Getting Married

Sitka's intrinsic charm offers one of the most romantic settings imaginable to begin life's journey with the one you love.  Many people have found the unparalleled natural splendor here holds endless opportunities for both their dream wedding and honeymoon-all in one magnificent place!  Sitka's scenic beauty is breathtaking!

There are a treasure of fabulous locations for your wedding, from intimate lodge settings, to incredible parks at the ocean's edge, or amazing forested and mountain settings... and more!  Make your special day a marriage made in heaven in Sitka! 

Marriage Guidelines in Sitka, Alaska

In Sitka, contact the State Court Office at (907) 747-3291 in advance to make proper arrangements. The State Court Office is very happy to assist you in making preparations, or answer any questions concerning the licensing regulations for the State and Sitka.

A marriage application must be filled out -- a 4 day waiting period is mandatory after the application is completed.  This 4 day waiting period can be waived if you show good cause why this 4 day waiting period should be waived.  This application can also be picked up in another port in advance (but call the port in advance and explain the circumstances).

The marriage license costs $40. A specific date to be married must be picked. The license will be valid only for that specific day.

An Order for an Appointed Marriage Commissioner must be completed 2 weeks in advance.  This approves the person that will marry you in Sitka.  After completion, it will be sent to the Office in Juneau, Alaska, to have the Marriage Commissioner's signature on the form.

Two witnesses are needed. Your witnesses need to sign the marriage license.

If the wedding ceremony is performed at the State Court Office in Sitka, they will have an appointed person available to perform the ceremony, but arrangements should be made in advance. The cost is an additional $25 fee.

No blood tests are needed.

A Few Popular Places for Ceremonies in Sitka

Allen Marine Catamaran  The very comfortable vessel is perfect for weddings framed with an ocean backdrop, rehearsals or celebrations.  For information, please call (907) 747-8100. 

Baranof Wilderness Lodge This unique remote lodge, located on the Eastern shore of Baranof Island, offers breathtaking scenery in unforgettable Alaska setting.   A minister is available to perform your ceremony.  Lodging, meals and other activities also available.

Castle Hill. This historic and scenic overview is located downtown.  This well-known State Park charges a fee, depending on the amount of people attending.   Call  the local state park office at (907) 747-6249.

Harrigan Centennial Hall (303 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK 99835, (907) 747-3225). This downtown waterfront civic center-type building has various sized rooms, with an auditorium (and stage) offering a great ocean view.  A kitchen is also available on property.

Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal House (200 Katlian Street, Sitka, AK 99835) (888) 270-8687, (907) 747-7290). This modern rendition of a Tlingit Clanhouse offers a unique and rare Alaskan Native setting located downtown. The stunning backdrop  house screen named "Lovebirds" provides unforgettable photos!  A tribal minister is available to perform the ceremony.  A kitchen is available and other special services can be arranged with prior notice.

Sitka National Historical Park (P.O. Box 738, Sitka, AK 99835, phone: (907) 747-6281)
The Park requires a special use permit to receive authorization for the ceremony to be held in the Park. The permit can be mailed and should be completed prior to the ceremony. There is no cost for the One-Time Use Permit. The Park needs to know date, time, part of the park (certain areas of the Park are location sensitive), will chairs, table, etc. be used, or any other useful information.

Starrigavan Area and Halibut Point Park (P.O. Box 142, Sitka, AK 99835, phone: (907) 747-6249)
Each State Park charges a fee, depending on the amount of people to attend. ($25 for up to 20 people.) Reservations need to be made in advance. Starrigavan is located approximately 7 ½ miles from downtown, and Halibut Point Park is located approximately 4 miles from downtown.

Whale Park (5 1/2 miles from town on Sawmill Creek Road).  Contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at (907) 747-1852. This small overlook offers a board walk, shelter areas, forested walkways and bathroom facilities (in summer).

A church listing is available from the Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau to contact the church of your choice in advance for ceremony arrangements.  Please email: scvb@sitka.org for a list.   If you need catering, please email scvb@sitka.org so that we can provide a list of catering options. 

Transportation Options

Taxi Service:   

738 TAXI  (907) 738-8294 Fast, efficient and courteous taxi services.  Anywhere on the Sitka road system.  Available for an hourly charter and concierge service.  Also for hire vehicles.

More Taxi & Tours Service (907) 738-1931, Our friendly drivers are able to accommodate you with reliable taxi and tour services.  Our vehicles are clean and smoke-free.  Operating 4am-11:30pm  Email:  moorebusi@gci.net 
Local driver offers reliable, clean and smoke-free cab service.  Have a group that wants a quick overview?  Please call to ask for

Car Rental: 

North Star Rent-A-Car
1 (800) 722-6927 toll-free / (907) 966-2552, 600 C Airport Rd., Sitka.   Located at the Sitka Airport Terminal.   Van and car rentals.

Van / Bus / Shuttle Rental: 

Sitka Tours
PO Box 1000, Sitka, Alaska 99835  (907) 747-8443 / (907) 747-7510 fax   Providing bus or van service, as well as customized tours.

Sitka Tribal Tours
200 Katlian Street, Sitka, Alaska 99835 (907) 747-7290 / 1 (888) 270-8687 toll free / (907) 747-3770 fax    Providing bus or van service, as well as customized tours or services.

Sitka Wildlife Tours  (907) 752-0006   Providing van and customized tours.