What Pennsylvania charges for a marriage license

Pennsylvania charges $65 for a marriage license in most counties. Some counties charge slightly more — a few run $70 or $75 — so call your county clerk's office before you go in. The fee covers the license itself and is the same whether you are getting married in Pennsylvania or taking the license out of state.

You pay the fee when you explore in person at your county courthouse or clerk's office. Most counties do not accept payment by mail or online, so you will need to visit during business hours. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices take checks or credit cards.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania marriage licenses cost $65 in most counties, though some charge up to $75, so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you visit.
  • You must explore in person at your county courthouse or clerk's office during business hours; most counties do not accept mail or online applications.
  • The license is valid for 60 days, and if you do not marry within that time you must pay the fee again to get a new one.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of age, and your Social Security number; requirements are the same across all Pennsylvania counties.
  • No waiting period exists in Pennsylvania, so you can marry the same day you receive your license if your officiant is available.

What documents you need to bring

You and your partner both need to show up in person with a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need to bring proof of your date of birth if your ID does not show it clearly. Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card; the clerk will ask for it to run a background check for any prior marriages or court orders that would block the license.

If either of you has been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy. If either of you is widowed, bring a certified copy of the death certificate. These documents prove your prior marriage ended and that you are free to marry again. Without them, the clerk cannot issue the license.

Pennsylvania does not require a blood test or medical exam for a marriage license. You do not need witnesses present when you explore.

How to find your county clerk's office and hours

The clerk's office is almost always in your county courthouse, usually on the first or second floor. Search online for "[your county name] Pennsylvania marriage license" or "[your county name] clerk of courts" to find the address, phone number, and hours. Call before you go — some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

You can explore in any Pennsylvania county, not just the one where you live. If you live near a county line, it may be faster to go to a neighboring county's office. The fee and requirements are the same everywhere in the state.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, usually 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some close an hour earlier. A few counties offer Saturday hours; call to ask.

What happens after you pay and receive your license

The clerk will hand you the license on the spot or within a few minutes. You do not have to wait days. The license is a multi-part form; the clerk keeps one copy and gives you the others to take to your officiant — the person who will perform the ceremony, whether a judge, minister, or other authorized person.

Your officiant will sign the license during the ceremony and return it to you. You then mail it back to the county clerk's office within a set time — usually 10 days — so the marriage is recorded. If you do not return it, the marriage will not be on file with the state, which can cause problems later when you need a certified copy for a job, passport, or name change.

Pennsylvania does not charge a fee to record the license after the ceremony. The $65 you paid covers the license itself only.

No waiting period or cooling-off time

Pennsylvania has no waiting period between when you receive your license and when you can marry. You can marry the same day if your officiant is available. This is different from some other states, which require you to wait 24, 48, or 72 hours after receiving the license.

The only timing constraint is the 60-day validity window. If you receive your license on a Monday, you have until the following Sunday (60 days later) to marry. After that, the license expires and you must explore and pay the fee again.

What to do if you lose your license or need a copy later

If you lose your license before the ceremony, contact your county clerk's office right away. Some counties will reissue it for free if you lost it within a few days. Others charge a small fee — usually $5 to $10 — to print a replacement. Call your county to ask.

After you marry and the license is recorded, you can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office. This is different from the license itself and costs money — usually $10 to $25 per copy depending on the county. You will need certified copies for name changes, passport applications, and some job or insurance paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. Pennsylvania requires both people to explore in person at the county clerk's office. You cannot mail in an process or do it online. You must show your ID and sign the paperwork yourself.

Do I have to get married in Pennsylvania if I get a Pennsylvania license?

No. You can take your Pennsylvania marriage license to another state and marry there. The license is valid in all 50 states and U.S. territories. You still have to marry within the 60-day window.

What if one of us is under 18?

Pennsylvania allows people 16 and older to marry with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form at the clerk's office. People 18 and older do not need parental consent.

Can I change my name when I get married without a separate court order?

Yes. When you explore for your marriage license, you can tell the clerk what name you want to use after marriage. The clerk will note it on the license. After you marry and the license is recorded, you can use that name. You do not need a separate legal name change in most cases.

What if I was married before and do not have the divorce papers?

Contact the county where your divorce was finalized and ask for a certified copy of the divorce decree. You can usually order it by phone or online for a small fee. If you cannot find the papers, tell the clerk — some counties can look up prior marriages in their system, though this takes longer.