WHO MUST APPLY

Both individuals must appear in person to complete the application for marriage. If either party cannot speak English, a third adult party, with ID,  must be present to translate.

ID REQUIREMENTS

Social Security # and a government issued photo ID are required. Non US residents must provide a current unexpired passport. We reserve the right to require additional forms of ID as deemed necessary.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

18 years of age for male and female.

Under 18 years of age for either applicant with consent of a parent or guardian. Applicant must present Birth Certificate plus an additional $5.00

Under 16 years of age with the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court, as well as parent or guardian.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

The medical examination and blood test are no longer required...

REMARRIAGES

Applicants who have been previously married must provide the following information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage.

DIVORCES
Must present decree. Decrees in a foreign language must be officially translated. If maiden name has been resumed, that document must presented.

ANNULMENTS
The same information as is required for divorces.

WIDOWED
The date of death of the deceased spouse is required.

WHO MAY NOT MARRY

Blood relatives down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of Pennsylvania.

WHEN TO APPLY

Marriage Licenses are valid on the 3rd day following application. License is valid for only 60 days from issue date.

WHERE TO APPLY

Office of the Clerk of Orphans Court located on the second floor of the Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Office Hours: 8:30 - 4:30 Monday through Friday.

No appointments.

The ceremony need not be performed in the county in which the license was issued. A license issued by any Pennsylvania county can be used in any Pennsylvania county. The license is invalid outside of Pennsylvania.

FEE

$40.00 CASH ONLY

CERTIFIED COPIES

To obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate, either stop in our office or send $10.00 for each copy payable to Register of Wills along with the grooms name, brides maiden name, date of marriage and a self addressed, stamped,  legal size envelope to the Register of Wills at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.  Certified Marriage Request Form

INTERNET ORDINATIONS

Applicants are advised that persons who have been ordained over the internet may not be persons permitted to perform marriages in Pennsylvania. A recent Court decision held that persons ordained over the Internet are not ministers as  defined in the marriage law of Pennsylvania  IF they do not regularly preach to a congregation that regularly meets at a place of worship. You are advised to consult an attorney concerning the legality of such marriages.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY  

PLEASE BE ADVISED: If you choose to be married by someone other than the officiants specifically listed as authorized by PA law, the burden of proof will be on you regarding the legality of your marriage - should future issues arise that require a determination of the marriage's validity.