Pennsylvania marriage license offices — by county

Every county that issues marriage licenses in Pennsylvania, with the office name, address, phone and hours. Pick your county below.

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide marriage-license office. Couples apply at the Register of Wills or the Clerk of Orphans' Court in the county where they want to file, and both applicants must appear in person and be examined under oath (23 Pa.C.S. § 1306). In most counties one elected official holds both titles; where the offices are separate, the Clerk of Orphans' Court is the marriage-license office.

Waiting period and validity

State law bars issuance of the license before the third day following the application (23 Pa.C.S. § 1303). A court may authorize earlier issuance in an emergency or when an applicant in the Pennsylvania National Guard or a reserve component is called to active duty. Once issued, a Pennsylvania marriage license is not valid for longer than 60 days from the date of issue (23 Pa.C.S. § 1310).

Who must appear

• Both applicants appear together in person and answer questions under oath about the legality of the marriage and any prior marriages.
• Each applicant must be at least 18 years old; the statute prohibits issuance to a minor (23 Pa.C.S. § 1304).
• The application requires each person's name, occupation, birthplace, residence and age, plus parents' names and birthplaces.
• A military applicant unable to appear may send a verified affidavit in the limited circumstances set out in 23 Pa.C.S. § 1306(b).

License fees are set locally rather than by the state, so the amount differs from county to county. The directory below lists all 67 county offices with the official address, phone number and county website; confirm current hours, fees and appointment rules with the office before visiting.

Questions people ask

Where do we apply for a Pennsylvania marriage license?

At the Register of Wills or Clerk of Orphans' Court office in the county where you want to file. Every county office is listed in the directory below.

Is there a waiting period in Pennsylvania?

Yes. A license cannot be issued before the third day following the application (23 Pa.C.S. § 1303). A court may authorize earlier issuance in an emergency or for certain military activations.

How long is a Pennsylvania marriage license valid?

No longer than 60 days from the date it is issued (23 Pa.C.S. § 1310).

Do both applicants have to appear in person?

Yes. Both appear together and are examined under oath (23 Pa.C.S. § 1306). A limited affidavit exception exists for applicants on active military service.

How much does a Pennsylvania marriage license cost?

Fees are set by each county and vary, so check the fee with the county office listed in the directory.

The 67 counties

Directory last checked 2026-10-24.