Pennsylvania Marriage License
If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you. Don't let the marriage license laws of Pennsylvania put a dent in your wedding plans. Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Pennsylvania marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.
- Allegheny County Pennsylvania Marriage License
- Pennsylvania Marriage License Online
- Pennsylvania Marriage License Copy
Requirements may vary as each county in Pennsylvania could have their own requirements. For example, if you want to get married in Philadelphia, you must apply in person in Room 413 at City Hall. The cost of a marriage license in Philadelphia is $90. In Pittsburgh, (Allegheny County) you can apply online and bring your completed and signed printout to the Dept. of Court Records, Marriage License Bureau. In Allegheny County, the cost of a marriage license is $80.
ID Requirement
You will need to present photo identification such as your driver's license, state ID, or passport. Social Security numbers will be requested.
Residency Requirement
You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania. Some counties may require that you both speak English or bring with you someone who can translate.
The marriage certificate must be obtained at least three (3) days prior to the marriage ceremony. The license must be used within 60 days of issuance. A marriage license may be obtained from the Clerk of Orphans' Court in any county in Pennsylvania. Instructions for obtaining a marriage license in philadelphia 1. The fee for a marriage license is $90.00., payable by Visa, MasterCard, certified check and money order.
Previous Marriages
You will need to show a certified copy of the final divorce decree, with court raised seal, of your divorce or annulment decree or know the date of death of a deceased spouse.
If you have resumed your maiden name, related documents must be shown. Foreign documents must be translated into English.
Waiting Period
There's a three-day waiting period in Pennsylvania.
You can request a waiver of the waiting period. Send a letter as early as possible addressed to the County Register, requesting a waiver and your reason why. Your letter should contain both names, a telephone number, proof of your wedding date (a wedding invitation will work), and a return address so a letter of confirmation can be sent to you. There is an additional $15.00 fee in cash only for this service.
Fees
It will cost you approximately $40 to $75 to get married in Pennsylvania and fees must be paid in cash. Please verify with the County Register the cost of a marriage license in the county where you want to get married. Additional surcharges have been added to the basic cost of a marriage license.
Proxy Marriages
No.
Cousin Marriages
No, you may not marry your first cousin. See Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 23, Chapter 13, § 1304, section (e) for more information.
Common-Law Marriages
No, but your common-law marriage will be recognized in Pennsylvania if it was created before January 1, 2005.
Same-Sex Marriages
Yes, as of May 2014.
Under 18
If either of you is under 18 years of age, you must pay an additional $5, show your Birth Certificate, and have the written consent of a parent or guardian. Anyone under 16 years of age needs parental consent and the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court.
Officiants
Any ordained minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation, Judges, and Justices of Peace may perform wedding ceremonies. Mayors of cities and boroughs are also authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
Note: A marriage performed by a minister ordained via the Internet was declared invalid because the minister did not have a congregation.
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Self-Uniting Marriage License
If you want this type of license, you need to inform the clerk before you begin the application process.
Miscellaneous
Allegheny County Pennsylvania Marriage License
A Pennsylvania marriage license is valid for 60 days. What this means is you two have 60 days to get married and have your marriage license officially recorded. If you wait past that time frame, you can't get married without applying for and paying for another marriage license.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage
Pennsylvania Marriage License Online
For marriage records, you will need to contact the Marriage License Clerk, County Court House in the county where the license was issued.
Pennsylvania Marriage License Copy
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.