Before you can walk down the aisle and say “I do,” you’ll need one very important document, your marriage license. Every county in Pennsylvania issues its own marriage licenses through the courthouse, and while the rules are pretty similar across the state, fees, hours, and application details vary.
To make things easier, we’ve created this Central PA Marriage License Directory, a one-stop resource for brides and couples planning weddings in Lancaster, Dauphin (Harrisburg), Lebanon, York, and Adams counties.
Details in this guide are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your county courthouse before applying for your marriage license.
Lancaster County Marriage License
Where to Apply
Register of Wills – Lancaster County Courthouse
50 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-8242
Lancaster County Marriage License Info
The Process
- Complete the online marriage license application.
- Appear together at the courthouse for an in-person interview (no appointment needed).
- Bring photo IDs, Social Security numbers, and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate.
- Pay the fee at your interview.
- Receive your license after the 3-day waiting period.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $60 (cash, money order, or certified check payable to 'Lancaster County Clerk of the Orphans’ Court')
Waiting Period: 3-day
Validity: 60 days (valid anywhere in PA)
Dauphin County (Harrisburg) Marriage License
Where to Apply
Register of Wills – Dauphin County Courthouse
101 Market St., Room 103, Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6500
Dauphin County Marriage License Info
The Process
- Complete the online marriage license application.
- Upload required documents (photo IDs, Social Security numbers and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate).
- Schedule a video conference appointment.
- Attend video conference together. Be ready to show IDs and e-sign the application on camera.
- Choose to pickup your license or have it mailed to you.
- Receive your license after the 3-day waiting period.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $80 + processor fee (online payment only)
Waiting Period: 3-day
Validity: 60 days (valid anywhere in PA)
Lebanon County Marriage License
Where to Apply
Marriage License Office – Lebanon County Municipal Building 400 S. 8th St., Room 105, First Floor, Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 228-4415
Lebanon County Marriage License Info
The Process
- Call to schedule an appointment. Both applicants must appear together, in person, to apply.
- Bring your photo ids, Social Security numbers, and your parents' names, addresses, occupations and places of birth (this information is needed for the application). If divorced, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or annulment (with raised seal). If widowed, provide the date of your spouse's death; if a maiden name was resumed, bring legal documentation. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, be sure to notify the clerk when applying.
- Pay fees at the time of application.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $80 (non-refundable cash, check or money order only)
Optional wavier of 3-day waiting period: $25 (free for military)
Certified copy of marriage records: $10
Waiting Period: 3-day
Validity: 60 days (valid anywhere in PA)
✨ Firefly Brides Tip: Lebanon County has limited weekday hours, plan ahead if you or your fiancé work 9–5.
York County Marriage License
Where to Apply
York County Clerk of Orphan's Court - York County Judicial Center 45 N. George St., Second Floor, York, PA 17401
(717) 771-9288
York County Marriage License Info
The Process
- Apply for your marriage license using the online application.
- Upload all required documents including photo IDs, Social Security number, divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
- Choose a date and time for your video conference appointment. Both applicants must attend.
- After the video conference, your marriage license will be emailed to you.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $70 (plus debit/credit card processor fee)
Waiting Period: 3-day
Validity: 60 days (valid anywhere in PA)
Adams County Marriage License
Where to Apply
Clerk of Courts – Adams County Courthouse
117 Baltimore St., Room 103, Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 337-9826
Adams County Marriage License Info
The Process
Complete the online marriage license application through the Adams County Clerk of Courts portal or by downloading the Adams County Clerk of Courts mobile app.
Complete all required questions, including full middle names and occupations (for both applicants and applicant's parents). Incomplete or misspelled entries may delay approval.
After submitting your application, upload both applicants’ government-issued photo IDs and, if applicable, certified divorce decrees or death certificates.
Schedule your video marriage appointment using the mobile app (Orphans Court → Marriage Information → Video Marriage Application Appointment) or via the county website.
You'll receive the email confirming your appointment date and time, along with a video meeting link. The day before your appointment you will receive a payment request email. Payment must be completed before 8:15 a.m. on the day of your appointment, or your appointment will be cancelled.
The morning of your appointment, you will receive an application proof email. Be sure to take time to review it carefully for spelling and mistakes. Corrections to the application after submission requires a $65 filing fee.
Be sure both of you are present for the appointment.
Receive your license after the 3-day waiting period.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $70 (non-refundable; payment due before appointment)
Waiting Period: 3-day
Validity: 60 days (valid anywhere in PA)
Statewide Rules for All Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses
- Both applicants must appear together in person to apply
- The minimum age for applicants to get married is 18 years old.
- There is a 3-day waiting period after applying
- Licenses are valid for 60 days
- Licenses are valid anywhere in Pennsylvania
- Self-uniting licenses are available in the state of Pennsylvania
Firefly Brides Final Tip
Although not very glamorous, applying for your marriage license is absolutely essential. Using the county-specific information above you should plan to apply about 3-6 weeks before your wedding day. This will ensure you have plenty of time to get your paperwork in order and avoid any courthouse hiccups.
Still have questions about the process? We've got you covered. Browse our Pennsylvania Marriage License FAQ or head to our complete guide on getting a marriage license in Central PA.
