Requirements vary as each marriage license bureau in Pennsylvania have their own requirements. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate clerk's office.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
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: $80 - Cash Only.
• There are no exceptions or waivers to the license fee.
• No extensions or refunds are made once the license is issued.
Waiting Period: 3 days. There is a three day waiting period from the day the license is issued until it can be used.
Blood Tests: No test.
Under 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 $5.00
• If Under 16 years of age with the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court, as well as parent or guardian.
Legal age for marriage in the State of Pennsylvania for both bride and groom is 18.
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 Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.
Common Law Marriage: No.
Cousin Marriage: No.
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.
Valid: License is
valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of
Pennsylvania.
Lehigh County
Allentown, PA
610.782.3173
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