How to Get a Marriage License in Lancaster County, PA: 20 Things You Need to Know

Getting married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a beautiful experience that combines Pennsylvania Dutch heritage with stunning countryside views. Before you can say “I do” in this charming region, you’ll need to secure a marriage license through the Lancaster County Clerk of Orphans’ Court. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail, proper documentation, and advance planning. Most couples find the process takes about 30 minutes once you have all required documents, and the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If you’re wondering How to Get a Marriage License in Lancaster County, this blog has you covered.

While you’re planning your legal union, consider celebrating at Bluestone Estate, one of Lancaster County’s most breathtaking wedding venues. Nestled among rolling hills and manicured gardens, Bluestone Estate offers couples an elegant backdrop that perfectly captures the region’s natural beauty. This locally owned venue combines rustic charm with sophisticated amenities, creating an atmosphere where your marriage license transforms into a lifetime of memories surrounded by Pennsylvania’s most picturesque landscape.

Before we begin, we would like to share a little information about our wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, our family-owned venue is excited to welcome couples from Philadelphia and beyond to enjoy a luxurious countryside wedding experience. Before we get started, please check out our wedding gallery, it’s filled with beautiful outdoor ceremony photos from real weddings right here at Bluestone Estate.

Our historic stone barn, scenic outdoor ceremony spaces, and elegant indoor reception areas have stolen the hearts of so many couples, and we think you’ll love them too. At Bluestone Estate, we believe in keeping things simple and transparent—especially when it comes to pricing—so you can plan your big day with total confidence.

Feel free to browse our wedding packages, reach out with any questions, or schedule a tour to see it all for yourself. We’re here to make sure your wedding planning is as fun and stress-free as possible!

20 Essential Tips for Your Lancaster County Marriage License

1. Both Partners Must Apply in Person

You and your partner must both appear at the Clerk of Orphans’ Court office together. No exceptions exist for this requirement, even if one person lives out of state. Plan to visit during business hours when both of you can be present.

2. Bring Valid Photo Identification

Each applicant needs current, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include driver’s licenses, state ID cards, passports, or military IDs. Expired identification will not be accepted, so check expiration dates before your visit.

3. Know Your Social Security Numbers

You’ll need to provide your Social Security numbers during the application process. While you don’t need to bring your physical Social Security cards, memorize or write down both numbers beforehand.

4. Prepare Birth Certificate Information

Have your birth certificate details ready, including the city and state where you were born. You don’t need to bring physical birth certificates, but accurate information is required for the application.

5. Understand the $50 Fee Structure

The marriage license fee is $50, payable by cash, check, or money order. Some offices may accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm payment methods. Make checks payable to “Lancaster County.”

6. Plan for the Three-Day Waiting Period

Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period between license application and ceremony. This means if you apply on Monday, your earliest ceremony date is Thursday. Plan accordingly when scheduling your wedding.

7. Know Your 60-Day Window

Your marriage license expires 60 days after issuance. Schedule your ceremony within this timeframe, or you’ll need to reapply and pay another fee. Most couples plan ceremonies 2-4 weeks after receiving their license.

8. Provide Divorce or Death Information

If either partner was previously married, you must provide the date and location where the previous marriage ended, either through divorce or death. You don’t need to bring documentation, but accurate information is essential.

9. Choose Your Official Name

Decide beforehand whether either partner will change their name after marriage. While you can’t legally change your name through the marriage license alone, this information affects how names appear on the certificate.

10. Understand Office Hours and Location

The Lancaster County Clerk of Orphans’ Court typically operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any holiday closures that might affect your timeline.

11. No Blood Tests Required

Pennsylvania eliminated blood test requirements years ago. You won’t need medical examinations or health certificates to obtain your marriage license, simplifying the process significantly.

12. Age Requirements Matter

Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Applicants aged 16-17 need parental consent and court approval. Anyone under 16 cannot legally marry in Pennsylvania.

13. Witness Requirements for Your Ceremony

Your marriage ceremony requires two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. While witnesses aren’t needed for the license application, arrange for witnesses before your ceremony date.

14. Officiant Must Be Authorized

Ensure your ceremony officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in Pennsylvania. This includes ministers, justices of the peace, judges, and some other officials. Verify authorization beforehand to avoid ceremony complications.

15. Consider Certified Copies

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate during your license application. These official documents are needed for name changes, insurance updates, and various legal purposes. Additional copies cost extra but save time later.

16. Out-of-State Residents Welcome

You don’t need to be Pennsylvania residents to marry in Lancaster County. The license is valid for ceremonies anywhere within Pennsylvania, making it convenient for destination weddings in the area.

17. Plan for Busy Seasons

Wedding season (May through October) creates higher demand for marriage licenses. Visit early in the week or during slower periods to minimize wait times. Friday afternoons can be particularly busy.

18. Bring Completed Information

While you’ll fill out forms at the office, having key information organized beforehand speeds the process. Create a list with both partners’ full names, addresses, birth dates, parents’ names, and previous marriage details.

19. Understand Religious vs. Civil Ceremonies

Your marriage license works for both religious and civil ceremonies. Whether you choose a church wedding, outdoor ceremony, or courthouse service, the same license applies. The key is having an authorized officiant.

20. Keep Your License Safe

After receiving your marriage license, store it safely until your ceremony. The officiant needs the original license to complete the marriage certificate. Make copies for your records, but protect the original document.

Planning Your Perfect Lancaster County Wedding

Securing your marriage license is just the first step toward your dream wedding in Lancaster County. The region’s rolling farmland, historic barns, and welcoming community create an ideal setting for couples seeking both legal union and memorable celebration.

Choosing a locally owned venue like Bluestone Estate ensures your wedding day receives personalized attention that larger, corporate venues simply cannot provide. When you schedule your venue tour at Bluestone Estate, you’ll discover how local ownership translates into flexible planning, authentic regional touches, and genuine care for your special day. The estate’s team understands Lancaster County’s unique character and can help you incorporate local traditions, seasonal elements, and regional charm into your celebration. This personal investment in your wedding creates lasting relationships that extend far beyond your ceremony date, making your marriage license the beginning of a beautiful connection to Lancaster County’s warm, welcoming community.

Bluestone Estate, located in picturesque Lancaster County just outside Philadelphia, is renowned for its breathtaking ambiance and exceptional service. Discover the magic through our gallery and let your vision come to life. Ready to begin? Contact us to schedule your tour and see why we’re the premier wedding venue for unforgettable celebrations.

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