The Clerk of the Orphans' Court takes marriage license applications and issues licenses, as well as certified copies thereof. On file are marriage license applications beginning in October 1885. The procedures, directions and necessary forms to apply for a marriage license and to obtain certified copies are described below, and are more particularly set forth at Self Help Section instructions, and on informational recording available by calling 610-782-3173.

Location & Hours Of Operation

By appointment only during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, applicants for a marriage license, both of whom are at least 18 years of age, must appear together at the Marriage License Office. The marriage license office does not schedule or perform weddings; it is the responsibility of applicants to arrange for a statutorily authorized officiant to perform their wedding.

The Marriage License Department is located at:

455 West Hamilton Street

Room 123.5

Allentown, PA 18101-1614

 

Phone: (610) 782-3173

Documentation & Requirements

• To schedule an appointment for in-person interview, a completed Marriage License Application Packet, and an Application for in Person Interview Appointment, together with all required supporting documentation, may be submitted via email to marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org or by regular mail to Marriage License Office, Room 123.5, Lehigh County Courthouse, 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18101.

  APPLICATIONS AND ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LESS THAN 20 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING DATE.

• Required supporting documentation
• Valid ID (US citizens: 1 of any of the following; non-US citizens; any 2 of any of the following);
• birth certificate, valid driver's license; valid state issued photo-ID; valid passport; valid visa; or valid green card. (Additional proof of identity may be required if circumstances so warrant)
• Any previously married applicant must supply either a copy of divorce decree that is at least 30 days old as of the date of application, or a death certificate or published obituary.
• At the in-person appointment, every applicant who has a Social Security Number will be required to produce their Social Security Card or other acceptable proof of their SS# (e.g. W-2; Medicare ID card showing the FULL 9 DIGIT NUMBER).
• Cost and form of payment
• The cost of the marriage license application is $50.00 due at the time of the in-person appointment.
• Payment by credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover cards) is preferred; payment by cash is permitted.
• Certified copies of the marriage license record can be pre-ordered at the time of application at a cost of $10.00 each.

Issuance & Validity

• There is a three-day waiting period from the date of application until the date that the license becomes valid. . NOTE that during the judicial emergency, the 3-day waiting period has been waived by administrative order.
• Once issued, a marriage license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Effective July 8, 2020, a marriage license cannot be issued to an applicant under the age of 18.
• In the event that a marriage license is either denied or expires without being used, the application fee is non-refundable

Cetified Copies of Marriage Record

Certified copies of marriage licenses issued by the Lehigh County Marriage License Office must be ordered by completion and submission of an Order Form (paper copies available outside the Marriage License Office at the Courthouse) with payment:

1. Complete and Submit the Order Form by:

   1. Email to marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org

   OR

   2. Regular mail to:

   Marriage License Office

   Clerk of Orphans' Court

   Lehigh County Courthouse

   455 West Hamilton Street

   Room 123.5

   Allentown, PA 18101-1614

   OR

   3. In person appearance at Marriage License Department (Room 123.5 of the Courthouse).

2. The cost is $10.00/certified copy, plus $7.75 charge if the certified copy is sent to requesting party by priority mail.