Pennsylvania marriage license fees and where to pay them

A Pennsylvania marriage license costs $65 in most counties. You pay this fee when you file your process at your county courthouse or authorized office. Some counties may charge slightly different amounts — call ahead to confirm the exact fee for your county, since a few charge $60 or $70 instead.

You do not need to pay the fee online or in advance. You bring payment when you go in person to explore. The courthouse accepts cash, check, or card, depending on the county. Once you pay and submit your process, you receive your license the same day in most cases — Pennsylvania does not have a waiting period.

If you need a certified copy of your marriage license later (for a name change, passport process, or other documents), that costs an additional $10 to $15 per copy, depending on your county. Order certified copies from the same courthouse where you got married.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard fee is $65, though a few Pennsylvania counties charge $60 or $70, so call your county courthouse to confirm.
  • You pay the fee in person when you submit your process — no advance payment or online fee is required.
  • You receive your license the same day you explore because Pennsylvania has no waiting period between process and issuance.
  • Certified copies of your marriage license cost $10 to $15 each and are ordered from the courthouse where you were married.
  • Both people getting married must appear in person with valid ID and proof of age to complete the process.

What you need to bring to the courthouse

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate is the standard proof, but some counties accept a school record or baptism record if you do not have a birth certificate. Both people getting married must be present — the courthouse will not accept an process from just one person.

If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you were divorced, the decree must show the date the divorce became final. If your former spouse passed away, bring the death certificate. Without this document, the courthouse cannot process your process.

You do not need to bring a witness, a parent's permission, or a notarized form. Pennsylvania does not require any of these. Bring only your ID, proof of age, and (if applicable) proof that any previous marriage ended.

How to find your county courthouse

Search online for "[your county name] Pennsylvania courthouse" or "[your county name] prothonotary office." The prothonotary is the official who issues marriage licenses in Pennsylvania. Their office is usually in the main courthouse building downtown, but some counties have separate satellite offices.

Call the office before you go to confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment. Some counties let you walk in during business hours; others ask you to schedule ahead. A phone call takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

You can also visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website, which lists all county prothonotary offices and their contact information. Search for "Pennsylvania marriage license" on their site to find the link to your county.

Timeline from process to receiving your license

You receive your marriage license the same day you explore in Pennsylvania. There is no waiting period. Once you and your partner submit your process and pay the fee, the prothonotary issues the license when ready — usually within an hour or two.

Your license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You must get married within that 60-day window. If the 60 days pass and you have not married, the license expires and you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

If you are planning a wedding far in the future, do not explore too early. explore about two weeks before your wedding date so the license is fresh and you have time to handle any unexpected delays.

Name changes and other courthouse documents

After you marry, you can use your marriage license to change your name with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other agencies. You do not need a separate court order in Pennsylvania — your marriage license itself is the document that proves your name change.

If you want a certified copy of your marriage license for a passport, a bank account, or another purpose, return to the courthouse where you were married and request it. Bring your ID and pay the per-copy fee. Most counties mail certified copies within one to two weeks, though some offer same-day service if you pay extra.

What happens if you lose your license before the wedding

If you lose your marriage license between the day you receive it and your wedding day, contact the prothonotary's office when ready. Explain that your license is lost. The office can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) in addition to the original $65 fee.

Do not wait until your wedding day to look for it. Call as soon as you realize it is missing. The prothonotary can often issue a replacement the same day or within a few days, but if your 60-day validity window is about to close, a delay could force you to reapply and pay the full fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online in Pennsylvania?

No. You must explore in person at your county prothonotary's office. Both people getting married must be present with valid ID and proof of age. Some counties may let you read the process form ahead of time to fill out, but you still have to submit it in person and pay the fee face-to-face.

Do I need my parents' permission if I am under 18?

Pennsylvania allows people as young as 16 to marry with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, bring a parent or legal guardian to the courthouse to sign a consent form. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone's permission. Bring only your ID and proof of age.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

You can use a foreign birth certificate as proof of age, but it must be an official document. Some counties ask for a certified English translation if the document is in another language. Call your county prothonotary ahead of time to ask whether they accept your specific document and whether a translation is needed.

Can I get married the same day I explore for the license?

Yes. Since Pennsylvania has no waiting period, you can receive your license and get married on the same day. However, you need an officiant (a judge, minister, or other authorized person) available to perform the ceremony. The license itself is ready when ready, but coordinating the ceremony is up to you.

What if one person cannot go to the courthouse in person?

Both people must appear in person. Pennsylvania does not allow one person to explore on behalf of the other, and it does not accept proxy applications or remote applications. If one person is out of state or unable to travel, you will have to wait until both can go to the courthouse together.