advice and tips from Katherine Hunter

in Pennsylvania

Marriage License

How to apply for your 

Let's get married

Within each county courthouse, the Marriage License Bureau is part of the Clerk of the Orphans' Court and Register of Wills. Since the pandemic began, some counties in Pennsylvania now handle all marriage license applications virtually. Here are the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Welcome

At least 3 business days and up to a maximum of 60 days prior to the marriage ceremony. In some counties there is a basic three-business-day waiting period for issuance of the actual license.

Other counties will issue the license right away, but it will not "mature," or become valid until three days have passed. 

When to Apply

You can apply through the Office of the Clerk of Oprhans' Court of any county in PA. You do not have to obtain your license in the county in which you live or are getting married. However, at busy times of the year (think April-June & August-October) some counties will prioritize, or even restrict service to residents of that county. 

Where to apply

PA Marriage License Application

  • In order to apply, both applicants must be present, or attend the virtual meeting. 
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license. 
  • You'll be asked to provide your Social Security Number at the time of application. If you do not have your SS card, a W2 form or any official document with your number is acceptable. 
  • You will need a drivers license or other form of state-issued photo identification. 
  • You may be asked the city and state where your parents were born. Proof is not required. 
  • Visas are required for citizens of another country. Foreign citizens may also need a notarized statement from your home country saying you are not married there. 
  • The application fee will vary by county. A few counties charge an additional fee to provide a copy of your marriage certificate after your efficient files the marriage license for you. 

Application Requirements

  • If one or both partners have been previously divorced, a certified copy of the divorce decree(s) must be presented which shows: 
  • If your current legal name differs from that shown on the decree - you will need documentation of your legal name change from a Court. 

  • Note: Foreign divorces require a certified English translation. 
  • month, day, and year of final divorce decree 
  • state and county where the decree was granted 

Divorced

Katherine Hunter
Officiant


As a wedding officiant in Pennsylvania, it’s a privilege to be trusted with the special moments of so many couple’s lives. I feel lucky to have found meaningful, joyous work that draws on my writing and public speaking skills, as well as my listening and interpersonal skills. I enjoy finding the right words to tell each couple’s story authentically.

I’m a wedding officiant serving the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, Philly, and beyond. I work with couples who are invested in their ceremony, and who want to be active participants in capturing the meaning of their wedding day. We’ll collaborate to weave your story into an unforgettable ceremony.

Officiant Extraordinare

About Katherine