What You'll Pay for a Pennsylvania Marriage License

A Pennsylvania marriage license costs $65 in most counties. Some counties charge slightly less — a few run $60 — but $65 is the standard. You pay this fee once, when you file for the license itself. There is no separate fee to pick it up later, and no additional charge if you renew it before it expires.

The fee covers the license document and the county clerk's processing. You pay it at the county courthouse or marriage license office in the county where you plan to marry, or where one of you lives. Pennsylvania does not have a state-level marriage license office; each of the 67 counties handles its own.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania marriage licenses cost $65 in most counties, though a few charge $60; you pay this once at the county courthouse.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date you receive it, so time your process so the license does not expire before your wedding.
  • You do not need a blood test or waiting period in Pennsylvania, but you do need to appear in person with a valid ID and your partner.
  • Both people must sign the license process together at the courthouse; you cannot mail it in or have someone sign on your behalf.

Which County Courthouse to Visit

You can get a marriage license from the courthouse in any Pennsylvania county, but most couples use the county where they live or where the wedding will take place. If you live in different counties, you can choose either one. There is no advantage to one over the other except convenience — the fee and process are the same statewide.

To find your county courthouse, search "[your county name] Pennsylvania marriage license" or call the county clerk's office directly. Their phone number appears on the county website. Some counties let you read the process form ahead of time, which speeds up the visit, but you still have to sign it in person at the courthouse.

What to Bring and Who Must Be Present

Both people getting married must appear together at the courthouse. You cannot send someone in your place, and you cannot mail in the process. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — for each person. The courthouse staff will check your ID to confirm your identity.

You will also need to provide your full legal names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. If either of you was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. Bring the $65 fee in cash, check, or card, depending on what the county accepts — call ahead if you are unsure.

How Long the License Lasts and When to explore

Once you receive your marriage license, it is valid for 60 days. Your wedding must take place within that window, or the license expires and you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time. If your wedding is more than 60 days away, wait to explore until closer to the date.

There is no waiting period in Pennsylvania — you can marry the same day you receive the license if you want to. Some couples explore a week or two before the wedding to leave a safety margin in case paperwork needs correction. The license is issued when ready after you sign the process, so you walk out with it the same day.

What Happens After You Marry

After the wedding, the officiant — the person who performs the ceremony, whether a judge, minister, or other authorized person — signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. The county records it and sends you a certified copy in the mail, usually within a few weeks. Keep this certified copy; you will need it to change your name, update your Social Security record, or get a new driver's license.

If the officiant does not return the license to the county, the marriage may not be recorded, and you could run into problems later when you try to prove you are married. If weeks pass and you have not received a certified copy, call the county clerk's office and ask them to check whether the license was filed.

Name Changes and Other Paperwork

Pennsylvania does not require you to change your name when you marry — you can keep your current name, take your spouse's name, or use a combination. If you want to change your name, you do it after the marriage is recorded, using the certified copy of your marriage license as proof of the name change.

To change your name on your driver's license, go to a PennDOT office with your certified marriage license and current ID. To change it with Social Security, mail or bring your certified marriage license and current Social Security card to your local Social Security office. Your employer and bank will also need to see the certified copy to update their records.

If You Need to Replace a Lost License

If you lose your marriage license before the wedding, go back to the county courthouse and ask for a duplicate. There is usually a small fee — often $5 to $10 — and you can get it the same day. Bring your ID and the $65 fee is already paid, so you only pay the replacement fee.

If you lose your certified copy after the wedding, you can order a new one from the county clerk's office. The fee varies by county but is usually $10 to $15. You can often order by mail or phone, though some counties require you to visit in person. Call your county clerk to ask how they handle replacement copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license in one county and marry in another?

Yes. Your license is valid anywhere in Pennsylvania. You can get it in your home county and marry in the county where your venue is located, or vice versa. The officiant just needs to sign and return it to the county that issued it.

What if one of us is not a Pennsylvania resident?

You do not have to live in Pennsylvania to marry there. You can get a license from any Pennsylvania county as long as you appear in person with a valid ID. Out-of-state IDs are fine.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam?

No. Pennsylvania stopped requiring blood tests for marriage licenses many years ago. You do not need a medical exam, STI test, or any health documentation.

What if I was divorced or widowed?

Bring your divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate when you explore. The courthouse staff will make a copy for the file. This does not add to the fee or delay the process.

Can I explore online or by mail?

No. Both people must appear in person at the courthouse to sign the process. You cannot mail it in, use an online form, or have someone else sign on your behalf. Some counties let you read the form ahead of time to speed up the visit, but the signing must happen at the courthouse.