Alaska Weddings
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Alaska is a state in the United States of America, in the northwest of the North American continent. It is the largest U.S. state by area, and the 6th wealthiest (per capita income).
The area that became Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire after Congress concluded its resources could be vitally important to the nation's future growth. The United States completed the purchase on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million at 2 U.S. cents per acre, about 5 U.S. cents per hectare. When adjusted for inflation, the total sum paid equates to approximately $360 million in 2008 dollars.The land went through several administrative changes before becoming an organized territory on May 11, 1912 and the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959. The name "Alaska" was already introduced in the Russian colonial time, when it was only used for the peninsula and is derived from the Aleut alaxsxaq, meaning "the mainland," or more literally, "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed." It is also known as Alyeska, the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.
Alaska Weddings
Traditions
Why Alaska?
Marriage License Requirements
ID Requirement:
Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Alaska.
Previous Marriages:
If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.
Covenant Marriage:
No.
Waiting Period:
Three (3) business days.
Fees:
$25.
Other Tests:
No blood or medical tests required.
Proxy Marriage:
No.
Cousin Marriage:
Yes.
Common Law Marriage:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.
Officiants:
A minister, priest, recognized leader, or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state, a commissioned officer of the Salvation Army, marriage commissioner, or a judicial officer of the state.
Miscellaneous:
License is valid for ninety (90) days anywhere in Alaska.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Bureau of Vital Statistics Alaska Department of Health and Social Services P.O. Box 110610 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0610 Phone: 907-465-3393 Fax: 907-586-1877
How To Get There
Get in
By Boat
The Alaska Marine Highway System operates a ferry service from Bellingham, Washington up the beautiful Inside Passage to Haines. Plan your travel early as this service tends to fill up fast. A connecting ferry can take you to Whittier (although this service is much less frequent--suggest you call for details) from which the Alaska Railroad connects to Anchorage. Some private companies operate shuttle vans between Whittier and Anchorage as well, and the combination rail/highway tunnel allows road traffic in alternating directions every half hour. There is only one rental company in Whittier, Avis, which operates seasonally and with a limited number of cars. If you're arriving by ship without a car and want to drive to Anchorage, make reservations well in advance for one-way rentals and be prepared to pay an extremely high rate and a substantial one-way drop fee. Unless you've got five people and tons of luggage, it's usually better to make alternate arrangements (train or bus) to Anchorage and rent a vehicle there. As mentioned above, Avis also offers one-way rentals from Skagway to the rest of Alaska (note that the only road from Skagway to the rest of Alaska travels through Canada). Various cruise lines sail up the Inside Passage as well, typically ending in Seward or Whittier (these cruise lines usually--but not always, so check--provide transportation to Anchorage and may even include package tours or your return air travel out of the state). Additionally cruises depart from cities such as Seattle, Vancouver, and even San Francisco.
By Car
Alaska is connected to the contiguous U.S. (known in Alaska as the "Lower 48") through Canada via the Alaska Highway. The highway is paved and maintained year-round. Sometimes it's a little too maintained, creating a uniquely Alaskan and Canadian situation: at any given time in the summer, you're bound to hit at least several dozen miles of road construction. Since the roads in construction zones usually have only one working lane, the construction companies operate "pilot cars" (usually pick-up trucks with yellow rotating beacons and large signs that say "Follow me"). They drive back and forth between the two ends of the construction zone and lead the vehicles safely to the other end. Depending on the length of the construction zone, the wait can be anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. Since there's only one main road, you can't really drive around the construction.
If you're planning to drive to or around Alaska, make sure to pick up a copy of The Milepost, which is widely regarded as the premiere road guide for western Canada and Alaska. Most roads in these regions have small white posts every mile or so indicating the number of miles from the start of the road. The Milepost has extremely detailed route descriptions of all of the roads, pointing out everything from scenic viewpoints and campgrounds down to the names of small creeks the roads pass over. If you're flying in to Anchorage and then driving around the state, wait and pick up a copy of The Milepost at one of the local Costcos or WalMarts - the price there is around half of list price.
