Marriage License Bureau at City Hall Philadelphia

Getting married in the City of Brotherly Love could be an easier and quicker process. Couples just need to first apply for a license, which makes their wedding legal. To obtain a marriage license, both parties need to go to the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau. Once this is approved, the happy couple can join their lives together in holy matrimony.

Where is Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau located? Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau is at Room 415 of City Hall, Broad & Market Streets. The office is open from 8:30am to 4:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 8:30am to 7pm on Wednesday, with the exception of holidays. The contact No. for the bureau is (215) 686-2233.

How to apply for a marriage license at Marriage License Bureau of City Hall? To apply for a marriage license, applicants need to arrive at least one-half hour prior to closing time to allow for process. Both you and your spouse must appear together in Room 413.

Applicants don't have to be a resident of Philadelphia. However, if one of you cannot speak or understand English, a translator who holds current, valid photo ID is needed.

For applicants, a current, valid photo ID is required. This includes your driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, resident alien card, consulate card, a Social Security card or other form of ID issued by an official entity which reflects the applicant's Social Security number (such as pay stub, W-2 form, access card, etc.). No applications will be taken without proper photo ID.

The marriage license will be issued on the third day after your application, valid for only 60 days from the issue date that indicates on the license. If you couples don't marry within this span of time, you have to go through the application process again, including paying the fees. To find a local Philadelphia Wedding Officiant, visit this page:

Find a Local Philadelphia Wedding Officiant

http://www.localofficiants.com/pennsylvania/wedding_officiants/philadelphia_pa.php

Is there any charge for applying for a marriage license at the bureau? Yes, of course. The bureau will charge you $80 for a marriage license. You can pay by cash or money order. Checks and credit cards are not accepted. Additional fees at Marriage License Bureau include $90 for Quaker / Self-Uniting License and $10 for Lost License.

Please note that licenses can be used in any county in Pennsylvania, however, a Pennsylvania marriage license cannot be used in any other state. For more info about Philadelphia marriage licenses, check this page:

Philadelphia Marriage Licenses

http://secureprod.phila.gov/wills/marriagelicense.aspx

Note: For applications aged 16 & 17, their parent or guardian must be present at the marriage license bureau during the application process. If an applicant is 15 or younger, he / she needs parental consent and the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court. In addition, their parent or guardian needs to submit a photo ID. If he / she lives outside this jurisdiction, there will be an additional fee of $10 for the necessary consent form.

If any applicant was previously married but had a divorce, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is required at the time of application. A widowed applicant needs to present a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse. If these documents are not in English, they must be translated and certified that the translation is accurate.

For applicants who have resumed their maiden name, related documents are required during the application process. Foreign documents also need to be translated into English.