What You Need to Do to Get Married in Pennsylvania
To marry in Pennsylvania, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. You and your partner both go to the office in person, bring required documents, pay a fee, and receive a license that is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period in Pennsylvania — you can marry the same day you receive the license, though most couples schedule their ceremony later.
Pennsylvania does not require blood tests or a medical exam. The process is straightforward: identify your county, gather your documents, visit the clerk's office during business hours, and complete a short process. The license itself is a single document that your officiant (judge, minister, or other authorized person) signs during your ceremony and returns to the county.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office with a valid government-issued ID and proof of age or citizenship.
- Pennsylvania has no waiting period, so you can marry on the same day you receive your license, which is valid for 60 days.
- The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $5 to $15 for the license itself, plus an optional fee for certified copies.
- Your officiant must sign the license during the ceremony and return it to the county clerk within 10 days for the marriage to be recorded.
- If either partner was previously married, you will need a divorce decree or death certificate to prove the prior marriage ended.
Documents You Must Bring to the County Clerk
Both you and your partner need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof of age or citizenship. A birth certificate is the most common proof, but a passport, naturalization papers, or a valid foreign passport also work.
If either of you was married before, bring the final divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse. Pennsylvania requires proof that any prior marriage legally ended. If you were divorced, the decree must show the date the divorce was final, not just the date it was filed.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2. Some counties ask for this in writing on the process; others ask verbally. Call your county clerk's office ahead of time to confirm what they accept, since requirements vary slightly by county.
Where to Go and What It Costs
Visit the county clerk's office (sometimes called the prothonotary's office) in the county where you plan to marry. If you live in different counties, you can go to either one. The office is usually in the county courthouse, but call ahead to confirm the address and hours — many courthouses have limited hours or are closed on certain days.
The license fee ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the county. Some counties charge extra for certified copies of the license after the marriage is recorded — typically $1 to $5 per copy. Ask the clerk how many certified copies you may want (for insurance, name changes, or records) and budget accordingly.
Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger counties offer evening or Saturday hours. Check your county's website or call the main courthouse number to confirm hours before you go.
What Happens During Your Visit
You and your partner will complete a short process form together. The clerk will ask for your names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and information about any prior marriages. You will sign the form in front of the clerk. The clerk will verify your documents, collect the fee, and issue your license on the spot.
The license is a single document, usually one or two pages. Keep it safe — you will need to give it to your officiant before or during the ceremony. The officiant signs it and returns it to the county clerk within 10 days. Once the county records it, your marriage is official.
If you need certified copies of the license after the marriage is recorded, you can order them from the county clerk's office. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the county's workload.
The 60-Day Validity Window and Your Ceremony Date
Your license is valid for 60 days from the date you receive it. Your ceremony must take place within that window, or the license expires and you must obtain a new one. There is no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get the license if you have an officiant available.
Most couples receive the license weeks or months before their ceremony, so the 60-day window is rarely a problem. If your ceremony date falls outside the window, straightforward return to the clerk's office and get a new license. You will pay the fee again.
Who Can Officiate Your Marriage in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania recognizes several types of officiants: ordained or licensed ministers of any faith, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. If you are having a religious ceremony, your clergy member can sign the license. If you want a civil ceremony, a judge or justice of the peace can perform it.
Some couples hire a secular officiant — someone trained to perform ceremonies but not ordained in a religion. Pennsylvania does not have a formal "universal life minister" category, so check with your county clerk about whether your chosen officiant is authorized to sign the license. The clerk can tell you if there is any question.
Your officiant does not need to be from Pennsylvania or licensed in your county — they just need to be authorized to perform marriages in Pennsylvania. Confirm this with your officiant and with the county clerk if you are unsure.
After Your Ceremony: Recording Your Marriage
Your officiant signs the license during or when ready after your ceremony and must return it to the county clerk's office within 10 days. Some officiants mail it; others give it to you to deliver. Ask your officiant what they will do so you know whether to expect them to handle it or to deliver it yourself.
Once the county clerk receives the signed license, they record your marriage. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks. You can call the clerk's office to confirm the marriage has been recorded. After that, you can order certified copies if you need them for name changes, insurance, or other purposes.
If the signed license is not returned within 10 days, the county clerk may contact you or your officiant. If it is lost or damaged, contact the clerk's office when ready — they can issue a replacement or help you track down the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we marry the same day we get the license?
Yes. Pennsylvania has no waiting period. If you have an officiant available, you can marry when ready after receiving your license. Most couples schedule their ceremony later, but the option exists.
What if one of us was married before and we don't have the divorce decree?
Contact the court in the county where the divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the final decree. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few days to a few weeks. Some courts allow you to order online; others require a phone call or in-person visit.
Do we have to marry in the county where we got the license?
No. You can marry anywhere in Pennsylvania or even out of state. The license is valid wherever you choose to have your ceremony, as long as the ceremony takes place within 60 days of the license date.
What if we lose the license before the ceremony?
Contact the county clerk's office when ready. They can issue a replacement. You will likely pay the fee again, and the new license will have a new 60-day validity window starting from the replacement date.
How long does it take for the marriage to be officially recorded?
Once the signed license is returned to the county clerk, recording usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the county's workload. You can call the clerk's office to check the status. Some counties allow you to check online.