Some rental car companies may offer one-way rentals in and out of the state in the shoulders of the tourist season (one-way into the state before summer and one-way out of the state after summer). Check with each agency for details. Also, it is possible (albeit expensive) to rent a vehicle one-way from Skagway to Anchorage with Avis, which is an option to pair with ferry service from Washington to Alaska (see below).
If an immigration issue prevents you from entering Canada, you may not enter Alaska by car from the contiguous US. Note that Canadian customs regulations state that Canadian residents may not rent a vehicle in the United States (including Alaska) and drive it into Canada.
By Bus
Greyhound Canada provides service to Whitehorse, YT from points in Canada. The Alaska Direct Bus Line provides service from Whitehorse to Anchorage, Fairbanks and Dawson City. Some of the cruise lines also offer bus transfers from Skagway and/or Haines to Anchorage.
By Plane
Anchorage itself, and to a lesser extent Fairbanks, are serviced by most major airlines. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Juneau are also served by daily jet service through Alaska Airlines flights originating in Seattle and terminating in Anchorage. Other communities within the state are served by an extensive system of regional and local air services connecting to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan, the state's four largest urban areas. Air travel is the cheapest and most efficient form of transportation in and out of the state. Anchorage recently completed extensive remodeling and construction at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to help accommodate the upsurge in tourism (unofficial sources have estimated the numbers for 2004 at some four million tourists arriving in Alaska between May and September).
Get around
Most cities and villages in the state are accessible only by sea or air. The Alaska Marine Highway System also serves the cities of Southeast and the Alaska Peninsula. Cities not served by road or sea can only be reached by air, accounting for Alaska's extremely well-developed Bush air services—an Alaskan novelty.
By Plane
Although Anchorage itself is accessible via most major airlines, Alaska Airlines has a virtual monopoly on jet air travel within the state, meaning prices are extremely high. The airline offers frequent jet service (sometimes in combination cargo and passenger Boeing 737-200s) from Anchorage and Fairbanks to regional hubs like Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Dillingham, Kodiak, and other larger communities as well as to major Southeast and Alaska Peninsula communities. Smaller communities are served by the three main regional jet and turboprop commuter airlines: ERA Aviation, PenAir, and Frontier Flying Service. The smallest towns and villages must rely on scheduled or chartered Bush flying services using general aviation aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan, the Piper Navajo, or the smaller Cessna 207, the most popular aircraft in use in the state. But perhaps the most quintessentially Alaskan plane is the seaplane. The world's busiest seaplane base is Lake Hood, located next to Ted Stevens airport in Anchorage, where flights bound for remote areas carry passengers, cargo, and lots of items from Costco and Sam's Club.
By Train
The Alaska Railroad runs from Seward through Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks to North Pole, with spurs to Whittier and Palmer. The railroad is famous for its summertime passenger services but also plays a vital part in moving Alaska's natural resources, such as coal and gravel, to ports in Anchorage, Whittier and Seward. The Alaska Railroad is the only remaining railroad in North America to use cabooses on its freight trains. The route between Talkeetna and Hurricane (between Talkeetna and Denali) features the last remaining flag stop train service in North America. A stretch of the track along an area inaccessible by road serves as the only transportation to cabins in the area. Residents board the train in Talkeetna and tell the conductor where they want to get off. When they want to come to town, they wait by the side of the tracks and "flag" the train, giving it its name.
By Car
Alaska is arguably the least-connected state in terms of road transportation. The state's road system covers a relatively small area of the state, linking the central population centers and the Alaska Highway, the principal route out of the state through Canada. The state capital, Juneau, is not accessible by road, which has spurred several debates over the decades about moving the capital to a city on the road system. One unique feature of the road system is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which links the Seward Highway south of Anchorage with the relatively isolated community of Whittier. The tunnel is the longest road tunnel in North America at nearly 2.5 miles and combines a one-lane roadway and train tracks in the same housing. Consequently, eastbound traffic, westbound traffic, and the Alaska Railroad must share the tunnel, resulting in waits up to 45 minutes (or more) to enter. Anchorage International Airport is serviced by all of the major national rental car chains as well as a number of independents, while Fairbanks is served by fewer agencies. Some smaller towns around the state may also have a national chain company presence.
