Union County Marriage License in Lewisburg

Union County sits in central Pennsylvania, anchored by the borough of Lewisburg and home to Bucknell University. Couples who wish to marry in Pennsylvania must obtain a valid marriage license before the ceremony takes place. In Union County, the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts handles marriage license applications by appointment only. Both applicants must appear together at the Union County Courthouse in Lewisburg. The process follows Pennsylvania state law, and your license will be recognized anywhere in the commonwealth once issued. Plan ahead, since a mandatory three-day waiting period applies after you apply.

Union County Prothonotary Marriage Licenses

The Union County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts serves as the designated office for marriage license applications in Union County. Unlike many Pennsylvania counties where a separate Register of Wills office handles marriage licenses, Union County routes this responsibility through the Prothonotary. The office is located inside the Union County Courthouse in downtown Lewisburg. Diane Miller currently serves as the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts.

Appointments are required for all marriage license applications. Walk-ins are not accepted. Both parties must attend the appointment together, bringing all required documents at that time. The office staff can answer questions about what to bring and how to schedule your visit. Calling ahead is strongly recommended to confirm current requirements and appointment availability before your visit.

For the most current fee information, contact the office directly at (570) 524-8751 or visit the Union County marriage licenses page on the official county website.

Fax inquiries can be directed to (570) 524-8628, though phone or in-person contact is preferred for scheduling appointments.

How to Apply for a Union County Marriage License

Applying for a marriage license in Union County requires both applicants to appear together at a scheduled appointment. You cannot apply online or by mail. Once you call to schedule, the office will provide guidance on what to bring. After both parties appear and submit their documents, the three-day waiting period begins. Under Pennsylvania statute §1303, this waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived except by court order in limited circumstances. After three days have passed, you may pick up your license and it becomes valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Under §1306, both parties must appear in person to apply. This rule applies statewide and cannot be waived. The license you receive in Union County is valid for use anywhere in Pennsylvania. You do not need to get married in Union County just because you applied there. This flexibility is especially helpful for couples who live in one county but plan to marry in another.

The official Union County website provides additional guidance on the application process and any updates to scheduling or requirements. Visit the Union County Prothonotary marriage license page to review current details before your appointment.

A marriage license issued in Union County is valid statewide under §1310, giving you 60 days to hold your ceremony anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Union County Marriage License Requirements

Pennsylvania law sets minimum requirements for all marriage license applicants. Union County follows these statewide rules. Under §1304(b), both applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no provision in Union County for applicants under 18 to obtain a license. Both parties must be present, as required by §1306. The application itself is covered under §1301, which governs what information must be provided when applying.

You will need to bring specific documents to your appointment. The following items are required for all applicants:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Social Security number (card not required, but number must be provided)
• Divorce decree if either party was previously divorced
• Death certificate if either party was previously widowed
• Both parties must appear in person at the same appointment

Missing documents will delay the process. If you are unsure whether a document is required in your situation, contact the Prothonotary office before your appointment. It is far easier to gather paperwork in advance than to reschedule after arriving unprepared.

Marriage License Fees in Union County

Union County sets its marriage license fee through the Orphans Court Fee Bill, which can change periodically. The fee has historically fallen in the range of $40 to $70, but you should verify the current amount with the Prothonotary office before your appointment. Payment methods accepted by the office may vary. Ask when you call to schedule whether cash, check, or credit card is accepted. Bringing cash or a money order is often the safest approach if you are unsure.

There are no additional state processing fees beyond what the county collects at the time of application. Once the fee is paid and your documents are accepted, the three-day waiting period begins. You do not pay again when you pick up the license. If your license expires before your ceremony takes place, you will need to reapply from the beginning and pay the fee again, so plan your ceremony date within the 60-day validity window.

Union County Marriage Records and History

Union County has maintained marriage records dating back to 1885. The historical collection held by the county includes Marriage License Dockets from 1885 to 1967 and Marriage Licenses and Applications from 1885 to 1952. These records are important for genealogy researchers tracing family history in central Pennsylvania. The county also holds Orphans' Court Dockets from 1814 to 1962, which may contain additional family law records relevant to researchers. A Death Register from 1893 to 1905 is also part of the historical collection.

Researchers seeking older records may also want to check the Pennsylvania State Archives for additional materials. The archives hold vital statistics and other historical records for many Pennsylvania counties, including those from the 19th century. For more recent marriage records, requests should be directed to the Prothonotary office in Lewisburg. Union County's central location along the Susquehanna River made it a crossroads for families moving through the region during the 19th century, giving the local records particular depth for researchers tracing multi-generational family lines.

The Pennsylvania State Archives maintains statewide vital statistics records that complement what Union County holds locally, which can be valuable for genealogy research.

Marriage Officiants and Ceremony Rules

After your Union County marriage license is issued and the three-day waiting period has passed, you may hold your ceremony. Pennsylvania law under §1503 defines who may legally perform a marriage ceremony in the state. Authorized officiants include judges, justices of the peace, ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious officials. Civil ceremonies can be performed by district justices or other authorized civil officers. Self-uniting ceremonies, in which no officiant is present, are also permitted under Pennsylvania law.

Lewisburg and the surrounding Union County area offer a variety of ceremony venues, from the scenic banks of the Susquehanna River to event spaces near Bucknell University. The borough of Lewisburg itself features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and welcoming downtown venues that attract couples looking for a historic setting. Because your license is valid anywhere in Pennsylvania, you are not restricted to holding your ceremony in Lewisburg or Union County. The license follows you regardless of where in the state you choose to marry.

Nearby Counties for Marriage Licenses

If you are near Union County but prefer to apply elsewhere, several neighboring counties also issue Pennsylvania marriage licenses. Each county has its own office, hours, and fee schedule.

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