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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Alaska?
| Marriage License | $60 |
| Marriage Ceremony | $25 |
| Photographer (optional) | $500 – $3,000+ |
The primary expenses for a courthouse wedding in Alaska include the marriage license fee, which is $60 statewide, and the ceremony fee, which is typically $25 if you get married at a courthouse or the Vital Records Office. Unlike many other states where marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, Alaska marriage licenses come from the state Department of Health. This means the license fee is the same no matter which city or town you get married in.
For the ceremony itself, most Alaska Court locations offer wedding services for $25. You’ll need to call ahead to make an appointment. Hiring a photographer is optional but common, and will add $500 to $3,000 or more to your total courthouse wedding cost in Alaska.
Marriage License Cost in Alaska
As mentioned, the cost of a marriage license is standardized across Alaska at $60. This is because marriage licenses are issued by the Alaska Department of Health rather than on a county-by-county basis as is the case in many states. The $60 fee is payable by check or money order.
Technically, obtaining a marriage license is the only legal requirement to be married in Alaska. However, most couples choose to have a ceremony as well, either at the courthouse or another location after getting their license.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is a popular spot for courthouse weddings. Marriage licenses can be obtained either at the Anchorage Vital Records Office or the Nesbett Courthouse, which serves the Third Judicial District. The marriage license fee is $60 payable by check or money order.
To have your ceremony at the courthouse or Vital Records Office, there is an additional $25 fee. You’ll need to call to schedule an appointment. With photography, which averages $500 – $3,000 in Anchorage, a full courthouse wedding package usually falls between $585 – $3,085. This is very affordable compared to the average traditional wedding cost of over $33,000 in Alaska.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Juneau
Located in the First Judicial District, Juneau is another great option for an Alaska courthouse wedding. The Dimond Courthouse issues marriage licenses for $60, payable by check or money order. As the state capital, Juneau sees its fair share of government building weddings.
Ceremonies can be held at the courthouse or the Juneau Vital Records Office for an additional $25 fee. Call ahead to reserve a time slot. The total for a Juneau courthouse wedding is typically in the $585 – $3,085 range after factoring in $500 – $3,000 for a photographer. The exact costs depend on how many hours of photography you want and how in-demand your chosen photographer is.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Fairbanks
Fairbanks, the largest city in Alaska’s Interior and the Fourth Judicial District, is another popular choice for courthouse nuptials. The Fairbanks courthouse marriage license fee is $60. One important note for Fairbanks couples – you must have your license in hand before making an appointment for your ceremony. Courthouse ceremonies are available for a $25 fee.
Budget $585 – $3,085 in total for a courthouse wedding in Fairbanks with photography services, which range from $500 – $3,000+. Prices in Fairbanks tend to be very similar to what you’d pay in Anchorage or Juneau.
Alaska Courthouse Wedding Photographer Cost
Speaking of photography, not every photographer offers courthouse wedding packages since these events are so much shorter and smaller than traditional weddings. Be sure to ask prospective photographers upfront if they are willing to shoot a courthouse wedding.
In Alaska, courthouse wedding photography prices usually start around $500 for a short session and go up to $3,000 or more for multiple hours of coverage. Get quotes from a few different photographers to find one that fits your budget and style. Read reviews and look at sample galleries to ensure you’ll be happy with the final images.
Alaska Courthouse Wedding Packages
Some Alaska photographers, officiants, and courthouses offer all-inclusive courthouse wedding packages. These bundles typically include the ceremony fee, marriage license filing, and some amount of photography coverage. Prices vary but tend to be higher than putting together a DIY courthouse wedding by hiring independent vendors. On the plus side, courthouse wedding packages make planning your big day a breeze!
Final Thoughts
An Alaska courthouse wedding is a fantastic option for couples who want a sweet and simple way to make their commitment official. For around $85 – $3,085, you can have a meaningful ceremony and beautiful photos to remember it by. The lower price point means you can splurge on an incredible Alaskan honeymoon, put money towards a down payment on a home, or have an epic post-wedding reception party.
Compared to the $33,000+ average cost of a traditional wedding in Alaska, a courthouse wedding offers serious savings without sacrificing any of the love, joy, and magic of your big day. Now that you know the costs involved, you can start planning your perfect Alaska courthouse wedding. Congratulations!