By Bus
There are several bus and shuttle services that can take you between cities on the road system. You will see many tour busses from major tour lines, although their tickets are usually only sold in a package tour. There are other companies that do sell individual tickets. The Alaska Park Connection sells tickets between Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali. Alaska Direct Bus Line travels from Whittier to Anchorage, north to Tok and Fairbanks, and also to Whitehorse. Alaska/Yukon Trails has lines from Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks, and they also have routes from Dawson City, Whitehorse, and other smaller towns. Homer Stage Line has busses from Anchorage south to the Kenai Peninsula, stopping in cities like Cooper Landing, Homer, Kenai, Seward, and Soldotna. Seward Bus Lines has routes from Anchorage (incl. the airport) directly to Seward.
By Boat
One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise ship. Cruise ships bring you wonderfully close to glaciers, whales and rocky coasts. Larger boats offering more amenities, while small ships and yachts carrying 12-100 passengers go where the big ships can't, getting you up close to Alaska's nature and wildlife. Many vessels include naturalist guided hikes and sea kayaking right from the ship, perfect for active, casual travelers.
Cruise ships have 2 main itineraries: The Inside Passage Route going roundtrip from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, Canada and the Gulf Route running Northbound and Southbound cruises between Seattle/Vancouver and Seward/Whittier.
Companies offering cruises in Alaska include:
- Holland America. The Glacier Discovery Cruise offered by Holland America Line, runs between Seward and Vancouver, BC.
- Princess Cruises, offers both Inside Passage and Glacier Bay routes as well as roundtrips from San Francisco.
- Royal Caribbean.
- Celebrity Cruises.
- Norwegian Cruise Line, offers only roundtrips in Seattle and Vancouver.
- Carnival Cruises, has only one ship deployed in Alaska annually doing mainly Northbound and Southbound cruises.
- AdventureSmith Explorations. Specializes in small ship and yacht cruising in Alaska with over 25 years experience.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises, luxury cruise line with all inclusive cruises to Alaska.
Ferry
- Alaska Marine Highway System, Phone: 1-800-526-6731. Alaska's Marine Highway consists of over 8000 miles of coastal ocean routes connecting 31 port communities throughout Southeast, Southcentral and Southwest Alaska. Two additional ports are located outside of Alaska - one in British Columbia and the other in the state of Washington. It forms an essential method of transportation for many local residents in towns to which there is no road access. The Marine Highway system also allows walk-on travelers, bicycles and commercial vehicles. You can arrange your own cabin on the ferry, pitch a tent, or roll out a sleeping bag on the upper decks. Naturalists sometimes on board to give commentary on sights and wildlife.
Of course, after you get off the boat, you'll want to stay and explore Alaska's inland destinations. Don't get straight on an airplane and head home--you'll miss out on some of the best Alaska has to offer!
Stay safe
Alaska is wild and beautiful, but does not tolerate fools easily. It is quite possible to get lost, cold and wet - and die - within sight of downtown Anchorage. Further, the state's populace varies between extremely friendly to tourists to openly hostile, and users of the famous bumper sticker quote: "If it's tourist season, why can't we shoot 'em?" Many Alaskans are understandably tired of those people from the "lower 48" who head North to live out ill-conceived--and sometimes fatal--fantasies about living off the land.
The remote parts of the state are its jewels, but be prepared for the trip you plan. Do your homework, and plan on being self-sufficient. Consider using a guide, or checking out local conditions with locals before jumping in the kayak, and heading for yonder point that looked so nice on the map. The water in Alaska is so cold, falling overboard can kill within minutes. More importantly self-rescue becomes impossible often within SECONDS, especially around glacier-fed rivers. Treatment for hypothermia is required reading before doing any water sports, even during warm weather.
