Marriage Licenses

Marriage License Applications in York County are filed electronically, and appointments are held by video conference.  Marriage Licenses are emailed to applicants following the video conference.

MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION INFORMATION & PROCEDURE

WHO MUST APPLY?

Both individuals to be married must complete the application for marriage. All applicants must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

WHO MAY NOT MARRY?

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

WHEN TO APPLY?

The marriage license must be obtained at least three (3) days prior to the marriage ceremony. The three-day waiting period does not start until after your appointment. The license will expire sixty (60) days after the three-day waiting period. The office schedules marriage license application video conference meetings from 8:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding County holidays.

WHERE?

A marriage license may be obtained from the Clerk of Orphans' Court in any county in Pennsylvania. The ceremony need not be performed in the county in which the license was issued but must be performed in the state of Pennsylvania.

FEES

The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county. The fee in York County is $70.00 plus a debit/credit card processor fee.

REQUIREMENTS

You will need the following Identification:

  • As of January 1st, 1998, you must give your Social Security Number.
  • Identification: Driver’s License, Non-Driver Photo ID, or Passport are accepted.
  • Divorce Decree and Notice to Resume Prior Surname (if applicable)
  • When original documentation is written in a foreign language, a notarized translation must also be submitted.

PROCEDURE

  1. E-file a marriage license application. Carefully read the help text and follow the prompts for e-filing. Leaving incomplete information or using n/a will result in rejection.
  1. Upload required documents as noted above.
  1. Choose a date and time for the video conference. Both applicants must be present during the video conference, but it is permissible to join from separate locations. Both applicants must be in a stationary location for the video conference.  You may NOT be driving.
  1. A confirmation email will be sent once the e-filed application is submitted. A video conference invitation will also be sent on the day of the appointment. You may join the video conference from any computer or a smartphone with a webcamera.
  1. During the video conference, each applicant will need to show their IDs through the camera.
  1. Your marriage license will be emailed to you after the process is complete. Present the three-page license and instructions to your officiant to get married.
CLICK HERE TO E-FILE MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION

OFFICIANTS

Please be advised that if a couple choses to be married by someone other than the officiants authorized by Pennsylvania Title 23 §1503, and any issues arise regarding the validity of their marriage, the burden of proof regarding the legality of said marriage will be upon the couple.  For information about who may legally perform marriages in Pennsylvania, please review Officiant Disclaimer of Liability.  This office will not determine what is or is not a church or congregation.

MARRIAGE NAME CHANGE

For individuals who plan to change their name when marrying, please print a copy of the Name Change Checklist For Marriage License Applicants brochure.