Luzerne County Marriage License Wilkes-Barre

Obtaining a marriage license in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is handled at the Register of Wills office inside the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County is located in northeastern Pennsylvania in the Wyoming Valley region and is one of the larger counties in the state by population. The Register of Wills accepts both walk-in visits and scheduled appointments for marriage license applications, giving couples flexibility in how they plan their visit. An online pre-application is also available, and both applicants must appear together in person to complete the process.

Luzerne County Register of Wills Office

The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court is the office that issues marriage licenses in Luzerne County. It is located inside the Luzerne County Courthouse at 200 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The office handles marriage license applications, estate matters, wills, and other Orphans' Court filings for the county.

The Luzerne County Register of Wills accepts both walk-in visits and appointments for marriage license applications. This is more flexible than many other Pennsylvania counties, which require appointments only. Couples who cannot schedule in advance may walk in during business hours and apply without prior notice. Those who prefer the certainty of a scheduled time can call (570) 825-1715 to arrange an appointment. Either way, both applicants must be present together at the office to apply.

An online pre-application is available through the Luzerne County government website. Couples who complete the pre-application before visiting the office can save time at the counter. The pre-application captures basic personal information and allows staff to locate the record quickly upon arrival. It does not replace the in-person visit required by Pennsylvania law.

Applying for a Luzerne County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear together at the Register of Wills in Wilkes-Barre to apply for a Luzerne County marriage license. Pennsylvania statute §1306 requires that both parties be physically present during the application. This requirement applies to every marriage license application in the state, with no exceptions for couples who live out of county or out of state.

After the application is submitted, a three-day waiting period begins. §1303 of the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Code sets this requirement. The license is not available for pickup until three full days after the application date. The application date itself does not count as one of the three days. Couples should plan their timeline accordingly, especially if the wedding date is close.

Checking the official Luzerne County site before your visit helps ensure you have the most current information on procedures and any updates to requirements.

Once the license is issued, it remains valid for 60 days under §1310. The wedding ceremony must take place within that window. If the license is not used before it expires, a new application must be submitted along with the full fee. Both applicants must also be at least 18 years old per §1304(b), and no Pennsylvania marriage is legal without a valid license as stated in §1301.

Note: The $50.00 Luzerne County marriage license fee is one of the more affordable rates in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Luzerne County Marriage License Requirements

Applicants should arrive at the Register of Wills office with the correct documents. Luzerne County requires photo identification and Social Security numbers from both individuals at the time of application. Having all documents ready in advance prevents delays and helps the process move quickly, whether you are walking in or keeping a scheduled appointment.

Valid government-issued photo identification is required for both applicants. A current driver's license, state ID, or passport is acceptable. Expired identification will not be accepted. Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. These numbers are used in the processing of the application and are not displayed on the issued license.

If either applicant was previously married, documentation confirming the end of that marriage must be provided. A certified divorce decree is needed for a marriage that ended in divorce. A certified death certificate is required if a prior spouse is deceased. Only originals or certified copies are accepted. Standard photocopies do not satisfy this requirement.

Luzerne County has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. Couples who live in other counties or other states may apply here as long as both appear in person and meet all documentation standards. This makes Luzerne County accessible for couples throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and the broader Wyoming Valley region.

Marriage Ceremony Officiants in Luzerne County

Pennsylvania law specifies who may legally solemnize a marriage. Under §1503, authorized officiants include judges, justices of the peace, ordained clergy of any recognized religious organization, and mayors of Pennsylvania cities and boroughs. Luzerne County couples have access to all of these options.

Wilkes-Barre is a city with a range of religious communities and civil officials available to perform ceremonies. Civil marriages can be conducted by judges or justices of the peace in the county. The mayor of Wilkes-Barre may also officiate a marriage ceremony under state law. Couples who prefer a religious ceremony can work with clergy from their chosen faith tradition.

After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage license document, entering the date and location of the ceremony and providing their signature. The completed license must be returned to the Luzerne County Register of Wills within the required time. This return creates the permanent official record of the marriage in Luzerne County. Confirming this process with your officiant before the wedding prevents any gaps in the record.

Luzerne County Marriage Records

Luzerne County has maintained official marriage records since 1885. These records are part of the public record and are held by the Register of Wills office. Certified copies of marriage records can be requested from the office and are often needed for legal and administrative purposes after the wedding.

Genealogical researchers studying Luzerne County family history can find historical marriage records through both the county office and the Pennsylvania State Archives. The state archives maintain vital statistics records from across Pennsylvania and offer online search tools that can supplement county-level records. The Wyoming Valley region has a rich industrial and immigration history, and Luzerne County's marriage records document that history across generations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health genealogy page provides additional guidance for researchers seeking historical vital records from Luzerne County. For records needed in certified form for legal purposes, the Pennsylvania vital records forms page lists the correct request procedures and available forms. The Orphans' Court clerks directory provides direct contact information for the Luzerne County office and all 67 county offices statewide.

Note: Luzerne County marriage records are a public resource, but certified copies for legal use must be requested directly from the Register of Wills and may require a fee.

Counties Near Luzerne Pennsylvania

Luzerne County is surrounded by several other northeastern Pennsylvania counties. Couples living near a county boundary may want to review requirements at nearby offices as well.