Bears and - just as dangerous - moose live in many areas of the state and it is wise to avoid them. Moose attacks are more frequent than bear attacks. See wilderness backpacking for more information about staying safe in areas of known bear activity.
Insider Tips
Best Time to Go
Because of the vast distances between regions, as well as a varying range of climatic conditions, trips to Alaska will require considerably more planning than other North American trips. Prior to planning any Alaska vacations, unpredictable weather conditions should be taken into consideration. Temperatures may range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to -80 Fahrenheit. However, unpredictability and spontaneity is what makes an Alaska adventure vacation so exciting. Be prepared for anything, and just go with the flow.
There are some major factors that will be of paramount importance if you planning any type of travel to Alaska. Budget is always a consideration. At certain times of the year, it might be easier to find a lower airfare or hotel rate. If you are planning an Alaska family vacation with your kids, you will obviously want to arrange your trip in accordance with their school vacations. However, if you are seeking serenity and solitude, you many want to avoid July and August, which are the most popular months for Alaska vacations.
Summer trips to Alaska will expose you to endless sunlight. Many people take their Alaska vacation during June to September with the sole purpose of enjoying the skies that stay light throughout the night. Although June is sometimes considered one of the best months for trips to Alaska, there are some drawbacks if you plan to hike the Denali National Park. Snow may still be lingering, which might make the trails rather muddy. Also, due to the popularity of the season, summer Alaska vacations may be a bit more expensive than travel to Alaska in other seasons. In general, prices are cheaper in May. However, if you were planning an Alaska adventure vacation, keep in mind that muddy conditions may prevent you from enjoying some of the outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer. On the other hand, cruise ships in Alaska begin operating on May 1st. as well as the earliest salmon runs. This should be taken into consideration if you are planning an Alaska fishing trip.
Travel to Alaska for a winter Alaska adventure vacation also involves a bit of planning. Not only is winter the best time to see the aurora borealis, it is a great season for a variety of snow sports. In fact, winter trips to Alaska may well be considered trips to paradise. Alaska offers its snow-loving visitors superb downhill, cross-country, and backcountry skiing; snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog mushing and ice skating. Of course, for the ultimate winter Alaska adventure vacation, you will want to book an Alaska heli-skiing trip.
Of course, your final decision on when to go to Alaska is dependent upon the Alaska attractions you wish to see, and the activities you enjoy. Once you have made that decision, an Alaska adventure vacation will be a trip that you will always remember.
Climate
The climate of Alaska is determined by average temperatures and precipitation received statewide over many years. The extratropical storm track runs along the Aleutian Island chain, across the Alaska Peninsula, and along the coastal area of the Gulf of Alaska which exposes these parts of the state to a large majority of the storms crossing the North Pacific. Onshore flow into the various mountain chains across the state leads to significant spacial variability in precipitation, with snowfall constituting a bulk of the annual precipitation each year. The climate in Juneau and the southeast panhandle is a mid-latitude oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) in the southern sections and a sub Arctic oceanic climate (Köppen Cfc) in the northern parts. The climate in south central Alaska is a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) due to its short, cool summers. The climate of the interior of Alaska is best described as extreme and is the best example of a true subarctic climate, as the highest and lowest recorded temperatures in Alaska have both occurred in the interior. The climate in the extreme north of Alaska is a Arctic climate (Köppen ET) with long, very cold winters and short, cool summers.
Temperature
Southeast
The climate in Juneau and the southeast panhandle is best described as a "cooler version of Seattle." It is a mid-latitude oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) in the southern sections and a sub Arctic oceanic climate (Köppen Cfc) in the northern parts. On an annual basis, this is both the wettest and warmest part of Alaska with milder temperatures in the winter and high precipitation throughout the year. This is also the only region in Alaska in which the average daytime high temperature is above freezing during the winter months.
