Reading Pennsylvania Marriage License

Reading residents apply for a marriage license at the Berks County Services Center on Court Street, which is located within the city of Reading itself. Because Reading is the county seat of Berks County, residents benefit from having the Register of Wills office right in town. You do not apply at Reading City Hall; instead, the Berks County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court on the second floor of the Services Center processes all marriage license applications. Both parties must appear together and bring valid identification to complete the application.

Berks County Register of Wills in Reading

The Berks County Services Center is located at 633 Court Street in Reading, and the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court occupies the second floor of the building. The office phone number for the marriage license division is 610-478-6600, extension 5618. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Berks County offers some of the longer daily office hours among Pennsylvania counties, giving Reading residents more flexibility for when they can come in to apply.

The fee range listed reflects published estimates. Call 610-478-6600 ext. 5618 or visit the Berks County website to confirm the exact current fee before your visit.

Reading Marriage License Application Requirements

Both applicants must appear at the Berks County Services Center together to apply for a Reading marriage license. This is required by Pennsylvania statute §1306. Each person must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state identification card, or U.S. passport. Staff will also ask for Social Security information as part of the application process.

Previously married applicants must bring supporting documentation. Widowed applicants should have a certified death certificate for the deceased spouse. Divorced applicants need the original or a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If any documents are written in a language other than English, a certified translation must accompany them. All applicants must be at least 18 years old in compliance with §1304(b) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The office staff can answer specific questions about documentation when you call to prepare for your visit.

Note: Arrive with all documents in hand to avoid delays or the need to schedule a second visit.

Reading Waiting Period and Marriage License Validity

After submitting your Reading marriage license application, you must wait three days before the license is valid for use. The waiting period is mandated by §1303 of Pennsylvania law. The license is physically issued on the day of your application, but it cannot be used to solemnize a marriage until the three-day period has elapsed. This waiting period applies statewide and cannot be reduced for Reading residents or anyone else in Berks County.

The Reading marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, as established by §1310. If your ceremony does not take place within 60 days, the license expires and you must reapply. For most couples, applying one to three weeks before the planned ceremony is sufficient. This approach accounts for the three-day waiting period and leaves ample time before the 60-day expiration window closes. Reading has many venues for weddings, including parks, historic sites, and event spaces throughout Berks County.

About Reading and Berks County Marriage Records

Reading is the fifth most populous city in Pennsylvania. It serves as the governmental and commercial center of Berks County, a county with a rich history that includes significant Pennsylvania German heritage. The Berks County Register of Wills maintains marriage records that span many generations, making the office a valuable resource for genealogical research as well as current applications. Official documentation resources are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health vital records forms page.

Pennsylvania's vital records forms page at the Department of Health provides official documentation resources that complement the marriage license application process in Reading and throughout Berks County.

Historical marriage records for Berks County, including older records from Reading and surrounding townships, may be accessible through the county office or through the Pennsylvania State Archives. Contact the Berks County Register of Wills directly for information on searching older records that may not be available online.

Note: Records availability varies by date range; older records may require an in-person visit or formal records request.

Pennsylvania Marriage Statutes for Reading Applicants

Reading marriage license applications are governed by Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The statutes apply uniformly across the Commonwealth, meaning the rules in Berks County are identical to those in Philadelphia, Allegheny, or any other county. Section 1301 requires a valid license before any marriage ceremony. Section 1306 mandates that both parties appear in person. Section 1303 imposes the three-day waiting period. Section 1310 limits validity to 60 days. Section 1503 governs who may legally conduct a marriage ceremony in Pennsylvania.

For Reading couples planning a ceremony with a religious officiant, a civil magistrate, or any other authorized celebrant, confirming that your chosen officiant qualifies under §1503 is an important step. Most ordained clergy, judges, and registered secular officiants in the Reading area will meet the statutory definition of an authorized officiant. If there is any question, the Berks County Register of Wills office can provide guidance.

• Apply at 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Reading
• Both parties must appear in person per §1306
• Three-day waiting period under §1303
• License valid for 60 days under §1310
• Fee approximately $60–$80; verify before visiting

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