Alaska Information about Marriage License, Ceremony and Certificate includes information about how to obtain a marriage license, what is needed to get a marriage license, as well as the rules and regulations that must be followed to get married in the state of Alaska. There are two types of marriage licenses in Alaska: a civil marriage license and a church marriage license. The civil marriage license is issued by the state and must be obtained from the Alaska Court System. The church marriage license is issued by the church or congregation and must be obtained from the minister or other authorized person. In Alaska, couples must apply for their marriage license at least three days before the wedding ceremony. The license is valid for three months from the date of issue and must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days after the wedding ceremony. There are no waiting periods or blood tests required to obtain an Alaska marriage license. Marriage ceremonies can be performed by a minister, judge, mayor, or other authorized person. Couples can also perform their own self-uniting marriage ceremonies. After the marriage ceremony, the couple must obtain a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate must be signed by the officiant and two witnesses and must be returned to the issuing office for recording. The marriage certificate is the official record of the marriage. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides additional information about marriage licenses, ceremonies, and certificates.