South
The climate in south central Alaska, with Anchorage as a typical city, is mild by Alaskan standards. This is due in large part to its proximity to the coast. While it does not get nearly as much rain as the southeast of Alaska, it does get more snow, although days tend to be clearer here. It is a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) due to its short, cool summers.
West
The climate of Western Alaska is determined in large part by the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. It is a subarctic oceanic climate in the southwest and a continental subarctic climate farther north. The temperature is somewhat moderate considering how far north the area is. This area has a tremendous amount of variety, especially when considering precipitation. The northern side of the Seward Peninsula is technically a desert with less than 10 inches (250 mm) of precipitation annually, while some locations between Dillingham and Bethel average around 100 inches (2,540 mm) of precipitation.
Interior
The climate of the interior of Alaska is best described as extreme and is the best example of a true subarctic climate. Some of the hottest and coldest temperatures in Alaska occur around the area near Fairbanks. The summers can have temperatures reaching into the 80s°F (near 30 °C), while in the winter, the temperature can fall below −60 °F (-52 °C).
North
The climate in the extreme north of Alaska is what would be expected for an area north of the Arctic Circle. It is an Arctic climate (Köppen ET) with long, very cold winters and short, cool summers. Even in July, the average low temperature is barely above freezing in Barrow, at 34 °F (1 °C).
Extremes
The highest and lowest recorded temperatures in Alaska are both in the Interior. The highest is 100 °F (38 °C) in Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915, tied with Pahala, Hawaii as the lowest high temperature in the United States. The lowest Alaska temperature is −80 °F (-64 °C) in Prospect Creek on January 23, 1971, one degree above the lowest temperature recorded in North America (in Snag, Yukon, Canada).
Alaska Churches
Guests Must Do (Things To Do)
So, you have some questions about things to do in Alaska. Where should we begin? There are an endless variety of tourist attractions in Alaska. Even the most blasé traveler will surely find some sort of excitement. The answer to the question about things to do in Alaska depends on what you are interested in, your budget, who you are traveling with and when you plan to go. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the more popular tourist attractions in Alaska. So here, in no particular order, are some of the popular things to do in Alaska.
Iditarod: Winter Tourist Attractions in Alaska
The Iditarod is one of the top ten things to do in Alaska during the winter. During this event, the city of Anchorage becomes a winter carnival. The race runs from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. It features some of the most challenging cross-country routes through the wilderness.
Mush, Mush: Alaska Dog Sledding
If you prefer to be part of the action as opposed to being a spectator, dog sledding is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Alaska. There is an abundance of dog sledding operators that can help you enjoy this experience. Your options for the length of your trip range from one quarter mile to twelve-day overnight trips.
Skiing for the Heli of It
Imagine: No crowds, no lift lines, fresh, untracked powder. For winter sport enthusiasts, Alaska skiing and heli skiing are two of the top ten things to do in Alaska.Visit the place where heli- skiing had its American roots, and ski where the champions ski and ride!
Explore Native American Cultural Attractions in Alaska
An exploration of Native American culture is one of the most interesting things to do in Alaska. The totem poles at Ketchikan and Sitka are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. The Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow is a living museum where you can meet with and enjoy the performances scheduled by the Native Americans who built it.
Alaska Cruisin’ Baby!
Cruising is the most leisurely way to explore the variety of attractions in Alaska. You can choose between big ships, small ships, luxury liners or rustic cruising experiences.
Alaska Fishing
If you are looking for that trophy catch, you just might find it in Alaska. If you like salmon, go to Kodiak, but watch out; the big bears may want to share your meal!
Alaska Sea Life Center
The Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska provides it guests with an up close and personal look at Alaska marine life.
Alaskan Glacial Experience
Alaska is 100 times more covered with ice than it is settled with human beings. Who knew? Since visiting the glaciers is one of the top ten things to do in Alaska, perhaps the odds are more even during tourist season. So plan your Alaska glacier tours ahead.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
Skagway's White Pass & Yukon Route is known as the most “Scenic Railway of the World." It was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. This exciting narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Take a ride through history on this fascinating Alaska tourist attraction.