Lancaster County Marriage License Guide

Applying for a marriage license in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is handled through the Register of Wills office at the Lancaster County Courthouse in the city of Lancaster. Lancaster County is one of the most populated counties in the state, and the Register of Wills office is well-equipped to serve couples throughout the region. Both applicants must appear together in person, and the office accepts walk-ins during regular business hours. An online pre-application option is also available through the county website, which can help speed up the in-person visit.

Lancaster County Register of Wills Office

The Register of Wills is the office responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Lancaster County. It is located inside the Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 North Duke Street in the city of Lancaster. The office handles not only marriage licenses but also estate filings, wills, and other Orphans' Court records. Staff are available throughout the business day to assist couples with the application process.

Walk-ins are accepted at the Lancaster County Register of Wills office without a prior appointment. This makes it straightforward for couples to visit during any weekday business hours. The office also offers an online pre-application option on the Lancaster County government website, which allows applicants to fill out basic information before arriving. Completing the online form in advance does not eliminate the need for both parties to appear in person, but it can reduce the time spent at the counter.

The Lancaster County Courthouse is centrally located in the city of Lancaster, with public parking available nearby. Couples should plan to arrive with enough time before closing to complete the process, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once documentation is ready.

How to Apply for a Lancaster County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear together at the Register of Wills office to apply for a Lancaster County marriage license. This requirement is established under Pennsylvania statute §1306, which mandates that both parties be present at the time of application. You cannot apply on behalf of your partner, and proxy applications are not accepted.

Reviewing the county's official page before your visit ensures you arrive with the correct documents and understand any recent updates to the process.

After the application is submitted and accepted, a mandatory three-day waiting period applies before the license is issued. This waiting period is set by Pennsylvania statute §1303. The three days are counted from the date of application, excluding the day of application itself. Once issued, the Lancaster County marriage license is valid for 60 days, as required by §1310. The ceremony must take place within that window, or the license expires and a new application must be submitted.

Under §1301, no marriage in Pennsylvania may take place without a valid license. Both parties must also be at least 18 years of age, as required by §1304(b).

Note: If you complete the online pre-application, bring your confirmation to the office to help staff locate your submission quickly and reduce wait time.

Lancaster County Marriage License Requirements

Before visiting the Register of Wills office, couples should gather all required documents. Lancaster County requires both applicants to bring valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. The full list of what to bring includes:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married
• Payment of the $60.00 application fee

Both individuals must provide their Social Security numbers at the time of application. If you have been married before, you must provide documentation showing how that marriage ended, either a certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate. The office staff may ask for additional information to complete the application accurately. All documentation should be originals or certified copies; photocopies may not be accepted.

Lancaster County does not require applicants to provide proof of residency. Couples who live outside Lancaster County, or even outside Pennsylvania, may apply for a Lancaster County marriage license so long as both parties appear in person and meet all other requirements.

Note: Social Security numbers are required for the application but are kept confidential and are not printed on the issued license.

Marriage License Fees in Lancaster County

The fee for a Lancaster County marriage license is $60.00. This fee is paid at the time of application at the Register of Wills office. It is advisable to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit, as some county offices accept cash, check, or money order but not credit or debit cards.

The fee covers the cost of processing the application, issuing the license, and retaining a record of the marriage in the county's official files. Certified copies of marriage records, if needed after the ceremony for legal purposes, may carry a separate fee. Contact the Register of Wills office directly at (717) 299-8278 for current information on record copy fees.

Lancaster County Marriage Records and History

Lancaster County has maintained official marriage records since 1885. These historical records are an important resource for genealogical research and family history. The Register of Wills office holds records for marriages that took place in Lancaster County, and older records may also be accessible through the Pennsylvania State Archives.

Lancaster County's history is deeply connected to its agricultural heritage and its significant Amish and Plain community populations. This community has been a part of the county's fabric for centuries, and county records document marriages across a wide range of communities and traditions. Lancaster County is one of the oldest continuously settled regions in Pennsylvania, and its marriage records reflect that long history.

For genealogy research involving Lancaster County marriage records, the Pennsylvania State Archives maintains vital statistics records that complement what is held at the county level. The Pennsylvania Department of Health genealogy page is another useful starting point for researchers seeking older marriage documentation.

Researchers can use this resource to trace Lancaster County marriage records that date back over a century and support broader genealogical projects.

Certified copies of recent Lancaster County marriage records are available from the Register of Wills office. For records not held at the county level, the Pennsylvania Department of Health vital records forms page offers forms and instructions for requesting official copies through the state.

Note: Lancaster County marriage records are public records, but certified copies for legal use must be requested through the appropriate office and may require a fee.

Who Can Perform a Lancaster County Marriage Ceremony

Pennsylvania law defines who is authorized to solemnize a marriage. Under §1503, officiants may include judges, justices of the peace, clergy members of any denomination, and mayors. Couples in Lancaster County have a wide range of options when selecting who will perform the ceremony.

The officiant is responsible for completing the marriage license after the ceremony and returning it to the Register of Wills office within a specified period. The license must be returned with the officiant's signature and the date and location of the ceremony. Failure to return the completed license can complicate the creation of an official marriage record, so couples should confirm this responsibility with their officiant before the ceremony takes place.

Lancaster County's diverse religious community means that couples have access to clergy from a wide range of traditions and faiths. Civil ceremonies may be performed by judges or justices of the peace. Mayors of cities within Lancaster County may also perform marriages under Pennsylvania law.

Nearby Pennsylvania Counties

Lancaster County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. Couples who live near county lines may find it convenient to apply in a neighboring county. Requirements and fees vary by county.