Washington County Marriage License Office
Washington County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, roughly 25 miles south of Pittsburgh near the West Virginia border. The county seat is also named Washington, making it one of several Pennsylvania counties where the city and county share a name. The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Washington County Courthouse handles all marriage license applications. Washington County is notable for offering both traditional marriage licenses and self-uniting marriage licenses, giving couples flexibility in how they choose to solemnize their union. Verify the current fee and any updated requirements directly with the office before your visit.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Register of Wills Marriage Licenses
The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court serves as the marriage license authority in Washington County. The office is located at the Washington County Courthouse at 1 South Main Street in the city of Washington, Pennsylvania. The courthouse is in the heart of downtown Washington and is accessible during regular business hours throughout the week.
Washington County is one of the Pennsylvania counties where both traditional and self-uniting marriage licenses are available. A traditional license requires an authorized officiant to perform the ceremony, while a self-uniting license allows the couple to marry without any officiant present. Both license types are fully legal under Pennsylvania law, and the choice is purely a matter of personal or religious preference. Couples should specify which type of license they want when they apply at the Register of Wills.
| Office | Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court Washington County Courthouse, 1 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 Phone: (724) 228-6774 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Fee | Contact office for current fee |
For current fee information and to confirm any scheduling requirements, visit the Washington County marriage licenses page or call the office directly at (724) 228-6774.
How to Apply for a Washington County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at the Register of Wills office to apply for a marriage license in Washington County. This is required under Pennsylvania statute §1306, which mandates in-person appearance by both parties. There is no mail or fully online application process that bypasses the in-person requirement. Both parties should arrive together, bringing all required documents and payment for the license fee.
Once the application is submitted and accepted, the mandatory three-day waiting period begins as set out in §1303. Courts may waive this period only in exceptional circumstances. After three days, the license is ready for pickup and is valid for 60 days under §1310. Your ceremony must take place within that 60-day window. A Washington County license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Pennsylvania, so you are free to marry in a neighboring county or anywhere else in the state.
The Washington County courts website provides the most up-to-date information on marriage license requirements and any recent changes. Visit the Washington County marriage licenses page to review current details before your appointment.
If you plan to get a self-uniting license, confirm with the office that they are currently available and ask about any additional documentation required for that license type.
Traditional and Self-Uniting Licenses in Washington County
Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the country where self-uniting marriage licenses are legally available. A self-uniting license, sometimes called a Quaker license due to its historical roots in Quaker religious practice, allows a couple to marry without any officiant present. The couple simply declares their intent to marry before witnesses, and the ceremony is complete. No minister, judge, or civil officer is required. This option has been available in Pennsylvania for centuries and remains fully valid under state law today.
A traditional marriage license, by contrast, requires an officiant authorized under §1503 to perform the ceremony. This includes ordained clergy of any denomination, judges, district justices, and other authorized civil officers. The main practical difference between the two license types is the role of the officiant. Both licenses are processed through the same Register of Wills office and follow the same waiting period and validity rules.
Requirements for Washington County Marriage License Applicants
All applicants for a Washington County marriage license must meet the requirements set by Pennsylvania law. Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age under §1304(b). The application must be completed truthfully as required by §1301. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either party was previously married, documentation showing the end of that marriage is required. The following items are typically needed:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Social Security number for both applicants
- Divorce decree if either party was previously divorced
- Death certificate if either party was previously widowed
- In-person appearance by both applicants at the time of application
All required documents should be originals or certified copies. If you are uncertain about what your situation requires, call (724) 228-6774 before making the trip to the courthouse. The office staff can clarify what documentation applies to your circumstances.
Washington County Marriage License Fees
The current fee for a Washington County marriage license is set by the county and may be updated periodically. Contact the Register of Wills at (724) 228-6774 or visit the official county website to confirm the current amount before your visit. Ask what forms of payment are accepted when you call, as practices can vary between county offices. Being prepared with the correct amount and an acceptable payment method keeps your application process smooth.
The fee is collected at the time of application. There are no additional charges at pickup. If your license expires before your ceremony, you must reapply and pay the fee again, so scheduling your ceremony within the 60-day validity window is important.
Washington County Historical Marriage Records
Marriage records in Washington County extend back to 1885. Researchers tracing southwestern Pennsylvania family histories will find the county's historical records valuable. Washington County has a deep connection to American history, having been established in the late 18th century and named for George Washington. The county was a key corridor during westward expansion, and its marriage records reflect the diverse communities that settled in the region over the past century and a half.
For records not available through the county courthouse, the Pennsylvania State Archives maintains statewide vital statistics records that include materials from Washington County. Genealogists researching this part of southwestern Pennsylvania may also find useful records in the neighboring counties of Allegheny, Greene, and Fayette, particularly for families that moved between counties during the industrial era. Records from 1885 forward are maintained locally, and the Register of Wills can direct you to the appropriate resource for older historical materials.
Nearby Counties for Marriage License Applications
Washington County borders several other Pennsylvania counties, each with its own Register of Wills office. If you live near a county line or prefer an alternative location, the following offices also issue marriage licenses.