How to Get a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

Getting a marriage license in Pennsylvania is a foundational legal step for couples planning to marry within the state. Whether you’re a resident or traveling from out of state, understanding the process ensures your wedding day proceeds smoothly and legally. A marriage license is not merely a formality—it’s a binding legal document that authorizes your union and becomes the official record of your marriage, required for changing names, accessing spousal benefits, and securing legal rights in matters of inheritance, healthcare, and taxes. Pennsylvania law governs the issuance of marriage licenses through county clerk offices, with specific requirements regarding age, identification, waiting periods, and fees. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know to obtain your marriage license in Pennsylvania with confidence and clarity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania involves a series of well-defined procedures that vary slightly by county but follow the same core state regulations. Below is a detailed, sequential guide to help you navigate each phase without confusion or delay.

1. Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, both parties must meet Pennsylvania’s legal requirements for marriage:

• Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with written consent from both parents or legal guardians and approval from a judge. Minors under 16 cannot marry under any circumstances.
• Marital Status: Neither party can be currently married to someone else. Bigamy is illegal in Pennsylvania and voids any subsequent marriage.
• Relationship: You cannot marry a close blood relative. Prohibited relationships include parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, sibling (including half-siblings), and aunt/uncle with niece/nephew.
• Mental Capacity: Both parties must be mentally competent and able to understand the nature of the marriage contract.

These eligibility criteria are non-negotiable. Failure to meet any requirement will result in denial of the license.

2. Choose Your County

Marriage licenses in Pennsylvania are issued by the county clerk’s office in the county where either party resides. If both parties live out of state, you may apply in any Pennsylvania county where the wedding will take place. For example, if you’re planning to marry in Philadelphia but live in New York, you can apply at the Philadelphia Register of Wills office. However, the license is only valid for ceremonies performed within Pennsylvania.

It’s critical to apply in the correct county. Applying in the wrong county may cause delays or require you to reapply, especially if you’ve already scheduled your ceremony.

3. Gather Required Documents

Each applicant must bring original, government-issued photo identification and other supporting documents. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Valid driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• Passport
• Military ID

If either party has been previously married, you must provide documentation of the termination of the prior marriage. This includes:

• Divorce decree (final and certified)
• Death certificate of former spouse

Photocopies are not accepted. If documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation must be provided. For minors (ages 16–17), additional documentation includes:

• Notarized consent form signed by both parents or legal guardians
• Court order approving the marriage, issued by a judge of the Orphans’ Court Division

Ensure all documents are current and legible. Expired IDs or incomplete paperwork are common reasons for application delays.

4. Complete the Application

Both parties must appear together in person at the county clerk’s office to complete the marriage license application. Online applications are not permitted in Pennsylvania. The application form collects essential information, including:

• Full legal names (including middle names and maiden names if applicable)
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security numbers (required by state law)
• Current residential addresses
• Names and birthplaces of both parents
• Details of any prior marriages and their termination

Accuracy is vital. Any errors in names or dates may cause complications later when registering the marriage or changing legal documents. Double-check all entries before submitting. If you’re unsure about any information, ask a clerk for clarification. Do not guess or estimate.

5. Pay the Application Fee

The fee for a marriage license in Pennsylvania ranges from $50 to $90, depending on the county. For example:

• Philadelphia: $90
• Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): $70
• Delaware County: $75
• York County: $60

Most offices accept cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are accepted in some counties but not all. Always call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods. Fees are non-refundable, even if the ceremony is canceled or postponed.

6. Wait the Mandatory 3-Day Period

After submitting your application, Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. This waiting period begins the day after application and includes weekends and holidays. For example, if you apply on a Monday, your license will be valid starting Thursday.

This waiting period is designed to provide a “cooling-off” period and reduce impulsive marriages. It cannot be waived under any circumstances, even for military personnel or emergency situations. Plan your ceremony date accordingly. If you need to marry within three days, you must apply at least three full days in advance.

7. Receive Your Marriage License

Once the three-day waiting period has passed, you may pick up your marriage license in person. Some counties offer mail delivery or email notification, but most require both parties to appear together to collect the document. The license will be printed on official paper with a raised seal and includes:

• Names of both applicants
• Issuing county and date
• Expiration date (60 days from issuance)
• Signature lines for officiant and witnesses

Do not sign the license until you are in front of your officiant during the ceremony. Signing prematurely may invalidate the document. Keep the license in a safe, dry place. Do not fold or staple it.

8. Conduct Your Wedding Ceremony

Marriages in Pennsylvania must be performed by an authorized officiant. Acceptable officiants include:

• Ordained ministers, priests, or rabbis of any religious denomination
• Justices of the peace
• Judges of any court in Pennsylvania
• Mayors of cities and boroughs (in their official capacity)

It is the responsibility of the couple to ensure their officiant is registered and authorized. Some counties maintain online directories of registered officiants. If you’re unsure, contact the county clerk’s office to verify.

The ceremony must occur within 60 days of the license issuance. It must also be witnessed by at least two individuals who are 18 years of age or older. The officiant and witnesses must sign the license immediately after the ceremony.

