to get your certified certificate after the ceremony.

How to Get a Marriage License in Yakutat City and Borough

All marriage licenses in Alaska come from the state through HAVRS. Yakutat City and Borough is a unified city and borough at the northern end of the Alaska Panhandle, bordering the Gulf of Alaska. It is one of the largest boroughs by area in the state. Yakutat is accessible by air from Juneau and Anchorage, and by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry on some routes. The nearest full court is in Juneau, and the Juneau HAVRS office is the nearest walk-in vital records location. For most residents, the mail-in application process is the most practical option.

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. Contact HAVRS at (907) 465-3391 for forms and current mail-in instructions.

Local Court and Nearest Resources

Yakutat has a magistrate court that handles limited matters locally. For full district court services and marriage commissioner appointments, residents typically travel to Juneau. The Juneau Superior Court handles matters for the First Judicial District, which includes Yakutat. Marriage commissioner appointments are $25 and can be made at any Alaska court.

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. Because Yakutat is remote and mail service can be slow, plan several weeks ahead. 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 Yakutat residents. Yakutat has direct air service to Juneau and Anchorage. Mail-in applications go to the Juneau address.

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 Yakutat 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. 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 Yakutat City and Borough

Yakutat City and Borough consists primarily of the community of Yakutat. No communities meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All marriage license applications go through the state HAVRS system, with Juneau as the nearest walk-in office.

Nearby Boroughs

These boroughs border or are near Yakutat. All use the same state HAVRS licensing process.