Clearfield County Marriage License Records
Clearfield County has issued and maintained marriage license records since 1885. Couples who plan to marry must apply in person at the Register of Wills office located in the Clearfield County Courthouse, 230 East Market Street, Clearfield, PA 16830. An appointment is required. The Register of Wills is Maureen E. Inlow. For marriage license questions, call (814) 765-2641, ext. 2127 or 2128. The office also maintains a fully computerized index of its records, making searches more efficient for both staff and researchers.
Appointments and Fees for Clearfield County Marriage Licenses
An appointment is required to apply for a Clearfield County marriage license. Call ext. 2127 or 2128 to schedule. Walk-ins are not accepted. The office serves a variety of needs including probate, so having a dedicated appointment time ensures that staff can give your application full attention. The fax number is 814-765-6089 if you need to send documents ahead of time.
The fee is $50.00 and is payable in cash only. No checks, credit cards, or money orders are accepted. Bring the exact amount. Having the fee ready when you arrive keeps the visit efficient and avoids delays while the clerk processes your application.
Note: Because Clearfield County requires cash only, visiting an ATM before your appointment is a smart step. There may not be one immediately adjacent to the courthouse.
What to Bring to Your Clearfield County Marriage License Appointment
Both applicants must appear together with valid photo identification. A current driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport are all acceptable. You will need to provide your Social Security number. The application form also asks for full legal names, dates of birth, birthplaces, and information about your parents. Have this information ready before your appointment to avoid any delays.
If you were previously married, you must provide documentation showing that the marriage has ended. If you were divorced, bring an original certified copy or a certified copy of the divorce decree. If your former spouse passed away, bring the death certificate. The Clearfield County office is specific about these documents. The office does not accept uncertified copies as substitutes.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old under 23 Pa.C.S. §1304(b). Both must appear in person as required by §1306. Marriage between close relatives or first cousins is barred by §1304(e).
Military Exemption and the Three-Day Waiting Period
Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period between the date of application and the date the license is valid, as stated in 23 Pa.C.S. §1303. Military applicants are exempt from this requirement. Active duty service members who need to marry quickly can request an exemption at the time of application. Bring documentation of military status to the appointment.
For all other applicants, the three-day wait is mandatory. The day of application does not count. Schedule your wedding date after the waiting period ends to ensure your license is valid on the day of the ceremony. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days per §1310. The ceremony must take place within that window.
Clearfield County Marriage License Records: 1885 to Present
The Clearfield County Register of Wills maintains a complete and computerized index of marriage license records from 1885 to the present day. This extensive archive is valuable for genealogical research and legal purposes alike. The office uses Landex Remote software to support remote record searches for those who cannot visit in person. The Landex Webstore also allows basic online searches of available records.
Birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are also available through the office for a fee of $5.00 each. These older vital records are a useful supplement to marriage records for researchers tracing family histories in Clearfield County. Contact the probate line at ext. 2126 for questions about estate-related records separate from marriage licenses.
The Clearfield County Register of Wills page provides contact details, office hours, and information about the marriage license application process and available records.
The Pennsylvania Courts Orphans' Court Clerks directory connects you to the Register of Wills offices in all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
Clearfield County: Location and Community Context
Clearfield is the county seat of Clearfield County, located in central Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River region. The area is known for outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. Couples from throughout the county, including those from Philipsburg, Curwensville, and Osceola Mills, apply at the same courthouse office. The central location of the courthouse in the borough makes it accessible from most parts of the county by car.
The courthouse sits on East Market Street and is a familiar landmark for residents. Parking is generally available near the building. The Register of Wills office is inside the courthouse. Knowing where to go before you arrive reduces stress on the day of your appointment and helps you make the most of the time you have scheduled.
After the Ceremony: Returning a Clearfield County Marriage License
Once the wedding ceremony takes place, the officiant is responsible for signing the marriage license and returning it to the Clearfield County Register of Wills office. Authorized officiants under 23 Pa.C.S. §1503 include judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed clergy. Some religious traditions also permit self-uniting ceremonies. Confirm that your officiant is legally authorized under Pennsylvania law before the ceremony.
After the signed license is returned and processed, certified copies are available upon request. Certified copies are commonly needed for name changes, Social Security updates, passport applications, and other legal matters. Contact the office to ask about copy fees and processing times. The Pennsylvania Marriage Law (Title 23) governs the full process from application through filing of the completed license. Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage on January 1, 2005, under §1103.