Delaware County Marriage License Office Media PA
A Delaware County marriage license is obtained through the Register of Wills, located at the Government Center in Media, Pennsylvania. Delaware County borders Philadelphia to the west and ranks among the most densely populated counties in the state. Both applicants must appear in person together at the office. The process follows Pennsylvania state law, including a required waiting period and a set window of validity. Contact the Register of Wills to confirm current office hours and any specific requirements before your visit.
Where to Apply for a Delaware County Marriage License
The Register of Wills office is at the Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. You can reach the office by phone at (610) 891-4545. Media is the county seat of Delaware County, and the Government Center houses several county offices in one location.
The Delaware County website lists the Register of Wills under the Elected Officials section. Marriage licenses are also listed under popular links on the site, making them easy to find from the homepage. If you are looking for directions or parking near the Government Center, the county website is a good starting point.
The image below shows the Delaware County Register of Wills listing on the county homepage, where marriage license information is prominently linked.
This page on the county site is the clearest starting point for anyone who wants to find current contact details and hours for the Register of Wills office.
Delaware County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear at the Register of Wills office together. Neither person can submit the application alone or send a representative. This requirement comes from Pennsylvania statute §1306, which applies in every county across the commonwealth.
Bring a valid photo ID to the office. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Each applicant must also provide their Social Security number. The office uses these to verify your identity and confirm that you meet the legal requirements to marry in Pennsylvania.
If either person has been married before, you must bring proof that the previous marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate will satisfy this requirement. Bring the original or a certified copy rather than a photocopy.
Under §1304(b), both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Relatives as close as first cousins are not permitted to marry under §1304(e). Both rules are set by Pennsylvania state law and apply throughout the state, including Delaware County.
Note: Contact the Register of Wills at (610) 891-4545 to confirm all current document requirements before your visit.
Delaware County Marriage License Waiting Period and Validity
Pennsylvania law requires a three-day wait between the time you apply and the earliest date you can use the license. This waiting period comes from §1303 of Title 23. You cannot hold a ceremony on the same day you apply or on either of the two days that follow.
Plan ahead. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, you should apply by Tuesday of the same week at the latest. Weekend and holiday closures at the Register of Wills office may also affect your timeline, so factor those in when choosing your application date.
Once the waiting period is complete, the license is valid for 60 days under §1310. If the license expires before your ceremony takes place, you will need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. Keep track of your expiration date once you receive the document.
Delaware County and the Register of Wills Role
Delaware County is one of Pennsylvania's original counties, formed in 1789. It sits directly west of Philadelphia and is one of the most populated counties in the state. Communities like Upper Darby, Chester, and Haverford Township make up large portions of the county's population.
The Register of Wills is an elected official in Delaware County. The office handles marriage licenses as part of its broader role in the county court system. In addition to licenses, the Register of Wills oversees probate, wills, and estate records. The Clerk of Orphans' Court functions are also tied to this office under the Delaware County court structure.
The Pennsylvania Courts system maintains a statewide directory of all Orphans' Court clerk offices, which can help you verify contact details or compare procedures across counties. Delaware County's office is listed in that directory along with all other 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
Delaware County Marriage License as a Legal and Public Document
A Delaware County marriage license becomes a public record as soon as it is issued. Pennsylvania statute §1309 establishes this, meaning the record is accessible from the moment the office approves your application.
Certified copies of the license are available from the Register of Wills. These copies are often needed for:
- Changing your name on a driver's license or passport
- Updating Social Security records
- Adding a spouse to health or life insurance plans
- Opening joint financial accounts
- Filing joint tax returns
Contact the office at (610) 891-4545 to find out how to request a certified copy and what the current process looks like. Some requests can be handled by mail, while others may require an in-person visit.
Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony in Delaware County
Pennsylvania statute §1503 lists those authorized to officiate a marriage ceremony in the commonwealth. Judges, justices of the peace, and licensed or ordained religious leaders all qualify. The license itself does not name a specific officiant. The couple chooses who will perform the ceremony as long as that person meets the legal requirements.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the issuing office. This step finalizes the legal record. The returned and signed license is then filed as the permanent proof of the marriage.
It is worth noting that common-law marriage is no longer recognized in Pennsylvania. Under §1103, any common-law marriage attempted on or after January 1, 2005 has no legal standing. Couples must obtain a license and hold a formal ceremony to have their marriage recognized under state law.
Note: Verify the credentials of any officiant you plan to use before the ceremony to make sure they qualify under §1503.
Delaware County Marriage License Records for Research
Marriage records from the Register of Wills are among the most reliable sources for genealogy and family history research. They include full legal names, dates, and locations in a verified format. Researchers looking into Delaware County family history often start here.
Older marriage records that predate the current Register of Wills filing system may be held at the Pennsylvania State Archives. The state's vital records program covers records going back many generations and includes Delaware County data.
Delaware County has a long and layered history as one of Pennsylvania's oldest counties. Its proximity to Philadelphia means that many families with roots in the region have records spread across both Delaware and Philadelphia county systems. If your research spans county lines, check both offices.
The county's dense population also means a large volume of records over time. The Register of Wills office can direct you toward the right search method depending on the time period you are researching.
Preparing for Your Visit to the Delaware County Register of Wills
Media, the county seat, is a small borough with a walkable downtown. The Government Center at 201 West Front Street is close to public parking and transit options. The SEPTA regional rail system serves Media, making it accessible for residents across the county who do not want to drive.
Plan your visit on a weekday during regular business hours. The Register of Wills office may not be open on weekends. Call ahead at (610) 891-4545 or check the Delaware County website to confirm hours before you go.
Bring every document you need the first time. Missing paperwork will require a second trip, which could affect your application timeline if you have a ceremony date set. Both applicants must attend together, so coordinating schedules in advance is important.