Chester County Marriage License Application
Chester County is one of the most populous and affluent counties in Pennsylvania, and its Register of Wills office reflects that with a well-organized marriage license process. Couples must schedule an appointment to apply at the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester. The office is at 201 W. Market Street, Suite 2200, West Chester, PA 19380. Register of Wills Michele Vaughn leads the office, which handles thousands of marriage license applications each year along with estate and court-related matters.
Appointments and Hours for Chester County Marriage Licenses
An appointment is required to apply for a Chester County marriage license. Walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule online or by calling the marriage license appointment line at (610) 344-6395. The main office number is (610) 344-6335, and the fax is (610) 344-6218. Schedule as far in advance as possible, especially during spring and summer when demand is highest.
Regular office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday hours are extended: the office is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM for marriage licenses only. This makes Wednesday a popular day for couples who work during regular business hours. After 4:30 PM on Wednesdays, only credit cards are accepted. Cash is not taken during the evening hours.
Note: Chester County offers these extended Wednesday hours specifically for marriage licenses. Plan your appointment with this in mind if a daytime weekday visit is difficult to arrange.
Chester County Marriage License Fees and Payment
The fee for a Chester County marriage license is $75.00. The office accepts cash and credit cards only. Checks and money orders are not accepted. Credit card payments include a processing fee of $1.69. If you pay with cash, bring the exact amount or close to it, as change may not always be available.
Certified copies of a marriage record cost $20.00 each. Payment for certified copies can be made by cash, credit card, or money order. If you request copies by mail, plan for a processing time of 7 to 10 working days. In-person requests are generally handled faster. Contact the office to confirm current timelines when you make your request.
Required Documents for a Chester County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at their scheduled appointment with valid photo identification. A current driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport are all acceptable. You will also need your Social Security number. The application collects full legal names, dates of birth, places of birth, and parental information for both parties.
Non-English speakers must bring a qualified interpreter who is 18 or older and has a valid photo ID. The office does not provide translation services. The interpreter must be someone other than the other applicant. This rule ensures that both applicants fully understand what they are signing and agreeing to during the application.
If either person was divorced within the past six months, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is required at the time of application. If the divorce was longer ago than six months, a decree is generally not required, but confirm this with the office when you schedule your appointment.
Pennsylvania law under 23 Pa.C.S. §1306 requires both applicants to appear in person. Both must also be at least 18 years old per §1304(b). Marriage between close blood relatives or first cousins is prohibited under §1304(e).
Self-Uniting Marriage Licenses in Chester County
Chester County is one of the counties in Pennsylvania where self-uniting marriage licenses are available. A self-uniting license allows a couple to marry without an officiant. This type of license is rooted in Quaker tradition and is still available to any couple who qualifies. If you want a self-uniting license, you must inform the clerk before you begin the application. This is important because the application process differs from a standard license application, and the clerk must know in advance to prepare the correct forms.
Not every couple qualifies for a self-uniting license. Speak with the office directly when scheduling your appointment if you want to pursue this option. Come prepared with any relevant documentation about your religious tradition or other qualifying basis. The office can confirm eligibility requirements at the time of your inquiry.
Emergency Waiver of the Waiting Period for Chester County Marriage Licenses
Like all Pennsylvania counties, Chester County enforces the three-day waiting period required under 23 Pa.C.S. §1303. Under normal circumstances, you must wait three days after applying before the license is valid. Chester County does offer an emergency waiver process for those with a genuine urgent need. The waiver requires a $25 fee and must be submitted at least two working days before the date of the application.
This is a formal process, not a simple request. Emergency waivers are not granted for convenience. If you believe your situation qualifies, contact the office as soon as possible to learn the exact steps involved. The earlier you reach out, the more options you have.
Once issued, the Chester County marriage license is valid for 60 days per §1310. Use it before it expires or you will need to start over.
Chester County Register of Wills and Marriage License Office
The Chester County marriage licenses page on the county website provides current details on appointments, fees, and document requirements. It is the most reliable source for up-to-date information. The Register of Wills and Orphans' Court page gives a broader view of everything the office handles, from marriage licenses to estate records.
The Chester County marriage license page provides appointment scheduling links and a full list of what to bring for your application at the Justice Center in West Chester.
The Chester County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court handles marriage licenses, estate matters, adoptions, and other court records for residents of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Courts Orphans' Court Clerks directory lists contact details for all 67 Pennsylvania county offices.
After Your Chester County Marriage License Is Issued
Once the ceremony takes place, your officiant must sign the license and return it to the Chester County Register of Wills office. Authorized officiants under 23 Pa.C.S. §1503 include judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed religious clergy. Make sure your officiant is legally qualified before the wedding day.
After the signed license is filed, you can request certified copies for name changes and other legal matters. Each certified copy costs $20.00. Mail requests take 7 to 10 working days. In-person requests are typically faster. Common law marriage in Pennsylvania was abolished on January 1, 2005, under §1103, so a properly issued license is the only legal way to marry in the state.