Requirements for Marriage Licenses in Pennsylvania vary by county. There are requirements that must be met by the engaged couple before a county can issue a marriage license. You can apply for a marriage license at the Office of the Clerk of Orphans' Court of any county in Pennsylvania. The following information for Bradford County, Potter County and Tioga County is current as of Jan 2002. Check with county office for any changes.
BRADFORD COUNTY
Where to Apply
Recorder 301 Main Street Towanda, PA 18848 Phone (570) 265-1702 Fax (570) 265-1721
Who Must Apply
Both individuals must appear in person to complete the application for marriage.
Age Requirements
Both the female and male must be 18 years of age. If you are between 16-18 years of age you must have parental consent and the parent(s) must appear and sign the consent form. If you are under 16 years of age, you must petition the court and appear in front of the judge with parents.
Who May Not Marry
Blood relatives down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of Pennsylvania.
When to Apply
At least three days prior to the marriage ceremony.
Waiting Period Required
If you have not been previously married, the license may be issued while you wait. After you receive your marriage license you must wait 3 days before you can be married. EXCEPTION: Servicemen - you must petition the court and appear before the judge in order to have the 3-day waiting period waived. Cost is $19.00 in addition to the $40.00 license fee.
Fees
Bradford County's fee for the marriage license is $40.00 and they accept only cash.
Remarriages
Applicants who have been previously married must provide information regarding the dissolution of all previous marriages.
Information You Must Supply Includes:
Divorces - Annulments - Widowed
You must bring with you all marriage licenses, divorce papers, or death certificates related to all previous marriages.
Valid Marriage Licenses
Your license may be used for your marriage ceremony performed anywhere within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by an officiant meeting the requirements of Pennsylvania laws to perform such services.
Once you have received your marriage license it is value for up to sixty (60) days from the issuing date. The marriage license must be presented to the person officiating your marriage ceremony.
POTTER COUNTY
Where to Apply
Prothonotary Courthouse 1 East 2nd Street Coudersport, PA 16915 Phone (814) 274-9740 Fax (814) 274-3361
Who Must Apply
Both individuals must appear in person to complete the application for marriage.
Age Requirements
Both the female and male must be 18 years of age. If you are under 18 years of age, the law requires the consent of one parent or guardian and they must appear and sign a consent form. If you are under 16 years of age, the law requires the consent of one parent or guardian, and you must petition the court and appear in front of the judge with parent(s) and get approval of the judge. For proof of age, you will be administered an oath that the information you provide is true and correct.
Who May Not Marry
Blood relatives down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of Pennsylvania.
When to Apply
At least three days prior to the marriage ceremony. However, it is recommended that you apply for your license two weeks prior to the scheduled wedding.
Waiting Period Required
If you have not previously been married, the license may be issued while you wait. The license will be dated 3 days ahead. After you receive your marriage license you must wait 3 days before you can be married. EXCEPTION: Servicemen - you must petition the court and appear before the judge in order to have the 3-day waiting period waived. There are no additional costs.
Fees
Potter County's fee for the marriage license is $25.00 and they accept cash only.
Remarriages
Applicants who have been previously married must provide information regarding the dissolution of the most recent marriage.
Divorce - Annulments
You are required to provide the date the divorce or annulment was final.
Widowed
You are required to provide the date of death of the deceased spouse.
Valid Marriage Licenses
Your license may be used for your marriage ceremony performed anywhere within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by an officiant meeting the requirements of Pennsylvania laws to perform such services.
Once you have received your marriage license it is valid for up to sixty (6) days from the issuing date. The marriage license must be presented to the person officiating your marriage ceremony.
TIOGA COUNTY
Where to Apply
Clerk of the Orphans' Court 116 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901 Phone (570) 724-9260 Fax (570) 265-01721 Hours: 9:00am-4:30pm
Who Must Apply
Both individuals must appear in person to complete the application for marriage.
Age Requirements
Both the female and male must be 18 years of age. If you are under 18 years of age, the law requires the consent of one parent or guardian. If you are under 16 years of age, the law requires the consent of one parent or guardian, plus approval of a judge. You must show proof of age, drivers license or birth certificate, if under 21.
Who May Not Marry
Blood relatives down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of Pennsylvania.
When to Apply
At least three days prior to the marriage ceremony. However, it is recommended that you apply for your license two weeks prior to the scheduled wedding.
Waiting Period Required
There is a three day waiting period from the date of your application to the date of issuing the license. For example, if your application is made on:
Fees
The fee for the marriage license varies from county to county. Tioga County's fee is $30.00 payable in cash.
Remarriages
Applicants who have been previously married must provide information regarding the dissolution of the most recent marriage.
Information You Must Supply Includes:
Divorces:
Must present Original Final Decree with raised seal of the court or a certified copy with the raised seal of the court from the Clerk of Courts Office of the county where the divorce took place.
Annulments
The same information is required as for divorces.
Widowed:
The date of death of the deceased spouse.
Valid Marriage Licenses
Your license may be used for your marriage ceremony performed anywhere within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by an officiant meeting the requirements of Pennsylvania laws to perform such services.
Once you have received your marriage license it is valid for up to sixty (60) days from the issuing date. The marriage license must be presented to the person officiating your marriage ceremony.
PA License Info Courtesy of the Respective County Offices