Pennsylvania Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In Pennsylvania, the marriage license fee is set by each county and typically ranges from approximately $40 to $90. The fee is collected by the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk in the issuing county. Because the fee varies by jurisdiction, applicants should confirm the exact amount with the county clerk's office where they plan to obtain the license.

Pennsylvania imposes a three-day waiting period before a marriage license becomes effective; the license is valid for use beginning on the fourth day after issuance. This waiting period may be waived by court order in certain circumstances. Once effective, a marriage license remains valid for sixty days from the date of issuance.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Pennsylvania license guide → · Compare fee models by state →