Marriage License Application

The Department of Court Records, Marriage License and Records website has new features: applicants can now draft, save, and resume marriage license applications. In addition, marriage record requests and status of requests can be checked at any time.

Completing a marriage license application in Allegheny County is a two-step process. The license is issued after a mandatory three-day waiting period.

Note: An application for a marriage license is not a marriage license.

  • A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued
  • Apply for a marriage license at least two to three weeks before the scheduled date of the marriage ceremony
  • A marriage license issued in Allegheny County can be used in any other Pennsylvania county

Types of Marriage Licenses

There are 2 types of marriage licenses that can be issued in Pennsylvania.

Step 1.Self-uniting

A self-uniting marriage license does not require an officiant to solemnize the marriage.

Step 2.Traditional

A traditional marriage license requires an officiant to solemnize the marriage.

The Department of Court Records does not determine who may or may not solemnize a marriage.

Application

Step 1.Completing the Application

There are two ways to complete a marriage license application, filed either online or in person. Online filing requires a valid email address, and applicants will receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted for processing.

Online Marriage License Application

Department of Court Records
Marriage License Section
City-County Building, First Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Google Directions

Step 2.Interviewing

  • Both applicants must appear in person or via video conferencing (complete the application remotely)
  • Photo identification is required

Step 3.Receiving the License

Once the application is processed, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period required by Pennsylvania law. After this period ends, the marriage license will be mailed to the address provided by the applicants. A completed marriage license can also be picked up in person at the Marriage License office.

Fees

The fees for a Marriage License vary from county to county.

Allegheny County fees, including Pennsylvania taxes and surcharges, are as follows:

Description Fee
 Total  $ 90.00 (cash or credit card)
 Marriage License Application Fee Breakdown
Computer Fee $ 29.00
Allegheny County Fee $ 35.50
Pennsylvania Writ Tax $   0.50
Court Technology Fee $  5.00
Act 151 Surcharge $ 10.00
Act 222 Surcharge $ 10.00
 
Additional Fee per Divorce Decree $ 10.00 (cash or credit card)

Contact the Marriage License Office

City-County Building
414 Grant Street, First Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Google Directions

 

Phone: 412-350-4230
Email: dcrml@alleghenycounty.us

 

Contact the Marriage License Office

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
No applications are processed after 4:00 pm

 

Extended Office Hours
April to September
   Saturdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

October to March
   Wednesdays 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

 

Office is closed on county holidays. 

Filing Marriage Returns

The officiant performing the marriage ceremony must file the marriage return with the Marriage License Office which issued the license, within 10 days of the date of the ceremony. A marriage record will not exist if the officiant who performs the marriage fails to file this document. Upon request, the Marriage License Office will inform the couples whether their marriage return has been filed and recorded.

Recording the Marriage Return

 

Obtaining Copies of Marriage Records

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