How to Obtain a Marriage Record
How can I get a copy of a marriage record?
In Pennsylvania, the Director of the Orphans' Court Division of each county is responsible for maintaining the records of all marriages in the county where the marriage license was issued.
In Allegheny County, an individual may obtain a marriage record by either appearing in person at the Marriage Records Department or by mailing a letter of request to the department. All requests must provide the husband or wife's complete name at the time of their marriage application and the year of their marriage, as well as the appropriate fee.
Upon receipt of a request, the Marriage Records Department will immediately conduct a search and prepare the marriage record requested. It is important to remember that a marriage record is maintained in the county where the marriage license was issued.
An order form to request a marriage record by mail is linked to this page for your convenience.
Why would I need a copy of a marriage record?
There are a variety of reasons why an individual may need a copy of a marriage record. For example, the Social Security Administration requires a "sealed copy" marriage record in order to complete a woman's name change. It is important to complete a name change prior to filing a joint income tax return with the Department of Treasury, otherwise, a tax refund will not be issued.
Other reasons why you may need a copy of a Marriage Record include collecting Social Security or pension benefits; for mortgage, adoption or passport purposes and any other situation where proof of marriage is required.
It is recommended that before requesting a marriage record, first determine the type of record which is appropriate for your needs.
What type of marriage records are available?
There are two types of marriage records available. The first is a plain copy of the marriage record which is used for personal and historical use only and NOT for official use. The second type of marriage record is referred to as a “Triple-Seal” copy which can be used for any legal matter in or out of state.
What type of information is contained on a marriage record?
Over the years, the information required on a marriage application has changed. Traditionally, each applicant's full name, age, residence, occupation and place of birth are contained on marriage license applications. In addition, beginning in 1915, the name of each applicant's parents as well as their occupations and places of birth are a part of each application.
The Allegheny County Marriage Records Department maintains all marriage records for licenses issued in Allegheny County from 1885 to the present. All of these records are open to the public and available for viewing.
What are the costs for a marriage record?
The costs for a marriage record vary from county to county. Allegheny County charges are as follows:
| Marriage Record Search & Triple Seal |
$10.00 |
| Plain (non-certified) |
$ 4.00 |
|
 Marriage Record Order Form
- Payable by MONEY ORDER only
- $10.00 search fee includes copy of record
- This interactive PDF form can be filled in on your
computer and printed out.
- With proper military identification, entitled to two free triple-seals.
|
Duplicate marriage licenses
The Allegheny County Marriage License Bureau offers Certified Marriage Certificates that can be used in place of a lost marriage license. The particulars of a couple's wedding date are included on an attractive certificate that can be framed, placed in a scrapbook or given as a commemorative gift to couples celebrating a special wedding anniversary.
Office hours
The Marriage Record Department is open, exclusive of Holidays, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Questions
Applicants who have questions concerning any of this material may contact the Marriage Records Department at (412) 350-4232.
Additional copies
Single copies of this material are available in a pamphlet format by writing to:
Department of Court Records
Wills/Orphans' Court Division
Marriage License Bureau
1st Floor, City-County Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15219