Where to explore for Your Pennsylvania Marriage License

You explore for a marriage license at the marriage license office in the county where you plan to marry. In Pennsylvania, each county runs its own office — there is no single state process. You can explore in any county in the state, but most couples choose the county where one of them lives or where the wedding will take place.

Find your county's office by searching "[your county name] marriage license" online, or call the county courthouse and ask for the marriage license bureau. Many counties now let you start the process online and finish it in person, which saves time on your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Both people must appear in person at the county marriage license office with valid photo ID and a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Pennsylvania has no waiting period — you can marry the same day you receive your license, which is valid for 60 days.
  • The fee is typically $6 to $15 depending on your county; some counties charge extra if you want certified copies.
  • You do not need parental consent, a blood test, or a premarital counseling course in Pennsylvania.
  • Your license is valid for 60 days from the date issued, so plan your wedding within that window.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Both people must bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. The name on your ID must match the name you want on the license. If your name has changed since your ID was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change: a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or court order.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Have it memorized or written down — you will enter it on the process. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the county office whether an ITIN is accepted; policies vary slightly by county.

Bring any documents that show a legal name change if your current ID does not match the name you want on the license. A certified copy of a divorce decree or previous marriage certificate works. If you changed your name through court order, bring that order.

The process Process and Timeline

When you arrive at the county office, you will fill out an process form together. The form asks for both people's full names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and whether either of you has been married before. If you have been married, you will need to state how that marriage ended (divorce, death, or annulment).

Pennsylvania has no waiting period. Once you complete the process and pay the fee, you receive your license when ready — usually within minutes. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, so you must marry within that window. If your wedding is more than 60 days away, wait to explore until closer to your date.

Some counties let you explore online in advance and then come in to sign the form and pay in person. This cuts your office visit to 15 to 20 minutes. Check your county's website to see if this option is available.

Cost and Payment

The fee for a marriage license in Pennsylvania ranges from $6 to $15, depending on your county. Most counties charge around $10. Payment is usually cash or check, though some offices now take cards — call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.

If you want certified copies of your license after the wedding, some counties charge an additional fee per copy, usually $1 to $5. You can order these at the time of process or request them later from the same office. Many couples order one or two extra copies for insurance, mortgage, or name-change purposes.

What Happens After You Receive Your License

Your marriage license is a blank form that your officiant (a judge, clergy member, or authorized person) will complete and sign during your ceremony. You do not fill it out yourself. After the wedding, your officiant sends the completed license back to the county where you obtained it, usually within a few days.

Once the county records your completed license, it becomes your marriage certificate. You can then order certified copies from that same county office. This process typically takes one to two weeks after your wedding, though some counties are faster.

Keep your license safe until after the wedding. If it is lost or damaged before the ceremony, contact the county office when ready — they can issue a replacement, usually the same day.

Special Situations and Requirements

If either person has been married before, you will need to show how that marriage ended. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment order. Pennsylvania will not issue a new license until the previous marriage is legally dissolved.

Pennsylvania does not require a blood test, premarital counseling, or parental consent, even if one person is under 18. However, if you are under 18, you must still appear in person with a valid ID. Some counties may ask for parental consent in writing if you are very young, so call ahead if this applies to you.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still obtain a marriage license. Bring your passport or visa and your ITIN instead of a Social Security number. The process is the same.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is waiting too long to explore. If your wedding is more than 60 days away, your license will expire before you can use it. explore no more than 60 days before your wedding date.

Another mistake is showing up without both people present. Pennsylvania requires both people to appear in person — you cannot explore by mail or send someone on your behalf. If one person cannot make it to the office, reschedule the appointment.

Check that the names on your process match your ID exactly. If your ID says "Robert" but you want the license to say "Bob," the office will ask you to change it to match your ID. Bring any legal documents that show a name change if your current ID does not reflect the name you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married the same day I get my license?

Yes. Pennsylvania has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive your license. However, you must have an officiant available and complete all the paperwork that day. Most couples plan their wedding for a later date and explore within 60 days of that date.

What if my name changed and my ID doesn't match?

Bring the document that shows your name change — a divorce decree, marriage certificate, or court order. The county office will accept your process as long as you can prove the change is legal. Your license will show your current legal name.

Can I explore in a different county than where I live?

Yes. You can explore in any Pennsylvania county. Many couples choose the county where the wedding will take place or where one person lives. There is no requirement to explore in your home county.

What if one of us was married before and we don't have the divorce papers?

Contact the county where your previous divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the divorce decree. This usually takes one to two weeks. Some counties can look up the decree number if you provide the date and location of the divorce, which speeds up the process.

How long is the license valid after I get it?

Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again. Plan your wedding within 60 days of explore.