The Register of Wills keeps records of marriage licenses dating back to 1885. You can request a certified or exemplified copy of any marriage license issued in Philadelphia.
When you request a record, it helps to know:
- The names that both people used when they applied for the marriage license.
- The date of the marriage.
You can request marriage records from 1860–1885 through the Philadelphia City Archives.
Cost
The record fee depends on the type of copy you’re requesting. It is:
- $25 for a certified copy. Most record requests are for certified copies.
- $50 for an exemplified copy, which is used for international purposes.
If you are requesting records by mail, there is an additional $15 research fee.
Search for a marriage record
You can use our online marriage record search to find information on Philadelphia marriages from 1995 or later. The results may include the applicants’ names, marriage license number, and the date of the license.
You’ll still need to submit a record request if you:
- Want a copy of the actual marriage license.
- Can’t find the record you’re looking for.
- Need a record from before 1995.
Request a marriage record by mail
You can also write a letter that includes the following information:
- The names that both people used when they applied for the marriage license.
- The date of the marriage.
You must pay a $15 research fee for the Register of Wills to locate the marriage record. The money order should be made payable to the “Clerk of Orphans’ Court.”
You can mail your letter, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the money order to:
Marriage Record Department
City Hall
Room 415
Philadelphia, PA 19107
If the Register of Wills is able to locate the record, you’ll receive a letter with a request form. If no record is found, you’ll still receive a confirmation letter.
Once the Register of Wills has located the marriage record, you can use the request form to get a certified or exemplified copy of the record. A certified copy costs $25, while an exemplified copy costs $50. The money order should be made payable to the “Clerk of Orphans’ Court.”
Send the form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the second money order to:
Marriage Record Department
City Hall
Room 415
Philadelphia, PA 19107
You’ll typically receive your copy of the record within 7-10 business days.
Request a marriage record in person
To request records in person, go to the Marriage Record Department.
City Hall
Room 415
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.