How to Obtain a Pennsylvania Marriage License

The COVID pandemic has changed how Marriage Bureaus operate. Some require in-person appointments, others allow you to submit all your documents online and meet with an official virtually. Important: All Marriage Bureaus recommend applying for your license at least 4 weeks prior to your wedding date.

Here are the most commonly asked questions, and the answers, regarding obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania.

1. Where do we go to obtain a PA marriage license? 

You can obtain your license from the Marriage License Bureau (part of the Register of Wills) in any Pennsylvania County, regardless of where in PA your wedding will be held. See below for locations and more information.

2. When do we need to get our marriage license? 

A PA marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, and must be acquired at least 3 days prior to the wedding date.

3. Do we both need to be present – in person or virtually – to get the license? What do we need to bring or provide to obtain the license? 

• You do both need to be present to get the license.
• You will need a photo ID and your social security numbers
• If either applicant has had a name change or a previous marriage, you will need documentation of these circumstances.
• The county’s marriage license fee

4. Where are the marriage bureaus near me? When are they open? Do any of them have evening hours?

Each County has its own application, fees, and hours of operation, though they are all similar.  Go to the county that is most convenient for you.

Philadelphia Register of Wills.  To arrange your in-person appointment with the Marriage License Department, email MLAppt@phila.gov. The Register of Wills is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm. Philadelphia requires you to make an in-person appointment. Philadelphia Register of Wills Address: Room 413 City Hall Philadelphia, PA  If you have questions about Philadelpiha Marriage Licenses, call (215) 686-2233. 

Montgomery County Register of Wills  During the COVID-19 emergency, all marriage license applications will be online and finalized during a WEBEX video conference. Applicants may login from different locations. Here is the Montgomery County online marriage license application.

Delaware County Register of Wills They offer 30-minute, in-person appointments for couples who wish to obtain a marriage license. Please call their marriage licenses front desk at 610-891-4416 to make an appointment. You will need to complete the Marriage License Pre-Application Form online before you go to your appointment. Note: The Delaware County Marriage Licenses and Records website includes many helpful links to guide you through the process.

Bucks County Register of Wills All appointments are being done virtually. Before you begin your application, it is important to watch this video tutorial. The tutorial can help you avoid any errors in applying.  Instructions for how to apply online and request a virtual appointment are in this document from the Bucks County Register of Wills. (Scroll down to the sections for Marriage Licenses.)

Chester County Register of Wills Marriage license applications are accepted in person by appointment only. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm and until 6:00pm on Wednesdays. Applications are accepted by appointment only. You can complete the Chester County Marriage License Appointment form or call 610-344-6395 to schedule an appointment.