9. Return the Completed License

After the ceremony, the officiant is legally responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the issuing county clerk’s office. Most officiants handle this automatically, but you should confirm with them that the license will be returned within 10 business days. If the license is not returned, your marriage will not be officially recorded, and you will not receive a certified copy.

As the couple, you should retain a copy of the signed license for your personal records. If you need a certified copy later, you can request one from the county clerk’s office for a small fee (usually $10–$20).

10. Obtain Certified Copies

Once your marriage is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. These are necessary for:

• Changing your name on bank accounts, Social Security, and driver’s license
• Applying for spousal benefits (insurance, retirement, immigration)
• Updating estate documents or wills

Most counties allow you to request copies in person, by mail, or online. You’ll need to provide:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date and location of marriage
• Proof of identity
• Payment for the copy fee

Processing time varies from a few days to two weeks, depending on the county. Expedited services are rarely available.

Best Practices

Following best practices ensures a seamless, stress-free experience when obtaining your marriage license in Pennsylvania. These strategies are based on real-world experience and common pitfalls encountered by couples.

Apply Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your license at least two weeks before your wedding date. This gives you a buffer for unexpected delays—such as document issues, office closures, or scheduling conflicts. Many couples assume the 3-day waiting period is the only timeline consideration, but clerks can be overwhelmed during peak wedding seasons (May–October), leading to longer wait times for appointments.

Call Ahead

County clerk offices have varying hours, appointment policies, and document requirements. Some offices require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis. Calling ahead saves you time and prevents unnecessary trips. Ask:

• What are your business hours?
• Do you require an appointment?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Is there a specific office location for marriage licenses?

Many counties have separate locations for marriage licenses and other vital records. Going to the wrong building wastes valuable time.

Bring Extra Copies

Always bring two copies of every document you plan to submit—divorce decrees, death certificates, parental consent forms. If a clerk needs to make a copy for their records, having duplicates ready avoids delays. Also, bring a printed copy of the application form if your county offers it online. Filling it out ahead of time reduces in-office time.

Verify Officiant Credentials

Before booking your officiant, confirm they are authorized to perform marriages in Pennsylvania. Some online ordinations (e.g., Universal Life Church) are legally recognized, but not all officiants are registered with the county. Contact the county clerk’s office to verify your officiant’s registration status. If they are not registered, help them complete the necessary paperwork—this can take up to two weeks.

Keep the License Secure

Once you receive your license, treat it like cash. Store it in a protective sleeve or envelope. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, or sunlight. Never leave it unattended in a car or purse. If the license is lost, damaged, or altered, you must apply for a new one—which means paying the fee again and restarting the 3-day waiting period.

Plan for Weather and Travel

If you’re traveling from out of state, factor in travel time and potential weather delays. Pennsylvania winters can be severe, and rural roads may become impassable. Schedule your license pickup and ceremony with a buffer day. Consider booking accommodations near the county office if you’re coming from afar.

Communicate with Your Officiant

Provide your officiant with a clear timeline: when you’ll receive the license, when the ceremony is, and how the license should be returned. Confirm whether they will handle the return or if you must do it. If you’re returning it yourself, send it via certified mail with tracking. Keep a copy of the tracking number.

Update Your Records Promptly

After your marriage is recorded, begin updating your legal documents immediately. Start with your Social Security card, then move to your driver’s license, bank accounts, and employer records. Delaying this process can lead to discrepancies in your identity, which may cause issues with taxes, loans, or travel.

Tools and Resources

Several official and third-party tools can simplify the process of obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania. These resources are free, reliable, and updated regularly.

Official County Clerk Websites

Each Pennsylvania county maintains an official website with detailed instructions for obtaining a marriage license. These sites often include:

• Application forms you can download and complete ahead of time
• Office hours and locations
• Fee schedules
• FAQs and downloadable checklists

Examples:

• Philadelphia Register of Wills
• Allegheny County Register of Wills
• Delaware County Register of Wills

Bookmark your county’s site and refer to it throughout the process.

State of Pennsylvania Vital Records

The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains the statewide registry of marriages. Their website offers:

• Instructions for ordering certified marriage certificates
• Fee schedules and payment methods
• Processing times and mailing addresses

Visit: Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Request

Marriage License Checklists

Many legal and wedding planning websites offer downloadable PDF checklists tailored to Pennsylvania. These include:

• Documents to bring
• Timeline tracker
• Officiant verification checklist
• Post-wedding to-do list

Recommended sources:

• The Knot
• Marriage.com
• WeddingWire

Print and use these checklists as a personal guide.

Online Appointment Schedulers

Some counties, including Philadelphia and Allegheny, offer online appointment booking for marriage licenses. Use these tools to secure a time slot and avoid long lines. Even if walk-ins are allowed, appointments often have priority access.

Document Scanning Apps

Use smartphone apps like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, or Google Drive’s scanner to digitize your documents. This creates backups in case the originals are lost. Store them securely in cloud storage with password protection.

