Monroe County Marriage License Stroudsburg Pennsylvania
Monroe County is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for couples planning a wedding. Located in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, the county draws visitors from across the region with its scenic resorts, mountain landscapes, and abundant wedding venues. Couples who wish to marry in Monroe County must obtain a marriage license from the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg. The office offers an online pre-application option to help couples prepare before their in-person visit, making the process more efficient for the many couples who travel to the Poconos specifically to get married here.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Register of Wills Office in Stroudsburg
The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Monroe County Courthouse handles all marriage license applications for the county. The courthouse is located on Monroe Street in Stroudsburg, the county seat. Given the high volume of couples who travel to the Pocono Mountains region to get married, this office processes a significant number of marriage license applications compared to many other Pennsylvania county offices. Arriving early in the week or early in the day can help reduce wait times.
| Office | Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court Monroe County Courthouse, 610 Monroe Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Phone: (570) 517-3370 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Fee | $40.00 |
The $40.00 fee for a Monroe County marriage license is payable at the time of application. Check directly with the office to confirm accepted payment methods, as these can vary by county office.
Note: Monroe County's Register of Wills office is one of the busier courthouse offices in eastern Pennsylvania due to the Pocono wedding industry, so calling ahead to (570) 517-3370 before your visit is always a good idea.
Online Pre-Application for Monroe County Marriage License
Monroe County offers an online pre-application option that allows couples to begin the marriage license process before appearing at the courthouse. The pre-application lets you enter your personal information in advance, which can reduce the time you spend at the clerk's window on the day of your in-person visit. Pre-application does not replace the in-person appearance requirement, but it does streamline the process.
Both applicants must still appear together at the Monroe County Courthouse under 23 Pa. C.S. §1306. The online pre-application simply allows you to prepare your information ahead of time. After completing the pre-application online, you visit the office together with your identification documents, confirm your information with the clerk, pay the $40.00 fee, and receive the license after the mandatory waiting period expires.
Couples who are traveling to the Poconos from outside Pennsylvania will find the online pre-application particularly helpful. It reduces the administrative steps on the day of the visit and makes the courthouse visit faster.
The image below links to the Monroe County marriage license page on the county's official website, where the pre-application and additional instructions are available.
The official page is the best place to access the pre-application form and confirm any updates to the application process.
Applying for a Pocono Area Marriage License
The application process for a Monroe County marriage license follows Pennsylvania state law. Under 23 Pa. C.S. §1301, no marriage ceremony may take place without a valid license. Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age per 23 Pa. C.S. §1304(b). After submitting the application and paying the $40.00 fee, the three-day waiting period under 23 Pa. C.S. §1303 begins. Your ceremony cannot occur until those three days have passed.
Once the waiting period concludes, the Monroe County marriage license is valid for 60 days as established by 23 Pa. C.S. §1310. If your ceremony does not take place within that 60-day window, the license expires. You would then need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. Couples who book Pocono Mountain wedding venues well in advance should factor in the three-day waiting period when planning their courthouse visit.
Identification Documents for Monroe County Applicants
Each applicant must present valid, government-issued photo identification at the Monroe County Register of Wills office. The ID must show your legal name and date of birth. A current driver's license from Pennsylvania or another state is the most common form of identification presented. Other accepted forms include state-issued identification cards, U.S. passports, and military ID cards.
If either applicant has been previously married, information about how that marriage ended will be required on the application form. Provide the date of divorce, annulment, or the date a prior spouse passed away. The application information becomes part of the official Monroe County marriage record, so providing accurate details matters. If you have any questions about what to bring, calling the office at (570) 517-3370 before your visit is the fastest way to get answers.
Ceremonies and Officiants in the Pocono Mountains
Monroe County is home to dozens of wedding venues, ranging from lakeside resorts to mountain lodges and historic inns. The variety of venues reflects the county's role as one of Pennsylvania's premier wedding destinations. Under 23 Pa. C.S. §1503, a marriage ceremony in Pennsylvania must be performed by an authorized officiant, including ordained ministers, licensed clergy, judges, justices of the peace, or other civil officers recognized by state law.
Many Pocono wedding venues work with a roster of preferred officiants who are familiar with Pennsylvania requirements. Couples who bring their own officiant from out of state should confirm that the individual holds valid authorization under Pennsylvania law. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete and return the marriage certificate to the Monroe County Register of Wills. This step is essential for creating the official county marriage record. Without the returned certificate, there is no legal documentation of the marriage on file in Monroe County.
Note: The high volume of weddings in the Pocono Mountains means that Monroe County's register likely processes more marriage certificates annually than most other Pennsylvania counties of similar population size.
Monroe County Marriage Records Access
Marriage records in Monroe County are maintained by the Register of Wills office and date back to 1885. The office can assist with requests for certified copies of marriage records, which are often needed for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes after a wedding. Contact the office directly to ask about fees and procedures for obtaining certified copies.
For older records or those not held at the county level, the Pennsylvania State Archives is a valuable resource. The archives maintain vital statistics records from across the commonwealth and can assist genealogists and legal researchers. Visit the Pennsylvania State Archives vital statistics page for information about searching historical records online.
Researchers interested in Monroe County's history will find that both county and state archives offer complementary resources that together provide a comprehensive picture of marriage records in the Pocono region.
- Both applicants must appear together in person at the Stroudsburg courthouse
- Use the online pre-application to save time on your visit day
- Bring valid photo ID for each applicant
- The fee is $40.00, payable at the time of application
- Wait at least three days after applying before holding the ceremony
- Schedule the ceremony within 60 days of license issuance
- Confirm your officiant is authorized under Pennsylvania law
Pennsylvania Vital Records Forms and Resources
After your Monroe County marriage ceremony is complete and the license has been returned by the officiant, you may need to request certified copies for various legal and administrative purposes. The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides forms for requesting vital records, including certified marriage certificates. These forms are available through the state's official website.
You can access the forms needed for vital record requests through the Pennsylvania Department of Health vital records forms page. Using the official forms ensures your request is processed efficiently.
Both county-level requests through the Monroe County Register of Wills and state-level requests through the Department of Health are valid options for obtaining certified copies of your marriage record.
Nearby Pennsylvania Counties
Monroe County sits in eastern Pennsylvania near the borders of several neighboring counties. If you are planning a wedding in the broader region, the links below provide information on nearby county marriage license offices.