Centre County Marriage License Guide
Centre County issues marriage licenses through the Prothonotary's office, which also serves as the Clerk of Orphans' Court. Located at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, the office serves couples from across the county, including those from State College, the home of Penn State University. The marriage license process in Centre County follows Pennsylvania state law and requires both applicants to appear in person at Room 102, 102 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. The direct phone line for marriage license questions is (814) 355-6724.
Office Hours and Fees for a Centre County Marriage License
The Prothonotary's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Passport services are available by appointment only from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. If you plan to visit for a marriage license, arriving before 3:30 PM gives you enough time to complete the process without feeling rushed. The office handles a variety of matters, so some days may be busier than others.
The fee for a Centre County marriage license is $50.00. The office accepts cash, personal checks, credit and debit cards, and money orders. This flexibility in payment options is a convenience not all counties offer. Confirm the current fee when you call, as it is subject to change.
Jeremy S. Breon serves as Prothonotary and oversees the office. Additional information about the office is available at webia.centrecountypa.gov.
What Centre County Marriage License Applicants Must Bring
Both applicants must arrive together with valid photo identification. A current driver's license, state ID card, or passport each satisfy this requirement. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The clerk will use this along with your full legal name, date of birth, and birthplace to complete the application. Parents' names and information are also part of the form.
If either person was previously married, proof that the earlier marriage ended is required. A copy of the divorce decree is needed if the marriage ended by divorce. A death certificate is required if the former spouse passed away. These documents must be certified or otherwise acceptable to the office. Call ahead to confirm what format is required if you have any doubts about what you have.
No blood test is required in Centre County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old as required by 23 Pa.C.S. §1304(b).
Note: The Prothonotary in Centre County serves double duty as the Clerk of Orphans' Court. This is different from most counties, where the Register of Wills holds that role.
The Three-Day Waiting Period for Centre County Marriage Licenses
After you apply, Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period before your Centre County marriage license is valid. This rule is found in 23 Pa.C.S. §1303. The day you submit the application does not count as one of the three days. The licence is typically ready to pick up on the fourth calendar day after applying.
In Centre County, the three-day wait can be waived by an Orphans' Court Judge in extraordinary circumstances. This is rare and is not available simply because a couple wants to marry sooner. A compelling reason must exist. If you believe your situation warrants a waiver, contact the office as early as possible to ask about the process and what documentation might be required. The judge has full discretion over whether to grant it.
Once issued, the licence is valid for 60 days per §1310. The wedding must occur within that window.
Centre County Marriage License Office and Penn State
Centre County is home to Penn State University, located in State College. The university brings a large and constantly changing population to the area. Many students and faculty who live in Centre County need marriage licenses each year. The Bellefonte courthouse is about 12 miles from the Penn State main campus, making the drive straightforward. Arriving early on weekdays helps avoid any wait during busier periods of the year.
The Centre County Marriage License Guidelines page provides an overview of the application process, required documents, and waiting period rules for applicants.
The Centre County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office manages marriage licenses, court records, and a range of other legal documents for residents of Centre County.
Marriage Laws That Apply to Your Centre County Marriage License
Pennsylvania's marriage statutes under Title 23 govern every step of the process. A licence is required for all marriages in the state under §1301. Both applicants must be 18 or older under §1304(b). Marriage between blood relatives or first cousins is prohibited under §1304(e). Both must appear in person under §1306. Applications are public records under §1309. And the licence is valid for 60 days under §1310.
Authorized officiants in Pennsylvania are defined in §1503. Judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed religious clergy may all perform ceremonies. Certain faith traditions also allow self-uniting marriages. Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage effective January 1, 2005, under §1103. A licence obtained and properly returned after the ceremony is the only valid path to legal marriage in the state.
Note: A Centre County marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Pennsylvania, not just in Centre County.
Requesting Certified Copies of a Centre County Marriage License
After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the marriage licence to the Prothonotary's office. Once it is on file, you can request certified copies for legal and personal uses. Common reasons include changing your name with Social Security, updating a passport, or changing records with an employer or insurer.
Contact the office at (814) 355-6724 to ask about copy fees and turnaround times. Requests can typically be made in person or by mail. The office can also direct you to the county's online portal at webia.centrecountypa.gov for any available online lookup options. Marriage licence applications in Centre County are public records per §1309, so historical records may also be available to researchers.