Calendar Reminders

Set multiple calendar alerts:

• 3 weeks before: Apply for license
• 3 days before: Pick up license
• 1 day before: Confirm officiant and witnesses
• 1 week after: Follow up on license return
• 2 weeks after: Order certified copies

These reminders prevent missed deadlines and reduce last-minute panic.

Real Examples

Real-life scenarios illustrate how the process works under different circumstances. These examples highlight common challenges and how they were resolved.

Example 1: Out-of-State Couple Marrying in Pittsburgh

Jessica and Marcus live in Ohio but plan to marry in Pittsburgh on July 15. They apply for their license at the Allegheny County Register of Wills on July 1. They bring their driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and a certified copy of Marcus’s previous divorce decree. They pay $70 and are told the license will be ready on July 4. On July 14, they pick up the license and hand it to their officiant, a local judge. The ceremony is held on July 15. The judge returns the license on July 18. Jessica receives her certified copy by mail on August 5 and changes her name on her driver’s license by August 20.

Example 2: Minor Seeking Parental Consent

Samantha, 17, and Daniel, 18, wish to marry in Lancaster County. Samantha’s parents sign a notarized consent form. They schedule a court hearing with the Orphans’ Court Division. The judge approves the marriage after reviewing the consent form and interviewing both parties. They apply for the license on March 1. The license is issued on March 4. Their ceremony is held on March 10. Their marriage is recorded, and they receive their certificate two weeks later.

Example 3: Lost License

Alex and Taylor applied for their license in Bucks County on May 1. They received it on May 4 and stored it in their wallet. On May 6, Taylor lost the wallet. They immediately contacted the Bucks County Clerk’s Office and were told the license could not be replaced. They had to reapply, pay the $75 fee again, and wait another three days. Their ceremony was postponed from May 12 to May 17. They learned to keep the license in a sealed envelope in their carry-on for future travel.

Example 4: Officiant Not Registered

Emma and Liam hired a friend who was ordained online to officiate their wedding in Montgomery County. After the ceremony, the license was never returned. When they contacted the county, they learned their friend had not registered as an officiant. The marriage was not legally recorded. They had to reapply for a new license, schedule a second ceremony, and pay another fee. They now always verify officiant credentials before booking.

FAQs

Can I get a marriage license in Pennsylvania if I’m not a resident?

Yes. Non-residents can obtain a marriage license in any Pennsylvania county where the wedding will take place. The license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Pennsylvania.

Do I need a blood test to get married in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania abolished the blood test requirement for marriage licenses in 1998. No medical exams or tests are required.

Can I get married the same day I apply for the license?

No. Pennsylvania law mandates a three-day waiting period after application. This cannot be waived under any circumstances.

What if my name on my ID doesn’t match my birth certificate?

If your name has changed due to adoption, court order, or prior marriage, bring documentation of the legal name change (e.g., court order or certified marriage certificate). If the discrepancy is minor (e.g., nickname vs. legal name), provide a sworn affidavit explaining the difference.

Can I use a driver’s license from another state?

Yes. Pennsylvania accepts valid government-issued photo ID from any U.S. state or territory. International passports are also accepted.

How long is the marriage license valid?

The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must occur within that window. If it expires, you must reapply and pay the fee again.

Do I need witnesses?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires at least two witnesses who are 18 years of age or older to be present during the ceremony and sign the license.

Can I get married by proxy in Pennsylvania?

No. Both parties must be physically present during the ceremony. Proxy marriages are not recognized under Pennsylvania law.

Is a religious ceremony required?

No. You can have a civil ceremony performed by a judge, justice of the peace, or mayor. Religious affiliation is not required.

What if I need to change my name after marriage?

Once you receive your certified marriage certificate, you can begin the name change process. Start with the Social Security Administration, then update your driver’s license, bank accounts, and employer records. Each institution has its own requirements, so check their websites for documentation needed.

Can I apply for a marriage license if one person is incarcerated?

Yes. If one party is incarcerated, they may apply with the assistance of the correctional facility. The facility may arrange for the inmate to appear with a notary or clerk. Contact the county clerk’s office for specific procedures.

Is a same-sex marriage recognized in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Same-sex marriages have been legally recognized in Pennsylvania since May 2014, following a federal court ruling. All rights and responsibilities of marriage apply equally.

Conclusion

Obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process when approached with preparation and attention to detail. From verifying eligibility and gathering documents to navigating the 3-day waiting period and ensuring proper return of the license, each step plays a critical role in making your marriage legally binding. By following this guide, you eliminate common pitfalls—missed deadlines, invalid documents, unregistered officiants, and lost licenses—that can derail your wedding plans.

Remember: the marriage license is not just a piece of paper—it’s the legal gateway to your future together. Whether you’re a Pennsylvania resident or traveling from afar, taking the time to understand and follow state procedures ensures your union is recognized, protected, and celebrated without legal complications. Use the tools, checklists, and resources provided to stay organized. Communicate clearly with your officiant and county clerk. And above all, plan ahead.

Your marriage begins with a signature on a license—but it’s built on intention, care, and preparation. With this guide, you’re not just applying for a document—you’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of shared rights, responsibilities, and love. Congratulations on this new chapter. May your journey together be as seamless as the process you’ve just completed.