How to Obtain a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

Like many other states, Pennsylvania depends on local governments to sort out marriage licenses. It is the responsibility of each county courthouse to issue and maintain marriage licenses independently from the Pennsylvania state government. In other words, you won't find general information on marriage licenses on the Pennsylvania state website. Since most county courthouses don't have websites, this can leave couples looking for marriage licenses in a jam.

Fear not, however, as marriage licensing procedures are similar in every county in Pennsylvania. Everything you need to do to procure a marriage license in Pennsylvania is listed in the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Valid driver's license, passport, or social security card for bride and groom License fees Divorce decree, if applicable Death certificate of former spouse, if applicable Form indicating resumption of maiden name, if applicable

Steps to Obtaining a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

1. Go to http://sites.state.pa.us/marriage/index.htm and click your Pennsylvania county on the map.

2. Locate your local marriage license office. Call the office to find out county marriage license fees and office hours.

3. Bring the person you intend to marry, the license fee, and a valid driver's license, passport, or social security card for both bride and groom to the marriage license office. The fee is generally $80.

4. Bring a divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse if you were previously married. Bring a record of the resumption of a maiden name if applicable.

5. Wait for a clerk in the office to draw up your marriage license. Licenses are distributed on a walk-in basis. You will receive your marriage license within 60 days, generally after a three-day hold.

Tips & Warnings

• Most marriage license fees are $80 and must be paid in cash. You do not need to be a resident of Pennsylvania to be married in Pennsylvania. No blood tests are necessary.
• There are no extensions or refunds once a license is issued. Both parties to a marriage must be 18 or older. Pennsylvania only recognizes marriage between a man and woman. Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry in Pennsylvania. No licenses will be issued to parties under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Resources

• PA State Marriage License Offices

Who Can Help Sponsored