How to Get Married in Pennsylvania (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Pennsylvania · Last updated 2026-05-18
Pennsylvania runs its marriage-license system on its own family-law code. Between license issuance and the ceremony itself, the rule is: 3 days. Once issued, the license is good for: 60 days. On informal marriage, January 1, 2005. This guide details what Pennsylvania requires from license application through return of the signed license to the clerk after the ceremony.
Key Considerations
Pennsylvania marriage-license applicants face two upfront filters: how much the license costs and whether both applicants meet the age requirement. Fee side: the dollar amount of the marriage-license fee is determined by the issuing clerk's office rather than by a single statewide statute, and couples should confirm the current charge with the specific county or town clerk that will issue the license (consult the state code). Age side: No marriage license may be issued if either of the applicants for a license is under 18 years of age. The state marriage code, not local custom, controls each one.
Beyond the license itself, two Pennsylvania rules shape what counts as a legally completed marriage. The first is whether Pennsylvania still permits common-law marriage at all: January 1, 2005. The second is the list of people who may lawfully perform the ceremony: 23 Pa.C.S. § 1503. Both are settled by statute.
Pennsylvania also imposes timing rules on either side of license issuance. The waiting period (if any) controls how soon after the license is issued the ceremony can lawfully occur: 3 days. The validity window controls how long the license remains good: 60 days. Couples should calendar both dates against the planned ceremony date.
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Relevant Documents
For a Pennsylvania marriage, the core documents are the marriage-license application filed with the issuing clerk and, where a premarital-course incentive applies, the certificate of completion from a state-approved provider. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Marriage-license fee collection in Pennsylvania happens at the counter when the application is filed, and the clerk's office issues a receipt for the payment.
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Marriage License Requirements
In Pennsylvania, couples must apply for a marriage license at their county's Register of Wills or Marriage License Bureau. Both parties must appear in person, provide proof of identity (valid photo ID), and pay a fee (typically $50-$100). There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after application before the license is issued, and the license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
Age Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Individuals who are 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent. Anyone under 16 cannot marry in Pennsylvania, as the state eliminated all exceptions for those under 16 with Act 18 of 2020.
Solemnization Requirements
Pennsylvania recognizes marriages performed by judges, mayors, ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious officials. The state also allows self-uniting marriages (Quaker marriages) where no third-party officiant is required. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the county office within 10 days.
Name Change After Marriage
Pennsylvania allows either spouse to change their surname after marriage by using their marriage certificate as legal documentation. Options include taking a spouse's surname, hyphenating surnames, or creating a new surname. The marriage certificate serves as proof for updating identification documents like driver's licenses and Social Security cards.
Premarital Agreements
Pennsylvania recognizes premarital agreements (prenuptial contracts) under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. These agreements must be in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable. They can address property division, spousal support, and other financial matters in case of divorce, but cannot determine child custody or support in advance.
Regional Variances
Major Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has its own Marriage License Bureau located at City Hall, Room 413. The waiting period is still 3 days as per state law, but Philadelphia specifically requires both parties to appear in person when applying. They also have unique local fees ($90 total as of 2023) and may require proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married. Self-uniting licenses (Quaker marriages) are explicitly available in Philadelphia with no additional requirements beyond the standard state process.
In Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), marriage licenses are issued by the Allegheny County Marriage License Bureau. While following state laws, they have specific local fees ($80 as of 2023) and their own documentation requirements. Pittsburgh allows for virtual marriage license applications (implemented during COVID-19 and continued), which differs from some other counties that require in-person applications. Self-uniting licenses are available but may require additional documentation showing religious affiliation.
In Harrisburg (Dauphin County), marriage licenses are processed through the Register of Wills office. They strictly enforce the state's 3-day waiting period with very few exceptions. Dauphin County has specific local fees ($55 as of 2023) and requires both applicants to appear in person with valid ID. Self-uniting licenses are available but the county may require a statement explaining the reason for choosing this option.
