Federal & State Lawfederalstatelaw.com
Back to Questions
familyPA

How do I get a marriage license in Pennsylvania?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Pennsylvania uniquely issues marriage licenses through Registers of Wills and offers self-uniting licenses.

1. Where to Apply

  • The Register of Wills / Orphans' Court in any Pennsylvania county (23 Pa.C.S. § 1301).
  • License is valid statewide, regardless of issuing county.
  • Both parties must appear together.

    • 2. ID and Documents

  • Government-issued photo ID and Social Security number.
  • Previously married: certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate.

    • 3. Fees

  • $40-$90 by county (Philadelphia $90; many rural counties $40-$50).

    • 4. Waiting Period and Expiration

  • 3-day waiting period between application and license issuance (23 Pa.C.S. § 1303).
  • Waivable by court order for good cause.
  • License valid 60 days from issuance (23 Pa.C.S. § 1305).

    • 5. Age and Residency

  • 18 minimum with no parental-consent exception — Pennsylvania banned all minor marriages in 2020 (23 Pa.C.S. § 1304).
  • No residency requirement.

    • 6. Self-Uniting Licenses

  • Pennsylvania is one of few states allowing self-uniting (Quaker) licenses — couples solemnize their own marriage without an officiant (23 Pa.C.S. § 1502).

    • 7. Blood Test and Same-Sex Marriage

  • No blood test since 2003.
  • Same-sex marriage legal since Whitewood v. Wolf (M.D. Pa. 2014), confirmed by Obergefell (2015).

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Underage marriage (banned in PA — special petition required)
    • Marriage to an immigrant for immigration status purposes
    • Complex prior divorce or international decree validity issues
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 23 Pa.C.S. § 1301
    • 23 Pa.C.S. § 1303
    • 23 Pa.C.S. § 1304
    • 23 Pa.C.S. § 1305
    • 23 Pa.C.S. § 1502
    • Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.