Marriage Records

Obtaining Copies

We maintain the records of all marriages in Allegheny County. Find out the cost, types of records, typical record uses and how to obtain records in Allegheny County, as well as contact information for other Pennsylvania counties.

How to Obtain Allegheny County Records

We have marriage records for licenses issued in Allegheny County from 1885 to the present. All records are open to the public and available for viewing. All requests must provide one spouse's complete name at the time of the marriage application and the year of the marriage, as well as the appropriate fee.

You can obtain marriage records in two ways:

  1. Online Marriage License Search - An email address and credit or debit card are required.
    • If your marriage license issued in Allegheny County on January 1, 1996 or later, you can search and/or order your marriage record online.
      Note: Marriage record fees are applicable.
    • If your marriage license issued in Allegheny County prior to January 1, 1996, you can order a marriage record online.
      Note: There is a search fee, even if the marriage record search is unsuccessful.
  2. In person at the Marriage Records Department on the 1st Floor of the City-County Building.

Costs

  • Marriage Record Search & Triple Seal $10.00 (Those with proper military identification are entitled to two triple-seals at no cost.)
  • Plain (non-certified) $4.00
  • Search Fee (unsuccessful search) $4.00

Record Uses

Before requesting a marriage record, first determine the type of record which is appropriate for your needs.

  • Social Security Administration requires a "Triple Seal" marriage record in order to complete a woman's name change
  • Collecting Social Security or pension benefits
  • Mortgage
  • Adoption
  • Passport
  • Any other situation where proof of marriage is required

Types of Records

  • Plain copy of the marriage record which is used for personal and historical use only and not for official use.
  • “Triple-Seal” copy which can be used for any legal matter in or out of state.

Information 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.

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