Fayette County Marriage License Uniontown Pennsylvania
A Fayette County marriage license is issued through the Register of Wills office, located at 61 East Main Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Fayette County sits in the southwestern corner of the state, close to the West Virginia border. It is known across the region for Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, one of the most visited architectural landmarks in the country. Both applicants must appear in person together to apply. A valid photo ID and Social Security number are required. The license is valid for 60 days after the mandatory three-day waiting period. Call 724-430-1200 to reach the office before your visit.
Fayette County Marriage License Office Location
The Register of Wills is located at 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Uniontown is the county seat of Fayette County. The office handles marriage license applications along with other records functions for the county.
You can reach the office by phone at 724-430-1200. Calling ahead is a good idea to confirm current office hours and any requirements that may have changed. The Fayette County website also provides department contact information and general county resources.
The dedicated Fayette County marriage license page is the best starting point for up-to-date information. It lists requirements, procedures, and any changes to the application process.
The image below shows the Fayette County Register of Wills marriage license page, where current instructions and contact details are posted.
This page on the county website is updated with current procedures and is the most reliable source for applicants planning their visit to the Register of Wills office in Uniontown.
Fayette County Marriage License Requirements
Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the Register of Wills office. Pennsylvania statute §1306 makes this a firm requirement across all 67 counties. You cannot apply alone or send someone on your behalf.
Each applicant must present a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. You must also provide your Social Security number. The office uses these to confirm your identity and verify eligibility under Pennsylvania law.
If either applicant has been married before, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate is required depending on the circumstances. Bring the original or a certified copy rather than a simple photocopy.
Pennsylvania law under §1304(b) sets the minimum age for marriage at 18. Under §1304(e), marriage between people related by blood as close as first cousins is not permitted. Both rules apply in Fayette County as they do everywhere in Pennsylvania.
Note: Contact the Register of Wills at 724-430-1200 before your visit to confirm all current requirements and whether appointments are needed.
Fayette County Marriage License Waiting Period
After you apply, a three-day waiting period begins. State law under §1303 requires this period before you can legally use the license for a ceremony. You may not hold a ceremony on the day you apply or on the next two days after that.
Think through the timing before you schedule your application visit. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, you need to apply by Tuesday at the latest. Keep holidays in mind as well. If the Register of Wills office is closed on a government holiday, that could push your timeline back and affect when the waiting period begins.
Once the waiting period ends, the license is valid for 60 days under §1310 of Pennsylvania law. Use the license within that window. If it expires before your ceremony takes place, you will need to apply and pay again. Mark the expiration date as soon as you receive your license.
Fayette County Register of Wills and the Marriage License System
The Register of Wills in Fayette County is an elected official who manages a range of legal and court records. Marriage licenses are one part of the broader set of records this office maintains. Wills, estates, and probate matters also fall under the Register of Wills' authority.
Fayette County is part of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas system. The Clerk of Orphans' Court function, which covers marriage licenses in many counties, is closely tied to the Register of Wills in Fayette County. The Pennsylvania Courts statewide directory lists all Orphans' Court clerk offices and can help you verify contact information for Fayette County and neighboring counties.
The image below shows the main Fayette County government website, which provides a directory of county offices including the Register of Wills.
The county website is a useful starting point for contact details, office hours, and any general announcements from the Register of Wills or other county departments.
Note: The Register of Wills office also handles adoptions and guardianship matters through the Orphans' Court, so the office may be busy with multiple case types on any given day.
Fayette County Marriage License as a Public Record
A Fayette County marriage license is a public document from the moment it is issued. Pennsylvania statute §1309 establishes this rule. Anyone can request a copy of a marriage license from the Register of Wills, not just the couple who applied.
Certified copies are commonly needed after the ceremony for several reasons:
- Legal name changes on a Social Security card or driver's license
- Passport applications or renewals
- Updates to health, life, or property insurance
- Joint financial account setup
- Federal and state tax filings as a married couple
To request a certified copy, contact the Register of Wills at 724-430-1200. Ask about the current fee and whether the request can be handled by mail or requires an in-person visit.
Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony in Fayette County
Pennsylvania statute §1503 defines who is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in the state. Judges, justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed religious leaders are all permitted to officiate. The license itself does not specify an officiant. The couple selects who will lead the ceremony, provided that person qualifies under state law.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the issuing office. This signed and returned document becomes the permanent legal record of the marriage. The process is complete once the Clerk of Orphans' Court receives the signed license.
Common-law marriage has not been recognized in Pennsylvania since January 1, 2005. Under §1103 of Title 23, any common-law union formed on or after that date has no legal standing in the commonwealth. A formal license and ceremony are required for legal recognition.
Fayette County Marriage License Records for History and Genealogy
Fayette County has a rich history rooted in coal mining, steel, and river commerce. The county borders West Virginia and has deep ties to the labor and industrial history of southwestern Pennsylvania. Marriage records from the Register of Wills reflect generations of families who built lives in this part of the state.
Researchers working on family history in Fayette County can request records from the Register of Wills for more recent marriages. For older records that may predate the current courthouse system, the Pennsylvania State Archives and the state vital records program are useful resources. The Pennsylvania Title 23 statute page also provides context on how marriage law has evolved in the state over time.
Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1939, stands in Fayette County near Mill Run. It draws visitors from around the world and has made the county a destination for those interested in architecture and nature. Some couples choose to hold ceremonies in the surrounding region, taking advantage of the scenic landscape of southwestern Pennsylvania.