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Pennsylvania Marriage Law Guide

 

Much of the information below is state law; however, this information can change from county to county.  We recommend contacting your County Clerk's Office before applying for your marriage license.

 

Officiants: Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their church to do so.  Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in which the marriage is to be performed.  Ministers must give the bride and groom a marriage certificate upon request.  Also, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within one month after the marriage.

 

M A R R I A G E  L I C E N S E  I N F O R M A T I O N

 

ID Requirement: Drivers License and Social Security number.

Residency Requirement:  Do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania.

If previously married:  Applicants who have been previously married must provide the following information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage.

  • Divorces: Must present decree.  If maiden name has been resumed, must present that document.

  • Annulments:  The same information as is required for divorces.

  • Widowed:  The date of death of the deceased spouse.

Application Requirement:  Both parties to a marriage should appear in person to obtain the license.

Fees:  $31 (depending on county and cash only)

  • There are no exceptions or waivers to the license fee.

  • No extentions or refunds are made once the license is issued.

Waiting Period:  Three days.  There is a three-day waiting period from the day the license is issued until it can be used.

Blood Tests:  No test is required.

Under 18:  Legal age for marriage in the State of Pennsylvania for both bride and groom is 18.  If under 18 years of age, applicants may marry with consent of a parent or guardian.  Applicants must present Birth Certificate plus an additional $5 fee.

If under 16 years of age:  Only with the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court, as well as parent or guardian.

Marriage Ceremony:  Marriage ceremonies may be performed by the following:

  • Judges

  • Justices of Peace

  • County Clerks or their Deputies within appointing county

  • Persons appointed to perform the ceremony by a congregation having regular meetings in the state (i.e., ministers, pastors, priests, rabbis).

Proxy Marriage:  Not permitted.  Both parties must be present.

Common Law Marriage:  Not permitted.

Cousin Marriage:  Not permitted.

Valid:  License is valid for 60 days.  The marriage license can only be used wthin the State of Pennsylvania.

 

For all other states, please check with your state laws.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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