How to Perform a Marriage in Anchorage

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding in Anchorage? Performing a wedding is an exciting job, but it’s also a tremendous responsibility. This comprehensive guide will explain the process in detail to ensure you know everything there is to know. We’ll dive into important questions like what you’ll need to officiate, how to contact the office that handles marriage licenses, and how to properly register the wedding you perform in accordance with the rules in Anchorage.

1. How to Become a Minister in Anchorage

The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.

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Important Info for Ministers in Anchorage

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: No
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Anchorage Marriage Requirements

Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in Anchorage. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the Anchorage office listed below.

Office Address:: 3601 C Street, Suite 128
Anchorage, AK 99503
Office Phone Number:: (907) 269-0991
Office Website:: Anchorage Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Anchorage?

One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.

For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Anchorage:: $28,000

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Anchorage

After speaking with the office in Anchorage, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Anchorage decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.

With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.

5. How Anchorage Marriage Licenses Work

After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In Anchorage, a marriage license is valid for 90 days. Once it has been picked up, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.

This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 3 Days
Marriage License Valid For:: 90 Days
Return Within:: By Expiration

6. Performing a Wedding in Anchorage

Alaska can't be beat for picturesque photo backgrounds that highlight nature's beauty. Combine that with endless exciting experiences for attendees, and Anchorage is one excellent choice for a wedding ceremony. Weddings venues here can be extravagant, rustic, or any style in between, so there is sure to be something that appeals to every couple.

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Anchorage

Planning a summer wedding will coincide with the tourist season at its peak, so that may leave couples competing for venues. Winter weddings can lead to challenges with access and transportation, so be prepared for snow and ice.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Anchorage weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.