What Are Pennsylvania Marriage Records?

Pennsylvania marriage records are official documents that provide a detailed record of unions within the state. These documents have been maintained at the county level since September 30, 1885.

Marriage records include various documentation that serve different purposes and provide specific information about a marriage.

One of the most common types is the marriage license. This document is required before a couple can marry, as stated in Chapter 13 Section 1301 of the Pennsylvania Statutes. It typically confirms that both parties meet the legal requirements to marry, such as age and consent.

Another common type of marriage record is the marriage certificate. This document proves that a couple is legally married and is issued after the marriage ceremony. It typically includes details such as the names of the spouses, the date of marriage, and the officiant's name.

Marriage records are often required for legal processes, such as changing one's name for Social Security or tax purposes, applying for benefits, or settling a divorce or estate. Additionally, these records are vital historical documents that can aid in genealogical research and help individuals trace their family history.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

According to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, marriage records, including marriage certificates, are public documents. However, some information, such as the couple's Social Security numbers (SSNs), is typically redacted for their privacy.

Full access to marriage certificates is only limited to the following individuals:

• The individuals named on the certificate
• Their parents, legal guardians, or representatives
• Government agencies for official purposes
• Those who obtain a court order

For the general public, the following information from marriage records is generally available:

• Names of the married couple
• Date of the marriage license issuance
• Place of marriage
• Age at marriage

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Pennsylvania?

Marriage records in Pennsylvania are generally maintained by the county office where the marriage was registered. To locate a document, it is important to first determine the year and the county where the marriage was recorded. This information will help identify the appropriate office that holds the record.

To access marriage records from 1885 to the present, individuals should contact the County Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk offices in the locality where the marriage took place. As for records from 1860 to 1885 in Philadelphia, they should consult the Philadelphia City Archives.

To get copies of these documents, individuals must provide the full names of both parties involved, the date of the marriage, and the county where the marriage license was issued.

They can be requested through mail, in person, or online. Fees may apply and vary based on the method of request and the county handling it.

One can also visit the Pennsylvania State Archives of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to view the digital images of marriage records from 1742 to 1891. However, they do not provide copies of marriage records.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

To search for marriage records, including marriage certificates, in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand that there are two types of copies. Each type serves a different purpose and has a specific method for obtaining it.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document bearing a raised seal and is used for legal purposes. These copies are typically obtained directly from the county courthouse that maintains the records.

Meanwhile, an informational copy contains the same information but is marked as "not valid for identification purposes". It is often used for genealogical or research purposes and can be obtained from commercial online databases.

The following are the various ways how one can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

In-Person

Individuals interested in obtaining a document can visit the Register of Wills or the Orphans' Court office in the county where the document was issued. They must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, complete the request form provided by the office, and pay the required fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the county.

Online

Some counties offer online search tools for marriage certificates in their custody. For Philadelphia, individuals can visit the Philadelphia Historic Records platform. For York County, they can access the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court Online Services. However, these platforms typically require an account subscription before users can utilize their features.

Unlike most states that use the VitalChek platform to provide remote access to certified marriage certificate copies, Pennsylvania's official copy of marriage certificates can only be obtained directly from the county offices where the marriage was registered.

By Mail

Interested parties can also submit their requests to the relevant Register of Wills and Orphans' Court clerk offices via mail. The request must include the full names of both parties at the time of marriage, the date and location of the marriage, and the requester's relationship to the individuals on record.

In addition to these essential details, the requester must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment as a check or money order.

Since requirements can vary by office, it is advisable to consult them by calling their hotline before visiting or sending requests.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Pennsylvania are managed by the county where they were issued, typically through the Register of Wills or the Orphans' Court clerk offices. Each county maintains its records, and there is no centralized state office for marriage license records.

To search for and obtain a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania, one must:

• Gather the required data, including the full names of both parties, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued.
• Contact the appropriate county office either in person, by phone, or by mail.
• Complete and submit the relevant forms, such as Erie County Request for Certified Copy of Marriage License.
• Pay the required fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $65.
• Provide the necessary identification.

Processing times may vary depending on the mode of request. In-person requests are often fulfilled immediately, while mail requests may take 7-10 business days.

Some counties, such as Allegheny County, offer online marriage license search tools. However, these online platforms typically do not provide certified copies. If an official copy is needed, it is best to contact the relevant county offices directly.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the remote services offered by various county Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court clerk offices, the following are several other options for searching Pennsylvania marriage records online:

FamilySearch

FamilySearch, a free genealogy website, provides access to a Pennsylvania marriage database covering the years 1885 to 1950. While the database is not complete, it offers a helpful resource for genealogical research.

