How to Apply for a Marriage License

When is the office open?

The Marriage License/Passport office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and
Wednesday until 7:30 pm, with the exception of holidays.
NOTE: No applications can be processed after 4:00 pm except on Wednesdays.

PLEASE NOTE
The Department of Court Records will CLOSE at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, November 27th (including Marriage Licenses
and Passports) and is CLOSED on Thursday, November 28th and the offices will reopen on Monday, December 2nd
except the Marriage Licenses and Passports office will be open on Friday, November 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Schedule

What do I need to do to obtain a marriage license?

Completing a marriage license application in Allegheny County is a two-step process. The license is issued after a mandatory 3 day waiting period.

Note: An application for a marriage license is NOT a marriage license.
A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
You should apply for a marriage license at least 2 to 3 weeks before the scheduled date of your marriage ceremony.
A marriage license issued in Allegheny County can be used in any other Pennsylvania county.

Types of Marriage Licenses
There are 2 types of marriage licenses issued in Pennsylvania:
1. A self-uniting marriage license.
2. A traditional marriage license.
A self-uniting marriage license does not require an officiant to solemnize the marriage.
A traditional marriage license requires an officiant to solemnize the marriage.
The Department of Court Records does not determine who may or may not solemnize a marriage.

Instructions to apply for a Marriage License using video conferencing

When should we apply for a license and how long is it valid?

Applicants should take the necessary steps to obtain a Marriage License 2 to 3 weeks before the scheduled date of their marriage ceremony.

Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period between the date applicants apply for a Marriage License and when the license may be issued. If applying on Monday, the license will be ready on Thursday.  If applying on Tuesday, the license will be ready on Friday.  If applying on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, the license will be ready on Monday.

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and may be picked up from the Marriage License Section by either of the applicants, a friend or a relative or it may be mailed upon request.

A marriage license can also be mailed two weeks prior to the wedding date.

May a marriage license issued in Allegheny County be used anywhere else?

A Marriage License issued in Allegheny County may be used anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Likewise, a license issued in any other county in Pennsylvania may be used in Allegheny County.

What about prior marriages?

Applicants who have been previously married and divorced must provide a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage. A certified copy of the divorce decree issued by the courts contains a seal. Certified copies of divorce decrees may be obtained by contacting the Family Division of the Court in which the decree was granted (Civil/Family Division if decree was granted in Allegheny County). A widow or widower must provide the date of death of their former spouse.

NOTE: An additional $10.00  per Decree of Divorce will be added to the standard $80.00  Marriage License Fee. For example, if only one applicant has had a prior divorce, the Marriage License Fee would be $90.00 . If both applicants have had a prior divorce, the Marriage License Fee would be $100.00 .

What are the age requirements to marry?

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license.

Who may not marry?

Persons related by blood up to and including first cousins may not marry in Pennsylvania.

What are the fees for a marriage license?

The fees for a Marriage License vary from county to county. Allegheny County fees, including Pennsylvania taxes and surcharges, are as follows:

Acceptable forms of payments for the fees: Cash/Credit Card/Money Order

Who must file the marriage return?

The officiant performing the marriage ceremony must file the Marriage Return with the Marriage License Section which issued the license, within ten (10) days of the date of the ceremony. A marriage record will not exist if the officiant who performs the marriage fails to file this document. Upon request, the Marriage License Section will inform the couples whether their marriage return has been filed and recorded.

How do I obtain a duplicate marriage license?

Certified copies of a marriage license may be obtained requesting online  or by contacting the Marriage License Section at the address provided below.

*Couples who wish to obtain a certified copy of their marriage record may do so by contacting the county in which their marriage license was issued.

Questions:

Applicants who have questions concerning any of this information may contact the Marriage License Section at dcrml@alleghenycounty.us or (412) 350-4230.