Cambria County Marriage License Records
Cambria County issues marriage licenses through the Register of Wills office located at the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Couples who plan to marry in the commonwealth must appear in person to begin the application process. The office serves residents and visitors from across the county, including those living in Johnstown, the largest city in Cambria County. Understanding what to bring and what to expect makes the process straightforward for most applicants.
Where to Get a Cambria County Marriage License
The Register of Wills office handles all marriage license applications for Cambria County. The office is located at the Cambria County Courthouse, 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931. Ebensburg is the county seat, situated in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can reach the office by phone at (814) 472-1440.
Register of Wills Cindy Perrone oversees the office and its staff. Arriving early in the day gives you more time if questions come up during the application process. Both applicants must be present at the same time. The office does not accept applications by mail or online for new licenses. Plan to set aside at least an hour for your visit, especially if it is your first time applying.
Cash payment is required. Call ahead to confirm the current fee amount before your visit.
What You Need to Apply for a Cambria County Marriage License
Both applicants must bring valid photo identification. A current driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. You will also need your Social Security number, so bring your Social Security card or another document that shows the number. The clerk will ask for details about each applicant, including full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth. Parents' names and birthplaces are also part of the application.
If either applicant was married before, additional documents are required. A certified divorce decree is needed if the prior marriage ended in divorce. If a former spouse passed away, bring the death certificate. These records confirm that the earlier marriage has legally ended. Photocopies are generally not accepted in place of certified documents, so verify with the office if you have questions about what qualifies.
No blood test is required in Cambria County or anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 23 Pa.C.S. §1304(b), both applicants must be at least 18 years old. The statute also prohibits marriage between close blood relatives and first cousins under §1304(e). Both applicants must appear together in person as required by §1306.
The Three-Day Waiting Period in Pennsylvania
After you submit your Cambria County marriage license application, Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. This rule is found in 23 Pa.C.S. §1303. The three days do not include the day you apply. Plan your wedding date to allow for this gap. A license that is picked up before the waiting period ends cannot be used.
Once issued, a Cambria County marriage license is valid for 60 days under §1310. The ceremony must take place within that window. If the license expires before the wedding, the couple must apply again and pay again. Scheduling your ceremony well within the 60-day period avoids last-minute complications.
Note: Military applicants may be eligible for a waiver of the three-day waiting period. Contact the office for details on what documentation is required.
Officiants and Ceremonies in Cambria County
Pennsylvania law sets out who may legally perform a marriage ceremony. Under 23 Pa.C.S. §1503, authorized officiants include judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed religious leaders. Certain religious groups also allow self-uniting ceremonies, where no officiant is required. The couple must confirm that their officiant qualifies under state law before the ceremony takes place.
A Cambria County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in Pennsylvania. The ceremony does not need to take place in Cambria County itself. Many couples who apply in Cambria choose to marry in Johnstown or in the scenic natural areas that surround the region. The license follows the couple, not the location.
Cambria County Register of Wills and the Marriage License
The Cambria County Register of Wills serves as the Clerk of Orphans' Court. This office manages not only marriage licenses but also wills, estates, and adoption records. Marriage license applications are public records under §1309, meaning that members of the public may request access to that information.
The office at the Cambria County Courthouse has records going back many decades. If you need a certified copy of a past marriage license for legal or personal reasons, the Register of Wills is the right place to start. Researchers and genealogists also use these records to trace family history. Call the office first to ask about record availability and copy fees before making a trip.
The Pennsylvania Courts Orphans' Court Clerks directory lists contact information for all 67 counties if you need to reach another county's office.
The Cambria County Register of Wills office in Ebensburg handles all marriage license applications for the county and maintains records of past licenses for public access.
Johnstown and Ebensburg: Marriage License Context
Cambria County covers a large area of the Allegheny Mountains in western Pennsylvania. Ebensburg, the county seat, is a small borough with a historic downtown. Johnstown, about 20 miles to the south, is the most populated city in the county and is well known for its history with the 1889 flood. Both communities draw residents who need to apply for a marriage license through the same courthouse in Ebensburg.
Couples from Johnstown, Richland Township, Westmont, and other parts of the county all make the drive to Ebensburg to apply in person. There is no way to complete the initial application remotely. Knowing the courthouse location, parking options, and office hours before you go helps the trip go smoothly. The office is on the main floor of the courthouse and is well marked.
Note: The courthouse parking area is generally available to visitors. Street parking is also an option on South Center Street and nearby blocks.
After the Ceremony: Returning Your Cambria County Marriage License
After the wedding, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Register of Wills office. The officiant is responsible for signing the license and returning it within a set time. Failure to return the license on time does not void the marriage, but it can create delays if certified copies are needed later. Most officiants are familiar with this step and handle it without any action required from the couple.
Once the signed license is on file, couples can request certified copies of their marriage record. Certified copies are needed for name changes, updating Social Security records, changing a passport, and other legal purposes. Contact the office directly to ask about the process for requesting certified copies and how long it takes.
Common law marriage was abolished in Pennsylvania effective January 1, 2005, under 23 Pa.C.S. §1103. A properly issued and returned marriage license is the only way to establish a legal marriage in the state.