What you pay for a Pennsylvania marriage license

A Pennsylvania marriage license costs $65 in most counties. You pay this fee when you file for the license at your county courthouse or authorized issuing office — not when you get married. The fee is the same whether you are getting married in Pennsylvania or out of state, as long as you obtain the license from a Pennsylvania county.

Some counties may charge a small additional fee for expedited processing or for certified copies of the license after marriage, but the base license fee is $65. A few counties have reported slightly different fees, so calling your specific county clerk's office before you go can save a trip if there is any variation.

You cannot pay this fee online or by mail in Pennsylvania. You must appear in person at the county courthouse or clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, or in the county where at least one of you lives.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Pennsylvania marriage license fee is $65, paid at the county courthouse when you file for the license.
  • You must explore in person in the county where you plan to marry or where one of you resides.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, so timing your process matters if you have a specific wedding date.
  • Both people getting married must be present at the time of process, and you will need valid identification and proof of age.
  • Pennsylvania has no waiting period between obtaining the license and getting married, unlike some other states.

What documents and ID you need to bring

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, though you do not need to bring a card. Both people must be present when you file.

If either of you was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you were married before in Pennsylvania, the county clerk can often look up the record, but having the document with you speeds the process. If the previous marriage ended in another state, bring proof of that divorce or death.

You do not need a birth certificate, but the clerk will ask your date of birth and will verify it against your ID. Bring any documents that show a legal name change if your current name differs from the one on your birth records — a court order or marriage certificate from a previous marriage, for example.

How long the license is valid and when you can use it

A Pennsylvania marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. You can marry any time during that 60-day window. There is no waiting period in Pennsylvania — you can marry the same day you receive the license if you wish, though most couples plan ahead.

If the 60 days pass without a marriage, the license expires and you must file again and pay the $65 fee a second time. If you marry outside Pennsylvania but need a Pennsylvania license, the license is still valid only for 60 days, so plan your out-of-state wedding within that window.

Where to pay and how the process works

Go to the courthouse or clerk's office in your county. In larger counties like Philadelphia or Allegheny, there may be a dedicated marriage license office separate from the main courthouse. Call ahead to find the exact location and hours — many offices have limited hours or close for lunch.

When you arrive, you will fill out the process form (the clerk provides it), show your ID, and answer questions about your background and previous marriages. The clerk will ask whether either of you has been convicted of certain crimes or has a protection from abuse order against you, as these can affect your right to marry in Pennsylvania.

Once the form is complete and the fee is paid, you receive the license on the spot. Some counties issue it when ready; others may take a few minutes to process. You do not need to return to get it — you walk out with it the same day.

Age requirements and who cannot marry in Pennsylvania

You must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry with written consent from both parents or guardians. If you are under 16, Pennsylvania does not permit marriage.

You cannot marry if you are already married to someone else, if the other person is your close relative (sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew), or if there is an active protection from abuse order against you filed by the other person. The clerk will ask about these situations when you explore.

What happens after you marry

After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (officiant) signs the license and returns it to the county. You do not return it yourself. The county records the marriage and issues a certified marriage certificate, which you can order later if you need it for name changes, insurance, or other purposes.

A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs money and is ordered separately from the county clerk — usually between $10 and $20 depending on the county. You do not receive it automatically with the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can obtain the license in any Pennsylvania county, but it is usually easiest to get it in the county where you plan to marry or where one of you lives. The license is valid statewide.

What if one of us lives out of state?

You can still get a Pennsylvania license. At least one of you must appear in person at the county courthouse. If only one of you can travel, that person can go alone, but both of you must sign the process form — the absent person may need to sign it beforehand or the clerk may have a process for remote signing. Call your county clerk to ask.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam?

No. Pennsylvania does not require blood tests, medical exams, or proof of vaccinations for marriage licenses.

What if I want to change my name after marriage?

You can use your marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, your driver's license, and other agencies. You do not need a separate court order in Pennsylvania — the marriage certificate itself serves as proof of the name change.

Can I marry someone of the same sex?

Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes same-sex marriage, and the process and fee are identical to opposite-sex marriage.