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Contact the County's Register
of Wills for a Marriage license. (list of locations)
Both the bride and groom must
appear together to make the application for the license
at least 3 days in advance of the date needed.
Fees vary from among the counties.
There is an additional fee for a waiver request and
for under age applicants.
A photo identification (i.e.,
Driver's License, Passport or State ID) is required
from each applicant. Your Social Security numbers will
also be requested.
There is no residency requirement.
However, the Marriage License is valid only within the
state.
Certified copies of the final
decree, with a raised court seal is needed for divorces
and annulments. Widow(er)s will need to give the date
of death of their spouse. Documentation must be provided
if a maiden name has been resumed.
It is possible to obtain a waiver
of the three (3) day waiting period. A letter requesting
waiver must be sent as early as possible to the County
Register, with the reason why the request is being made.
There is an additional $15 fee for this service. Your
letter should include both names, telephone number and
proof of your wedding date (i.e., a wedding invitation).
A return address must be included so the confirmation
can be mailed to you.
If either applicant is under
18 years of age, he or she must have written
consent of a parent or guardian and show their birth
certificate. This incurs an additional fee. Anyone
under 16 years of age needs both parental
consent and the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court.
Judges, Justices of Peace, and
County Clerks or their appointed Deputies may perform
wedding ceremonies. Pennsylvania law requires that ministers
who officiate weddings be ordained by a regularly established
church or congregation. This does not include organizations
existing only to provide ordinations on the internet.
Pennsylvania law requires that if the validity of a
marriage is challenged, the couple assumes the expense
of proving in court that the minister who officiated
their wedding qualifies under Pennsylvania Law.
Contact the County Court House
where the license was issued to receive a certified
copy of the Certificate. This usually is not available
sooner than 6 weeks after the license is sent in.
Location of Pennsylvania
Marriage License Offices
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