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder offers searches of various public marriage records, including those from across Pennsylvania. While these records are not official, the platform can provide quick access to basic information.

Ancestry.com

Ancestry, in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Archives, provides access to digitized family history records, including some marriage records. Pennsylvania residents can access these collections for free.

Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania

Local genealogical societies, like the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, often maintain databases or indexes of marriage records. These resources can be valuable for finding information about historical marriages.

Although these resources generally do not provide certified copies of marriage records, they can offer valuable information about the occurrence of a marriage. To obtain certified copies, individuals must follow the official request process through the relevant local county offices.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of union where the records are not made public and are only accessible to the married couple and certain authorized individuals. Couples may opt for this type of marriage to ensure privacy, protect personal information, or avoid public scrutiny.

Typically, accessing these records requires a court order and a valid reason for the request.

However, Pennsylvania does not offer confidential marriages. All marriage records in the state are considered public records and are generally accessible to anyone, with some information redacted to maintain privacy.

Pennsylvania adheres to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, which allows public access to various government records.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Pennsylvania, marriage license applications are handled at local county offices. Below is an overview of the common requirements:

• Identification Requirements Both applicants must provide:
  • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., state ID, driver's license, passport, or military ID)
  • Proof of SSN (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 Form, or tax documents)
  • For foreign nationals, a valid and unexpired passport is required
• Age Requirements
  • Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Pennsylvania.
• Residency Requirement
  • There is no residency requirement in Pennsylvania. Non-residents can apply for a license, but it is only valid within the state.
• License Validity
  • The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.
  • It can be used anywhere within Pennsylvania but is not valid in other states.
• Waiting Periods
  • Pennsylvania has a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the couple can get married.
• Officiants and Witnesses
  • The marriage must be performed by an officiant authorized under Pennsylvania law.
  • If a couple chooses someone other than those permitted by Pennsylvania Title 23 Section 1503, the validity of the marriage may be questioned.
• Proxy Marriage
  • Proxy marriages are not permitted for marriage license applications in Pennsylvania.
  • Both applicants must be present for the application process, either in person or via video conference, depending on the county's procedures.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Mistakes are common when filling out various documentation, such as marriage certificates.

In Pennsylvania, amending a marriage certificate requires contacting the Orphans' Court Division of the county where it was issued.

Common errors include:

• Errors in residency information
• Inaccurate place of birth
• Incorrect birth dates
• Incorrect marriage date
• Misspelled names
• Wrong parental information

To correct such errors on a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania, follow these steps:

Contact the Relevant County Office

Reach out to the clerk of the Orphans' Court in the county where the marriage record was issued to inquire about their specific procedures.

Complete the Amendment Form

One must obtain and fill out a "Petition for Amendment or Correction of Marriage Record" form from the appropriate county court. The form may vary by county.

Gather Supporting Documentation

Gather supporting documentation, such as birth certificates, passports, or other official documents, to prove the correct information.

File the Petition

Correcting a marriage certificate error in Pennsylvania typically requires filing a petition with the Orphans' Court Division in the county where the marriage certificate was issued. A sworn statement detailing the mistakes and the correct information may also be submitted.

Pay the Fees

Pay any required fees associated with the amendment process.

Attend a Court Hearing

If required by the judge, the individual must attend a court hearing to present their case for the correction of the marriage certificate.

Wait for the Court to Review the Petition

The individual must wait for the court to review their petition and issue an order for the correction. Once approved, the clerk of the Orphans' Court will be authorized to correct the original marriage certificate/record.

The process of correcting information on a marriage certificate may vary slightly depending on the specific county in Pennsylvania. Some counties offer online services for requesting amendments, while others require in-person or mail submissions. For questions regarding the process, it is best to call the relevant county office through their dedicated hotline.

Are Marriage Records Under the Pennsylvania Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Pennsylvania Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and child abduction. This program provides eligible participants with a substitute mailing address to keep their actual address confidential and out of public records.

While the ACP provides a layer of confidentiality, marriage records in Pennsylvania remain generally considered public records. The ACP does not create a separate category of confidential marriages but rather helps protect the participants' actual addresses.

Public access to marriage records is still possible, but the ACP substitute address would be used instead of the participant's real address.

Pennsylvania Marriage Statistics Trends

Recent data reveals significant shifts in American marriage patterns over the past few decades. The proportion of married adults aged 18 and older in the U.S. has decreased from 58% in 1995 to approximately 53%.

Meanwhile, cohabitation has become more prevalent, with about 7% of Americans now living with a partner, compared to only 3% in the mid-1990s.

While the U.S. trends show a significant change, the situation can vary across states, particularly in Pennsylvania, as shown in the following table:

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