If you want a quick, convenient, and hassle-free way to get legally married in Alaska, an online wedding ceremony might be exactly what you’re looking for. Traditional weddings can involve travel across long distances, coordinating schedules, courthouse visits, and plenty of logistical planning.
With an online marriage, couples can skip the stress and complete the entire process right from home — legally, efficiently, and without stepping foot in a government office.
This guide explains how to get married online as an Alaska resident, how the process works, what’s legally required, and how Distant Weddings makes everything simple.
Alaska still requires in-person steps for a standard marriage license and ceremony. Normally, both partners must visit the local Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics (or a local issuing office), pick up the license in person, and then hold an in-person ceremony with witnesses.
However, Alaska residents can legally marry online by using Utah’s fully digital marriage license and ceremony system — a process accepted nationwide.
As long as a marriage is valid in the state where it was performed, Alaska automatically recognizes it (as long as it meets federal and state marriage laws).
That’s what makes full online marriage possible for Alaska couples.
Yes — online marriages are fully valid.
Here’s why:
In 2019, Utah County launched the first complete digital marriage platform in the United States. Their system allows couples to:
You don’t need to reside in Utah to use this system — anyone in the U.S. or abroad can use it.
A marriage legally performed in Utah is valid in all 50 states, including Alaska.
This legal framework is what allows Distant Weddings to offer a fully online marriage service to Alaska residents.
If you choose the traditional route in Alaska, here’s what you typically need:
Both partners must appear in person with one of the following:
(Some Alaska offices may request additional identification.)
You’ll also need to provide:
An Alaska marriage license is valid for three months (90 days).
The ceremony must take place in Alaska, with the officiant and witnesses physically present.
Processing times, fees, and appointment requirements vary across Alaska’s regions — especially in rural areas.
This is one reason many couples prefer the faster, fully online alternative.
These terms can be confusing, so here’s the difference:
Some states allow you to apply for a license online, but still require:
✔ In-person ceremony
✔ Physical presence in that state
✔ Local rules and processes
With a fully remote marriage through Utah’s system:
✔ Digital marriage license
✔ Virtual ceremony
✔ Remote officiant
✔ No travel required
✔ Valid U.S. marriage certificate issued
This is the simplest option for Alaska residents who want a legally binding marriage without in-person steps.
Below is a helpful comparison:
Feature | Traditional Alaska Marriage | Online Marriage with Distant Weddings |
Apply for license online | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
In-person visit required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Ceremony location | Must be in Alaska | Anywhere with internet |
Witnesses required | Yes | We can supply them |
Speed | Days–weeks | 24–48 hours |
Paperwork | In person & manual | Fully digital |
Valid in Alaska | Yes | Yes, nationwide |
Distant Weddings uses Utah County’s official online marriage platform to give Alaska couples a fast, safe, and legally recognized online wedding experience.
Here’s how the process works:
Sign up — it only takes a minute.
You can begin the entire process immediately.
Select the type of ceremony you want — simple, traditional, modern, symbolic, or religious.
We match you automatically with a licensed U.S. officiant based on your schedule.
We handle the license through Utah’s secure digital system.
✔ No paperwork
✔ No office visits
✔ No complicated requirements
Join from any device — phone, laptop, or tablet.
Most ceremonies last around 15 minutes, and you’re welcome to invite family and friends to watch online.
If you or your partner live abroad or plan to use your marriage certificate outside the U.S., you may need an Apostille for international recognition.
Distant Weddings provides help to make this step simple.
Is an online marriage legal for Alaska residents?
Yes. Alaska accepts marriages legally completed in another U.S. state, including Utah’s online marriage system.
Do we have to be in Alaska during the ceremony?
No — you can be anywhere in the world with internet access.
Do we need witnesses?
If witnesses are required, Distant Weddings can provide them for you.
How long does the process take?
Most couples finish everything within 24–48 hours.
Is an online marriage valid for immigration?
Yes. Couples often need an Apostille for immigration purposes, and we can guide you through that step.
If you’re looking for a stress-free, fast, and fully legal way to get married without dealing with travel or government offices, Distant Weddings offers the simplest solution.
You can complete every step — application, ceremony, and final documentation — completely online.
Focus on celebrating your love, and let Distant Weddings handle the rest.
Get married online with Distant Weddings. We’ll guide you step by step through our 3-step process, ensuring the process is simple & easy.