Philadelphia exact answer
Is there a marriage license waiting period in Philadelphia?
This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.
Direct answer
The published waiting period in Philadelphia is 3 days. The license is handed to you at the end of your visit, but it cannot be used until the third day after you apply.
Published rule and conditions
- Marriage license waiting period
- 3 days
The license is handed to you at the end of your visit, but it cannot be used until the third day after you apply.
Official requirementIt will be valid on the third day after you apply, and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date.
Issuing office
Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau, Office of the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court
Official sources for this answer
- Get a marriage licenseCity of Philadelphia, Register of Wills (Marriage License Department) - checked July 26, 2026
Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills and provide the required documents, including identification. You can use your marriage license in any county in Pennsylvania. You cannot use it in another state or country. A regular marriage license costs $90. Quaker or self-uniting licenses cost $100. You will receive your license at the end of your visit. It will be valid on the third day after you apply, and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date.
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Answer boundary
MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.
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