Adams County Marriage License Records

Adams County offers one of the most modern ways to apply for a marriage license in Pennsylvania. The Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg handles all marriage license applications through an online portal and video appointment system. Both applicants must be Adams County residents, or at least one of you must live in Adams County to apply here. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to bring, and how the process works from start to finish.

How Adams County Marriage License Applications Work

Adams County has moved away from traditional walk-in applications. Instead, couples use the Adams County Clerk of Courts mobile app to start their marriage license application online. Once you download the app, you will find the Orphans' Court section, which is where you schedule your video appointment. This approach lets you handle much of the paperwork before your appointment, which saves time and reduces errors.

Before your video appointment, you must upload all required documents through the portal. This includes government-issued photo IDs for both applicants. If either person was previously married, you will also need to upload a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased spouse. Having these ready ahead of time keeps your appointment moving smoothly.

The day before your scheduled appointment, you will get a payment request by email. That payment must be completed before 8:15 a.m. on the morning of your appointment. Do not wait until the last minute. If payment is not received on time, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Note: At least one applicant must be an Adams County resident to apply for a marriage license through this office.

Adams County Marriage License Online Portal

The online portal through the Adams County Clerk of Courts app is the main way couples access marriage license services. You can start your Adams County marriage license application through the official portal. The app guides you through each step, including uploading documents and confirming your appointment time.

On the morning of your video appointment, you will receive a proof email. Read every detail in that email carefully. The proof contains the information that will appear on your official license, so any names, dates, or addresses must be exact. Errors caught at this stage are much easier to address than changes made later.

If corrections are needed after the proof email has been sent, a $65 correction filing fee applies. That is why reviewing the proof email with full attention matters. Both applicants must be present and visible during the video appointment itself.

Where to Get Your Adams County Marriage License

The Adams County Courthouse is located at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 103, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The Clerk of Orphans' Court office handles marriage license issuance. You can reach the clerk at 717-337-9806 and the Register of Wills at 717-337-9826.

Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Marriage license appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Because appointments are conducted via video, you do not need to visit the courthouse in person for the initial application. However, you should confirm current procedures with the office before your appointment date.

Gettysburg is the county seat of Adams County and sits in south-central Pennsylvania near the Maryland border. The town is best known for its Civil War battlefield, but the courthouse is equally busy handling the legal needs of Adams County residents, including marriage license applications for couples planning to wed in the area.

Note: Documentation submitted through the portal is held in confidence and is not part of the public record.

Pennsylvania Marriage License Laws That Apply in Adams County

Pennsylvania law governs marriage licenses across all 67 counties, including Adams County. Under Pennsylvania Title 23, Section 1301, a valid marriage license is required before any marriage can take place in the state. You cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania without one.

Section 1303 requires a 3-day waiting period after you submit your application. The license cannot be used until those three days have passed. Emergency exceptions exist but require court approval. Plan your application date with enough lead time before your ceremony.

Section 1304(b) sets the minimum age at 18 for both applicants. Section 1304(e) prohibits marriage between blood relatives, including first cousins. Section 1306 requires both applicants to appear together, which in Adams County is fulfilled through the joint video appointment. Under Section 1310, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, a new application is required.

Section 1309 states that applications are filed immediately as public records once submitted. However, personal documents uploaded to the Adams County portal are handled separately and kept confidential.

Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony in Adams County

Pennsylvania law under Section 1503 authorizes specific officiants to perform marriage ceremonies. These include judges, mayors, and ordained ministers, priests, and rabbis. Couples in Adams County should confirm that their chosen officiant holds the proper credentials before booking a ceremony date.

Common-law marriage in Pennsylvania was abolished after January 1, 2005, under Section 1103. Couples living together since that date do not gain marital status without a valid license and ceremony. This applies throughout the state, including Adams County.

Adams County Marriage License Payment and Fees

The fee for an Adams County marriage license is $70. This fee is non-refundable. Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.

Payment is handled through the online portal after you receive the payment request email, which arrives the day before your video appointment. You must complete payment by 8:15 a.m. on the day of your appointment. Late payment may result in cancellation of your scheduled video session.

The $70 covers the license itself. If corrections are needed after the proof email is sent, a separate $65 correction filing fee will apply. Avoiding corrections saves both time and money, so double-check all information before submitting your application.

Searching Marriage Records in Adams County, Pennsylvania

Marriage records in Pennsylvania become public records once the application is filed, as outlined in Section 1309 of Title 23. Researchers and family members looking for historical marriage records in Adams County can contact the Orphans' Court directly. The Pennsylvania Courts directory of Orphans' Court clerks lists contact details for all 67 county offices, including Adams County.

For older vital records at the state level, the Pennsylvania State Archives holds historical marriage and vital statistics records. These can be valuable for genealogical research involving Adams County families.

If you need to obtain a certified copy of a marriage record, contact the Adams County Clerk of Orphans' Court at 717-337-9806. Staff can explain what information you need to provide and what copies are available.

Note: Marriage license applications are filed as public records, but supporting documents submitted through the Adams County portal are kept confidential and not accessible to the public.

What Happens After Your Adams County Marriage License Is Issued

Once your Adams County marriage license is issued, you have 60 days to hold your ceremony. The officiant you choose must sign and return the completed license after the ceremony. That return triggers the official recording of the marriage in Adams County.

Both applicants should keep a copy of their license for their records. If you need a certified copy of your marriage record later, the Orphans' Court in Gettysburg can provide one. Certified copies are often required for name changes, updating financial accounts, and various legal matters.

The Adams County process, while different from traditional in-person applications, is designed to make the experience more accessible and efficient. The combination of the online portal and video appointments reflects a growing trend in Pennsylvania toward modernizing public services.