Free Guide to Pennsylvania Marriage License Information

Understanding Pennsylvania Marriage License Requirements

A Pennsylvania marriage license is a legal document issued by the state that allows two people to marry. Before a ceremony can take place in Pennsylvania, both parties must obtain this license from the county where they plan to marry or where one party resides. The license serves as official proof that the couple has met all state requirements for marriage and has disclosed relevant information to county authorities.

Pennsylvania law sets specific requirements that must be met before a license can be issued. Both individuals must be at least 18 years old, though in some circumstances, individuals aged 16 or 17 may obtain a license with parental or judicial consent. Pennsylvania does not allow marriage between certain relatives, including parents and children, siblings, and grandparents and grandchildren. Additionally, both parties must be free from any existing marriages—meaning any previous marriage must have ended through divorce, death of the spouse, or annulment.

The state also requires that at least one party to the marriage be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a parent who is a resident. This residency requirement does not mean someone must live in Pennsylvania permanently; it can include people who maintain a residence in the state. Non-residents can also obtain a license in Pennsylvania if they marry a Pennsylvania resident.

Pennsylvania recognizes marriages performed by authorized officials, including judges, justices of the peace, ordained clergy members, and religious leaders. The ceremony itself does not need to take place in Pennsylvania, but the license must be obtained from a Pennsylvania county office before the ceremony occurs anywhere. Understanding these foundational requirements helps couples prepare the necessary information and documentation before visiting their county office.

Practical Takeaway: Review Pennsylvania's basic marriage requirements against your circumstances before gathering documents. Confirm that both parties meet age requirements, have no existing marriages, and meet the residency criteria. This preparation prevents unnecessary trips to the county office.

Where to Obtain Your Marriage License in Pennsylvania

Marriage licenses in Pennsylvania are issued at the county level, not by the state. Each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties has a register of wills or prothonotary office responsible for issuing marriage licenses. The specific office name and location varies by county—some counties use the "Register of Wills" office, while others may use the "Prothonotary" office or a separate vital records office. Couples can obtain their license from the county where either party resides or from the county where the marriage will take place.

Pennsylvania does not allow couples to obtain a marriage license online or through mail in most cases. In-person visits to the county office are typically required, though some counties may offer limited services by phone or mail for specific situations. Contacting the county office directly before visiting ensures that you understand what documents to bring and whether appointments are necessary. Many counties now offer online appointment scheduling systems that allow couples to reserve a specific time slot, reducing wait times.

Office hours vary significantly by county. Most county offices operate during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some may close for lunch. Certain holidays may affect office closures. It is wise to check the specific county's website or call ahead to confirm hours of operation, especially if traveling from out of state or a distance away.

The county where you obtain the license does not need to be the county where your ceremony takes place. A couple might live in Philadelphia County but plan to marry in Lancaster County, for example. In this case, they could obtain their license from either Philadelphia or Lancaster County. Once issued, the license is valid throughout Pennsylvania and can be used at any ceremony location within the state, regardless of which county issued it.

Practical Takeaway: Identify which county office serves your area by searching for the Register of Wills or Prothonotary office website for your county. Note the office address, phone number, and hours before planning your visit. If appointments are available, schedule in advance to avoid wait times.

Required Documents and Information for Marriage License Application

When visiting a county office to obtain a marriage license, both parties must bring valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, state-issued identification card, or military ID. The identification must be current and show a photograph and date of birth. Some counties may accept additional forms of ID, so confirming with your specific county office can clarify what is and is not acceptable.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency may be required in some counties. Birth certificates are commonly accepted as proof of citizenship and date of birth. If one party was born outside the United States, a passport or naturalization certificate may be needed. Social Security numbers for both parties are typically required and will be recorded on the license application. You do not need to bring a Social Security card itself; providing the number verbally is usually sufficient.

If either party has been previously married, divorce decrees or death certificates of the former spouse must be presented. A certified copy of the divorce judgment or a certified death certificate is preferred, though some counties may accept photocopies. If a previous marriage was annulled, an annulment decree should be provided. Without proof that a previous marriage has ended, a new marriage license cannot be issued.

Pennsylvania requires that both parties appear in person at the county office to obtain the license. Both individuals must sign the application in front of the clerk. Some counties may allow one party to obtain a power of attorney to represent the other, though this is not standard practice and should be confirmed with your specific county. The application form requests information including full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, occupations, and information about parents' names and residency status. Having this information prepared in advance speeds up the process.

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist including valid photo ID, birth certificate, proof of name changes if applicable, and divorce or death documents if previously married. Contact your county office to confirm which specific documents they require, as requirements may vary slightly between counties.

Costs, Processing Times, and License Validity

The cost of a Pennsylvania marriage license varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $100. Some counties charge different fees for residents and non-residents, while others charge a single flat fee. A few counties may offer reduced fees for certain populations or circumstances, though this is not uniform across the state. Payment methods accepted differ by county—some accept cash only, while others accept checks, credit cards, or electronic payment. Calling ahead or checking the county website can clarify the exact fee and accepted payment methods.

Processing time for Pennsylvania marriage licenses is brief. In most counties, if both parties appear in person with all required documents, the license can be issued on the same day. No waiting period is required in Pennsylvania, meaning a couple can receive their license and marry on the same day if they choose. However, the license becomes valid 24 hours after it is issued, meaning a ceremony cannot occur until the day after the license is obtained. This one-day waiting period is a state requirement that applies uniformly across all counties.

A Pennsylvania marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony does not take place within 60 days, the license expires and a new license must be obtained. The officiant who performs the ceremony must complete and return the license to the county office within 10 days of the ceremony. This documentation allows the state to issue a certified marriage certificate, which serves as official proof of the marriage for purposes such as changing names, updating insurance, or immigration sponsorship.

Certified marriage certificates can typically be ordered from the county office where the license was obtained after the ceremony is completed. These certificates cost between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county. Multiple copies are often recommended because various agencies—banks, employers, schools, and government offices—may require certified copies when documenting a name change or updating records after marriage.

Practical Takeaway: Budget for the license fee plus the cost of certified marriage certificates after your ceremony. Plan your visit to the county office at least two days before your desired ceremony date to account for the one-day waiting period. If ordering certificates by mail after the ceremony, allow 2-4 weeks for processing and delivery.

Name Changes and Legal Considerations

Pennsylvania marriage law does not require either party to change their name. Both parties may keep their current legal names, or one or both parties may choose to adopt a new surname. Historically, women were expected to take their husband's surname, but this is no longer a legal requirement. Couples have several options: one party takes the other's surname, both parties combine surnames, one party hyphenates their name with their partner's surname, or both parties keep their separate surnames.