Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area Marriage Records

Marriage records for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area are maintained by the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, the state office that holds certified marriage certificates from across Alaska. This census area covers Prince of Wales Island and the small community of Hyder on the Alaska-Canada border. Craig and Klawock are the main communities with court access. This page covers how to request marriage certificates, get a license, and find historical records from this part of Southeast Alaska.

Getting Marriage Certificates from Prince of Wales-Hyder

All certified marriage certificates from Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area are held at HAVRS. The Juneau office at 5441 Commercial Blvd, Juneau AK 99801, phone (907) 465-3391, is the most accessible for people traveling from Prince of Wales Island on the Alaska Marine Highway. The Anchorage office at 3901 Old Seward Hwy Ste 101, Anchorage AK 99503, phone (907) 269-0991, is also available. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Order online or by mail at the HAVRS order page. The first certified copy costs $30. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $25. Records less than 50 years old are restricted to the named parties, their parents, spouse, legal guardian, or someone with a court order. Records older than 50 years are public under AS 25.05.301.

HAVRS handles all certified marriage certificate requests for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area through its online and mail systems.

VitalChek offers an online option for ordering Alaska marriage certificates. Expedited orders typically arrive in 3 to 4 weeks.

Marriage License Application in Prince of Wales-Hyder

Two courts handle marriage license applications in this census area. The Craig Court is at 533 3rd Street, Craig, AK 99921, phone (907) 826-3316. The Klawock Court is at 721 Klawock-Hollis Highway, Klawock, AK 99925, phone (907) 755-8804. Under AS 25.05.021, both applicants must apply together. The fee is $60 in person or $70.50 by mail. After the license is issued, a three-day wait is required before the ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days.

Both applicants must be at least 18, or 16 to 17 with parental consent. Alaska does not recognize common law marriage. You need a valid ID and your Social Security number. Check the Alaska Court System directory for current hours before visiting either court. Hyder residents may need to travel to Craig, as Hyder is on the Canadian border and has no court of its own.

The court directory shows both the Craig and Klawock courts with contact information for marriage license applications in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area.

Communities in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

The census area covers a large island and a remote border community. Communities include Coffman Cove, Craig, Edna Bay, Hollis, Hydaburg, Hyder, Kasaan, Klawock, Naukati Bay, Point Baker, Port Protection, Thorne Bay, and Whale Pass. Hydaburg is the main Haida community on Prince of Wales Island. Most smaller communities have no court and rely on Craig or Klawock for any legal services including marriage licenses.

After a ceremony is performed anywhere in the census area, the officiant must file the marriage certificate with the state within 30 days under AS 25.05.261. The certificate goes into the HAVRS system and becomes the official record. Local communities do not keep their own vital records. All requests for certified copies go through HAVRS.

Historical Marriage Records from Prince of Wales-Hyder

Craig birth, marriage, and death records from 1910 to 1991 are among the longest-running local records in Southeast Alaska. Hyder marriage records from 1920 to 1957 are also preserved. Some records from the broader Ketchikan area, including Ketchikan marriage records from 1901 to 1959, may include entries relevant to people from Prince of Wales Island, since Ketchikan was the regional hub before the census area had its own courts.

Records older than 50 years are open to the public under AS 25.05.301. The Alaska State Archives genealogy resources page explains how to access older records. FamilySearch has indexed some early Southeast Alaska vital records that include entries from this area. Haida cultural records from Hydaburg may provide additional context for family history research.

Alaska Marriage Laws for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

State law controls all marriages in Alaska. AS 25.05.021 covers license requirements and eligibility. AS 25.05.171 sets the rules for the ceremony. AS 25.05.261 requires officiants to file the certificate within 30 days. AS 25.05.301 governs public access to vital records, including the 50-year rule. These laws apply the same in Craig and Klawock as everywhere else in Alaska.

The Alaska Court System self-help page covers the most common marriage law questions. Residents who need legal assistance can reach out to Alaska Legal Services for help with records access or marriage law questions.

Nearby Boroughs

These Southeast Alaska boroughs are near Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area. All use the state HAVRS system for marriage records.