Allegheny County Marriage License in Pittsburgh

Allegheny County is home to Pittsburgh and is one of the largest counties in Pennsylvania. The Register of Wills office handles marriage license applications at the City-County Building on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh. Couples planning to marry in Allegheny County will find a full-service office with extended hours on select days, an online historical record search going back to 1885, and clear requirements for documentation. This page covers everything you need to apply for an Allegheny County marriage license.

Allegheny County Marriage License Office Location and Hours

The Marriage License Department is located on the first floor of the City-County Building at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. This is the main courthouse for Allegheny County government services. You can reach the Marriage License Department directly at 412-350-4230. For the Register of Wills, call 412-350-4180. The Department of Court Records is available at 412-350-4200.

Standard office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You must arrive by 4:00 p.m. to start an application on any regular business day. Do not arrive after 4:00 p.m. expecting to begin the process.

Allegheny County offers extended hours beyond the typical schedule. On Wednesdays from October through March, the office stays open until 7:30 p.m. From April through September, the office is also open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These expanded hours make it easier for working couples to apply without taking time off.

Note: The Orphans' Court Clerk for Allegheny County is Michael McGeever, located in Room 114 at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Applying for an Allegheny County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear in person at the Marriage License Department. Allegheny County does not accept applications by mail or proxy. Bring valid government-issued photo ID. Your Social Security number will also be required during the application process.

If either applicant was previously married and that marriage ended in divorce, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. The decree must show the month, day, year, county, and state where the divorce was granted. Partial documents are not accepted.

The fee for an Allegheny County marriage license is $80. This office accepts cash only. Credit cards, checks, and money orders are not accepted. Come prepared with exact cash or enough to cover the fee.

Certified copies of the marriage record cost between $10 and $15. A non-certified copy costs $4. A triple-seal certified copy is available for $10. These copies can be useful for name change requests, insurance updates, and other legal purposes after the ceremony.

Allegheny County Marriage Record Search Database

One of the most useful tools Allegheny County offers is its free online marriage record search database. The Allegheny County marriage license search covers records from 1885 to present, though not all years are fully indexed. Records from 1885 to 1925 and from 1937 to 1950 are available in the database. An index is available for the 1885 to 1925 period.

You can search by groom's name, bride's name including maiden name, date of marriage, volume and page number, or license number. Partial name searches and wildcard entries are supported, which helps when you are unsure of exact spelling. No registration is required to search, and there is no fee to use the online tool.

Marriage records are public records in Pennsylvania. Section 1309 of Title 23 states that applications are filed immediately as public records. The Allegheny County database reflects this policy by making historical records freely searchable.

Pennsylvania Marriage License Laws in Allegheny County

All 67 Pennsylvania counties follow the same state statutes for marriage licenses. Pennsylvania Title 23 covers the full set of rules. Under Section 1301, a marriage license is required for any legal marriage in the state. No exceptions exist for this requirement.

Section 1303 requires a 3-day waiting period between your application and the date you can use the license. Plan ahead so the waiting period does not delay your ceremony. Emergency waivers are available but must be approved by a court.

Section 1304(b) sets the minimum age at 18. Neither applicant may be under 18 years old. Section 1304(e) prohibits marriage between blood relatives, including first cousins. Section 1310 states that a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. If you do not hold your ceremony within 60 days, you will need to reapply.

Section 1503 lists who may legally officiate a marriage ceremony. Judges, mayors, and ordained ministers, priests, and rabbis are all authorized under Pennsylvania law. Common-law marriage was abolished in Pennsylvania after January 1, 2005, under Section 1103. Couples who have lived together since then are not legally married without a valid license and ceremony.

Allegheny County Marriage License Requirements for Previously Married Applicants

If you were previously married, you cannot simply state that fact on your application. Allegheny County requires documentation. A certified copy of your divorce decree is mandatory and must include the month, day, and year of the divorce, along with the county and state where it was granted.

Applicants who are widowed must provide the date of death of the deceased spouse. A death certificate or other official documentation is acceptable. Staff at the Marriage License Department can advise you on exactly what to bring if you have questions before your visit.

For applicants who were divorced in a foreign country, a certified English translation of the divorce decree is required. Foreign documents that are not translated into English will not be accepted. Build in extra time to arrange certified translations if needed.

Note: Allegheny County's marriage record database includes searchable records spanning over 130 years, making it one of the most comprehensive county-level marriage record resources in Pennsylvania.

About the Allegheny County Register of Wills

The Register of Wills in Allegheny County manages more than marriage licenses. This office handles estate probate, guardianships, adoptions, and other Orphans' Court matters. The marriage license function is one part of a broader legal office that serves the residents of Allegheny County every business day.

Pittsburgh, as the county seat, is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. The City-County Building on Grant Street sits in the heart of downtown and is accessible by public transit, making it convenient for most Allegheny County residents to reach.

Couples planning a wedding in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Allegheny County should allow time for the application process, the 3-day waiting period, and any additional steps if either applicant was previously married. Starting early gives you flexibility and avoids last-minute scheduling pressure.