Pennsylvania marriage license: cost and requirements
Apply for the license at least 3 days before the wedding; it works throughout Pennsylvania for 60 days. If you want to marry without an officiant, ask for the self-uniting license.
Pennsylvania summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county: $55 (Franklin) to $90 (Philadelphia; $100 for the self-uniting license).
- Waiting period
- 3 days: the license can be used starting the third day after the application.
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- Only the self-uniting license requires two witnesses' signatures; the regular license does not indicate this.
How much is a marriage license in Pennsylvania?
Varies by county: $55 (Franklin) to $90 (Philadelphia; $100 for the self-uniting license).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Both in person; photo ID and proof of age; Philadelphia asks for two IDs (one with a photo) and a Social Security number or birth certificate if you don't have one.
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions according to the county offices consulted.
- Other requirements: No blood test or physical exam is required. Divorced applicants: divorce decree (Butler requires it to be more than 30 days old); widowed applicants: death certificate.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
The county office in charge of licenses (Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court or Clerk of Courts, depending on the county).
Where it is valid: Any Pennsylvania county; not valid outside the state.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 3 days: the license can be used starting the third day after the application.
- Validity: 60 days from issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: Only the self-uniting license requires two witnesses' signatures; the regular license does not indicate this.
- Who can officiate: Regular license: an authorized officiant. Self-uniting license: the couple marries without an officiant.
Pennsylvania counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Pennsylvania county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Pennsylvania rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Berks County (Reading)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Lehigh County (Allentown)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Philadelphia County (Filadelfia)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Pennsylvania
- Confirm where to apply: The county office in charge of licenses (Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court or Clerk of Courts, depending on the county).
- Gather your ID: Both in person; photo ID and proof of age; Philadelphia asks for two IDs (one with a photo) and a Social Security number or birth certificate if you don't have one.
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county: $55 (Franklin) to $90 (Philadelphia; $100 for the self-uniting license).
- Count the waiting period: 3 days: the license can be used starting the third day after the application.
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Pennsylvania marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Any Pennsylvania county; not valid outside the state.
What is the minimum age to marry in Pennsylvania?
18, with no exceptions according to the county offices consulted.
Who can officiate a wedding in Pennsylvania?
Regular license: an authorized officiant. Self-uniting license: the couple marries without an officiant.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- City of Philadelphia, Register of Wills (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Butler County, PA (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Franklin County, PA, Clerk of Courts (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.