Marriage License Fees

Pennsylvania · 2026

Pennsylvania Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Pennsylvania costs $90, depending on the county, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.

Pennsylvania marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 11 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Philadelphia County$90$15—72 hours (3 days)
Allegheny$90——72 hours (3 days)
Montgomery$85$25—72 hours (3 days)
Bucks$85$25Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Delaware$60$25Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Lancaster$75$20—72 hours (3 days)
Chester$75$20—72 hours (3 days)
York County$70$10—72 hours (3 days)
Berks County$65—Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Lehigh County$100$10Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Dauphin$80$10—72 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Pennsylvania marriage license rules

License fee

$90

Each county sets its own fee. Philadelphia charges $90 for a regular license and $100 for a self-uniting (Quaker) license.

Source: phila.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

The license cannot be issued until the third day after you apply. A court can waive the wait in an emergency or for reservists called to active duty.

Source: palegis.us

How long the license is valid

60 days

The license is good for 60 days from the issue date, in any Pennsylvania county.

Source: phila.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

Both parties must be at least 18. There is no parental-consent exception.

Source: palegis.us

What to bring

Philadelphia asks for two forms of ID, one with a photo. Previously married applicants must prove the earlier marriage ended.

Source: phila.gov

Blood test

Not required

The old premarital syphilis test law has been repealed.

Source: palegis.us

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both applicants must appear in person. Exceptions exist for active military service or a declared disaster emergency.

Source: palegis.us

Who can officiate

Includes self-uniting

Judges, magisterial district judges and other listed officials and clergy may officiate. Couples can also marry themselves with a self-uniting license.

Source: palegis.us

Witnesses

Self-uniting marriages need two witnesses to sign the certificate. Philadelphia says a regular license needs an officiant.

Source: palegis.us

Who issues the license

County Register of Wills / Orphans' Court

Licenses are issued by the county Register of Wills (Orphans' Court clerk).

Source: phila.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, applying online, proxy marriage, out-of-state couples. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Pennsylvania?

$90, depending on the county. Each county sets its own fee. Philadelphia charges $90 for a regular license and $100 for a self-uniting (Quaker) license.

Is there a waiting period in Pennsylvania?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). The license cannot be issued until the third day after you apply. A court can waive the wait in an emergency or for reservists called to active duty.

How long is a Pennsylvania marriage license valid?

60 days. The license is good for 60 days from the issue date, in any Pennsylvania county.

How old do you have to be to get married in Pennsylvania?

Both parties must be at least 18. There is no parental-consent exception.

Does Pennsylvania require a blood test?

No. The old premarital syphilis test law has been repealed.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Pennsylvania?

Self-uniting marriages need two witnesses to sign the certificate. Philadelphia says a regular license needs an officiant.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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