Rural Counties in Pennsylvania
Lancaster County is known for its large Amish population and has specific accommodations for religious marriages. The county explicitly recognizes self-uniting licenses without requiring religious affiliation documentation (which some other counties may request). Marriage licenses are issued through the Register of Wills office with a fee of $60. The county strictly adheres to the 3-day waiting period but may have more flexible hours to accommodate the rural population.
Centre County (home to Penn State University) has specific procedures for student marriages, including extended hours during certain periods and acceptance of student IDs as valid identification. The county charges $60 for marriage licenses and follows the state's 3-day waiting period. They may have more limited office hours than urban counties, so advance planning is recommended.
Pike County, located on the border with New York and New Jersey, has specific procedures for out-of-state couples. They require additional verification for non-Pennsylvania residents and charge $80 for marriage licenses. The county strictly enforces documentation requirements and may have more limited office hours than urban counties. Self-uniting licenses are available but the county requires a notarized affidavit explaining the reason for choosing this option.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Submit the Pennsylvania marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office
Before the ceremony days after startingthe dollar amount of the marriage-license fee is determined by the issuing clerk's office rather than by a single statewide statute, and couples should confirm the current charge with the specific county or town clerk that will issue the license (consult the state code). Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree.
Have identification and prior-marriage paperwork ready when filing the application
Before the ceremony days after startingStandard documents include a current driver's license or passport for each applicant, plus a certified divorce decree, annulment order, or spouse's death certificate for anyone previously married.
If a premarital-course discount applies, complete an approved course before applying
Before the ceremony days after startingNo state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Bring the original certificate of completion to the application appointment so the clerk can apply the discount or waiver at filing.
Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period
Before applying days after starting3 days. A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk.
Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date
Before the ceremony days after starting60 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply.
Hold the ceremony with an authorized Pennsylvania officiant
At the ceremony days after starting23 Pa.C.S. § 1503. Make sure the officiant is qualified under the state's officiant list before the ceremony; a marriage performed by a person not authorized to solemnize is not a lawful Pennsylvania marriage.
Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony
After the ceremony days after startingRecording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit the Pennsylvania marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office | the dollar amount of the marriage-license fee is determined by the issuing clerk's office rather than by a single statewide statute, and couples should confirm the current charge with the specific county or town clerk that will issue the license (consult the state code). Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Have identification and prior-marriage paperwork ready when filing the application | Standard documents include a current driver's license or passport for each applicant, plus a certified divorce decree, annulment order, or spouse's death certificate for anyone previously married. | - | Before the ceremony |
| If a premarital-course discount applies, complete an approved course before applying | No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Bring the original certificate of completion to the application appointment so the clerk can apply the discount or waiver at filing. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period | 3 days. A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk. | - | Before applying |
| Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date | 60 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Hold the ceremony with an authorized Pennsylvania officiant | 23 Pa.C.S. § 1503. Make sure the officiant is qualified under the state's officiant list before the ceremony; a marriage performed by a person not authorized to solemnize is not a lawful Pennsylvania marriage. | - | At the ceremony |
| Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony | Recording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available. | - | After the ceremony |
Frequently Asked Questions
January 1, 2005. The doctrine has been narrowed or abolished prospectively in most states over the past century. Couples planning a future marriage in Pennsylvania should not assume common-law status without confirming the current rule against the state marriage code.
the dollar amount of the marriage-license fee is determined by the issuing clerk's office rather than by a single statewide statute, and couples should confirm the current charge with the specific county or town clerk that will issue the license (consult the state code). Confirming the exact dollar amount with the specific Pennsylvania issuing office before the application appointment avoids surprises at the counter, especially in states where multiple clerks issue licenses at different fee levels.
3 days. Plan the ceremony date in Pennsylvania against the earliest lawful day under this rule; a wedding that occurs before the period runs is voidable, and the couple would have to redo the ceremony after the period closes.
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