How to Apply for a Marriage License in Philadelphia
Getting married in the "City of Brotherly Love" can be a quick and easy process. Couples need to first apply for a license, which makes their wedding legal. In order to start this process, both parties must go to city hall, to fill out paperwork and present photo documentation. Once this is approved, the happy couple can be on their way to wedded bliss.
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Things You'll Need
- Photo I.D. (drivers license, passport, military I.D., resident alien card or consulate card and a Social Security card or any other form of I.D. issued by an official entity)
- Money ($80.00)
Instructions
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How to Apply for a Marriage License in Philadelphia
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Schedule a visit to the Marriage License Bureau in Philadelphia. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Wednesday hours are from 8:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M. According to the City of Philadelphia's website, www.phila.gov, "schedule your arrival no later than one-half hour before closing time to allow for processing."
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Both parties who intend to married must be present to apply for a license. They can apply at City Hall in Philadelphia where they should proceed to the Marriage License Bureau located in Room 413.
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Fill out the appropriate paper work and both parties must present their current I.D. According to the City of Philadelphia's website, phila.gov, this includes "a drivers license, passport, military I.D., resident alien card or consulate card and a Social Security card or any other form of I.D. issued by an official entity which reflects the applicant's Social Security number (i.e. Social Security printout; pay stub; W-2 form; income tax return; prescription card; access card etc.). If a social security card or number is not available, applicants must present an official birth certificate. Without proper photo IDs, no applications for marriage will be processed.
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Pay $80.00 for the processing fee of the license. This can be paid by cash or money order, but the office does not accept personal checks or credit cards.
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Applicants must wait three days before the license will be issued. Once approved, the license is only valid for 60 days from the processing date. If couples do not marry within this time frame, they will have to go through the application process again, including paying the fee.
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Tips & Warnings
Licenses can be used in any county in Pennsylvania; but a Pennsylvania marriage license cannot be used in any other state.
If an applicant was previously married but his/her spouse has died, the widow must present a certified copy of the death certificate must be presented during the application process.
If an applicant was previously married but had a divorce, a certified copy of a divorce decree must be presented during the application process. Additionally, if these documents are not in English, they must be translated and certified that the English translation is accurate.
If an applicant is between the ages of 16-17 the minor's parent or guardian must be present at the marriage license bureau during the application process. If the applicant is 15 years or younger, approval of the impending marriage must be approved by the court. Additionally, the minor's parent/guardian must submit a photo I.D in addition to signing documents certifying their consent of the marriage. These forms will cost an additional fee of $10.00 per minor.
If applicants do not speak English they must have a translator present during the application process.
