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Get your Certified Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

Order your official Pennsylvania marriage certificate online from the comfort of your home. Whether you need a certified copy for a name change or legal documentation, our service simplifies the process. We prepare and submit your application to the Pennsylvania vital records office, helping ensure a smooth experience. Start now and receive your certificate by mail.

Order Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

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Legal Disclaimer

Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records.

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

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Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order a Pennsylvania marriage certificate from the county where the marriage occurred. Gather your required documents and be informed about the current processing time and fee, which varies by county.

Where to Get a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

In Pennsylvania, certified copies of marriage certificate can be obtained from two sources: the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records and the county clerk of orphans' court or register of wills in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Pennsylvania Department of Health — The state vital records office in New Castle maintains marriage records from 1885 to the present. You can request copies by mail or through an authorized online provider. The fee is $20 for a certified copy. Visit the PA Vital Records website for forms and instructions.

County Clerk of Orphans' Court — The county office where the marriage license was originally issued also maintains marriage records. Pennsylvania has 67 counties, each with its own office. In-person service is available at most locations and can be faster for recent marriages.

For the fastest and most convenient option, you can order your Pennsylvania marriage certificate online through our guided application service.

Is a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

Pennsylvania marriage certificate originate at the county level. Couples apply for a marriage license at the county clerk of orphans' court (or register of wills, depending on the county). After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the county office for registration.

The county then forwards a copy of the record to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which maintains a centralized statewide vital records registry. Both the county and the state can issue certified copies of the marriage certificate.

For marriages that occurred before 1885, you'll need to contact the county office directly, as the state registry began that year. For marriages from 1885 onward, either source can provide a certified copy, though fees and processing times may differ.

Pennsylvania Self-Uniting Marriage Tradition

Pennsylvania is one of very few states that offers a self-uniting marriage license, a tradition rooted in the state's Quaker heritage. A self-uniting marriage does not require an officiant — the couple essentially marries themselves in the presence of witnesses.

This unique marriage option dates back to Pennsylvania's founding by William Penn and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), who traditionally conducted marriages as a community event without clergy. Today, the self-uniting license is available to any couple regardless of religious affiliation.

To obtain a self-uniting marriage license, the couple applies at the county clerk's office just like a standard marriage license. Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place, though a judge can waive this waiting period for good cause. The license is valid for 60 days.

Pennsylvania does not recognize common-law marriages entered into after January 1, 2005. However, common-law marriages established before that date remain valid. The state also has no residency requirement for marriage, making it accessible to out-of-state couples.

How to Order a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

You can now order Pennsylvania marriage certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order marriage certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease of use. Your application is securely delivered to the county where the marriage occurred for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your marriage certificate to you. You can place the order in person or by mail through the county, following specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Availability for in-person requests for certified copies of marriage certificate varies by county. To request marriage certificate, search for your county’s vital record issuing agency in this complete list, which provides locations, contact information, and online applications. Carefully review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times before ordering to ensure your application has no errors.



Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Pennsylvania marriage certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

required documents

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Requirements

When applying for a copy of a marriage certificate, you must verify your identity, as stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health – Bureau of Health Statistics & Registries – Division of Vital Records (PaDOH-BHSR-DVR). If you request Pennsylvania marriage records by mail or online, your identification must display the address where you would like the documents to be sent. The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR does not issue marriage certificate as individual counties manage these records, and identification requirements may vary depending on the county.


Cost & fees

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Cost and Fees

The costs for requesting a marriage record depend on the county’s fee and the application method. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

Varies by county.


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x Varies by county.

Processing time

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Processing Time

The processing time for replacing marriage certificate in Pennsylvania varies according to the county. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors. Submitting your documents through our online platform helps streamline the application generation and submission process.

Processing Time

Varies by county.

Rush Processing Time

Not offered

Authorization

Who Is Authorized to Order a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate?

Marriage records in Pennsylvania are unrestricted and available to anyone who can provide the necessary information. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries, Division of Vital Records (PaDOH-BHSR-DVR) allows third-party requests if the requester has a familial or legal relationship with the individual named in the record. This relationship must be supported by appropriate documentation. Additional paperwork may be required to verify eligibility for third-party applicants seeking Pennsylvania marriage records.

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Notarization

The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of marriage certificate, regardless of whether the request is made online, by mail, telephone, or in person.

Tracking

How to Track Your Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Order

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the vital records department for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you mail your vital records request manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to know when it arrives at the correct county office. Once the county office sends your certificate to you, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

Order Other Pennsylvania Vital Records

You can also request other Pennsylvania vital records through Vital Records Online:

You can also explore our related guides:

frequently asked questions

Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate FAQs


  • How Much Does a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    The fee for a certified copy of a Pennsylvania marriage certificate varies by county and ordering method. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state or county fee. Contact your local vital records office or county clerk for the exact current fee schedule. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for an additional charge.

  • Can I Order a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes, you can order a Pennsylvania marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate?

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    In Pennsylvania, the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest may request a certified copy. Third-party requestors typically need to provide a notarized authorization letter from one of the parties named on the certificate, along with valid identification and a statement explaining the purpose of the request.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Pennsylvania. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a Pennsylvania marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate?

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    Pennsylvania marriage records are managed by the county clerk’s office, and corrections and amendment requirements will vary by county. An amendment is necessary when changes to a marriage certificate must be made, requiring specific forms depending on the information that needs correcting. The original document cannot be altered. Instead, supplemental changes are attached as addendums.

    1. A completed, notarized amendment application
    2. Supporting documentation
    3. Appropriate fee(s)

  • Are Pennsylvania Marriage Records Public?

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    In Pennsylvania, marriage records are generally open to the public. Pennsylvania archives can provide a valuable resource for those researching family history or seeking specific information. However, looking for a Pennsylvania marriage record may require significant time investment. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the location of the record, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

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    If you lose your marriage certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the the county.
      1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the county clerk’s email address
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    3. The county office will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Pennsylvania Marriage Certificate

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    Apostilles can be requested from the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

    An apostille is necessary to certify vital records for use in another country. The Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR.

    You will need to provide the following information:

    1. A cover letter or the Request for Legalization of Documents form. Identify the country where the documents will be used and the requester’s name, contact phone, email, and complete mailing address.
    2. Certified Pennsylvania marriage records.
    3. A personal check, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” for $15.00 per document.
    4. A self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your documents. If you wish for the order to be returned by a courier service, you must enclose a prepaid airbill with your order.

    You can submit requests for marriage record apostilles to the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries at the following address.

    For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address: