Clarion County Pennsylvania Marriage License
Clarion County offers couples a convenient way to begin the marriage license process, including an online application option through the county's Infocon system. Whether you apply online or in person, the Register of Wills office at the Clarion County Courthouse handles all marriage license matters for the county. The office is at 421 Main Street, Suite 24, Clarion, PA 16214. Register of Wills Gregory K. Mortimer oversees operations. The main phone number for marriage license questions is (814) 226-4000 Ext. 2501.
Online Application for a Clarion County Marriage License
Clarion County offers an online pre-application through the Infocon County Access system. This option is available to couples who plan to apply within 60 days of their wedding. Completing the online form ahead of time can speed up your in-person visit, but it does not replace the requirement to appear in person. Both applicants must still come to the office together to finalize the application and receive the license.
For in-person visits, the office recommends scheduling an appointment by phone in advance. Call (814) 226-4000 Ext. 2501 to set up a time. Walk-ins may be accommodated depending on office availability, but a scheduled appointment is the safest way to ensure you get seen without a long wait.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 3:45 PM. Plan to arrive with enough time to complete the process before closing.
Fees and Payment for a Clarion County Marriage License
The fee for a Clarion County marriage license is $45.00. The office accepts cash or check. No credit or debit cards are accepted. Certified copies of a marriage license cost $6.00 each. If you need certified copies for legal purposes after the wedding, contact the office at Ext. 3501. Having certified copies is often necessary for name changes and updating records with government agencies and financial institutions.
The license fee is due at the time of application. Be prepared to pay in full on the day of your visit. Bringing the exact amount or a check made out to the office helps avoid any confusion at the counter.
Note: The Clarion County office does not perform wedding ceremonies. Couples must arrange for an authorized officiant independently.
Required Information for the Clarion County Marriage License Application
The application requires detailed information about both applicants. You must provide your full legal name, date of birth, birthplace, and Social Security number. You will also need to know your parents' birthplaces and current addresses. Bring a valid photo ID so the clerk can verify your identity. Having all this information ready before your appointment makes the process faster for everyone.
If either applicant was divorced within the last 30 days, you must present the divorce decree at the time of application. This requirement is specific to recent divorces in Clarion County. If the prior divorce was more than 30 days ago, you may not need to present the decree, but confirming this with the office when you schedule your appointment is a good practice.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old per 23 Pa.C.S. §1304(b). Both must appear in person as required by §1306. Marriage between close blood relatives or first cousins is prohibited under §1304(e).
Three-Day Wait and Validity of a Clarion County Marriage License
After you submit your Clarion County marriage license application, the state-mandated three-day waiting period begins. This rule is found in 23 Pa.C.S. §1303. The day of application is not counted. Your license becomes valid on the fourth day. Plan your ceremony date after this waiting period ends.
Once issued, a Clarion County marriage license is valid for 60 days under §1310. The wedding must take place before the license expires. A license valid anywhere in Pennsylvania, not just in Clarion County. Whether you plan to marry locally or elsewhere in the state, the same license applies.
Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage effective January 1, 2005, under §1103. A properly issued marriage license is the only way to enter a legally recognized marriage in the state today.
Clarion County Marriage License Records and the Register of Wills
The Clarion County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds office maintains marriage license records for the county. Marriage license applications are public records under 23 Pa.C.S. §1309. Researchers, family members, and others who need to access historical records can contact the office to request information. The Infocon system also supports some level of remote record searching for those who cannot visit in person.
The Clarion County marriage licenses page lists the full application process, required information, and contact details for the Register and Recorder's office in Clarion.
The Pennsylvania Courts Orphans' Court Clerks directory provides contact information for all 67 county offices across Pennsylvania.
Clarion County and Clarion University
Clarion is both the county seat and the home of Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The university brings students and faculty from across the state and country, many of whom eventually settle in the area. The county has a mix of rural townships and small boroughs, with Clarion Borough at the center. Couples from throughout the county, including those from Strattanville, Sligo, and other communities, apply for marriage licenses through the same courthouse office.
The Register of Wills office in Clarion is part of a combined Register and Recorder function, which means the same office also handles deeds and other recorded documents. This makes the office a busy one with multiple types of business conducted throughout the day. Scheduling a phone appointment rather than walking in ensures you get the staff's full attention for your marriage license application.
Officiants and What Happens After Your Clarion County Marriage License Ceremony
Your ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant as defined in 23 Pa.C.S. §1503. Authorized officiants include judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed religious leaders. Pennsylvania also allows self-uniting marriages for qualifying religious traditions. Make sure your officiant is legally recognized before setting a date.
After the ceremony, the signed license is returned to the Register of Wills office. Certified copies can then be requested for legal purposes. The Pennsylvania Marriage Law under Title 23 governs the full process from application through recording. Staying familiar with these rules helps ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.