Philadelphia County Marriage Records are official documents that show when and where a marriage took place in the county. They usually include the names of both people, the date of the marriage, and who performed the ceremony. These records are kept to confirm that a marriage was legally completed. They are also used for legal reasons, family history, and personal identification. The details in the records may change depending on when the marriage happened.
These marriage records help confirm important personal information in a clear and organized way. People often look at them when checking family background or for official paperwork. Most records include basic details like names and dates. They are stored and managed by local government offices to keep a record of marriages over time.
Who Can Access Philadelphia Marriage Records?
Philadelphia County marriage records are generally considered public records, which means most people can access them. However, how and when you can access these records depends on factors such as the year the marriage took place, the reason for the request, and the format of the copy you need. Whether you’re requesting marriage records for legal use, personal documentation, or genealogical research, it’s important to understand the rules and guidelines in place for different types of access.
Are Marriage Records in Philadelphia Public?
Yes, most marriage records in Philadelphia are public and available for viewing or requesting by the general public. Anyone can search or apply for a record, especially if the purpose is informational or historical. However, while viewing or searching a record may be open to the public, requesting a certified or exemplified copy—especially for official or legal use—may require you to meet specific information or provide valid identification.
Older records, especially those recorded before 1995, are typically easier to access and do not always require identification. More recent records may involve formal procedures, especially if a legally recognized copy is needed.
Who Can Request a Philadelphia Marriage Record?
If you are requesting a marriage record for genealogical research or personal knowledge, you are generally allowed to do so without any restrictions. These types of requests are common for family history purposes, and you are not required to be a relative of the individuals named in the marriage license.
On the other hand, if you need the record for legal or official use—such as for immigration, divorce proceedings, or name changes—then you may be required to be one of the individuals named on the marriage license, or a person legally authorized to request the record, such as an attorney or close family member.
For example:
- A person doing family history research can request older records without identification.
- A spouse needing a certified copy for a government agency must provide proof of identity and relationship.
- A legal representative, such as an attorney, must include authorization or documentation justifying the request.
Accessing Records for Genealogy and Historical Research
Genealogists and family researchers can access a wealth of information from Philadelphia marriage records, especially those dating back to the late 1800s. These historical documents often contain the full names of both spouses, their dates and places of birth, names of parents or guardians, occupations, and previous marital statuses. This data helps build detailed family trees and trace lineage across generations.
In most cases, you can access these historical marriage records without needing to provide identification or proof of relationship. Many older records are also available through public archives, local libraries, or historical databases, and some have even been digitized and placed online.
If your request is for genealogical purposes, you may still request a physical or digital copy of the record, though this may not be a certified version suitable for legal use.
Requesting Marriage Records for Legal or Official Use
If you need a Philadelphia marriage record for legal reasons, such as applying for a passport, social security benefits, divorce proceedings, or visa applications, then you will need a certified or exemplified copy.
A certified copy includes an official stamp or seal and is valid for most legal and administrative processes within the United States. An exemplified copy is notarized and authenticated, often used for legal matters that involve foreign governments or international courts.
In these cases, you must submit a formal request, show a valid photo ID, and pay the appropriate fee. Common forms of identification include a government-issued driver’s license, a state ID card, a passport, or a military ID. The request must include the full names of both individuals listed on the record, the approximate date of the marriage, and any known license number, if available. These official copies cannot be downloaded online and must be requested in person or through a mail-in application to the appropriate Philadelphia office.
Identification Requirements for In-Person Requests
When you visit an official government office in Philadelphia, such as City Hall or the Register of Wills Office, you should bring appropriate identification to verify your identity. Accepted forms of ID typically include a state-issued driver’s license, a non-driver photo ID card, a passport, or a military ID. You may also be asked to provide supporting documentation depending on the nature of your request.
If you are requesting the marriage record on behalf of someone else, you may be required to show legal authorization, such as a power of attorney or court order. Always check the latest requirements before your visit. For same-day service, you are encouraged to arrive at the office before 2:30 PM, as requests submitted later in the day are usually processed the next business day.
Types of Marriage Records Available
When searching for Philadelphia County marriage records, it’s important to understand the different types of documents that may be available. Each serves a unique function—whether you’re requesting proof of marriage, verifying a record for legal use, or researching historical family data. This section explains the most common types of marriage-related records in Philadelphia County so you can make an informed decision about what to request.
Marriage License Records
A marriage license is the legal permission granted to a couple to get married. In Philadelphia County, marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills and are a requirement before any legal marriage can take place.
What’s Included in a Marriage License Record:
- Full legal names of both applicants
- Dates of birth and places of birth
- Date the license was issued
- License number
- County of issuance (Philadelphia County)
- Intended date of marriage (sometimes included)
- Application date and filing details
These records are useful when confirming whether a marriage license was ever granted, especially for legal or historical purposes. The license must be obtained before the marriage and is typically valid for 60 days. If the marriage doesn’t occur within that period, a new license is required. Marriage license records are often part of public records and may be accessible for personal or official review depending on the year and access rules.
Marriage Certificates
A marriage certificate is the official document confirming that a marriage actually occurred. It is issued after the wedding and once the signed marriage license is returned by the officiant to the issuing office.
What You’ll Find in a Marriage Certificate:
- Names of both spouses (including maiden names where applicable)
- Date and location of the wedding ceremony
- Name and title of the officiant (judge, clergy, etc.)
- Filing date of the returned license
- Certificate number or registration ID
- Seal or stamp verifying the authenticity (on certified copies)
This is the document most people request when they need legal proof of marriage. Whether you’re updating a Social Security record, changing your last name, applying for benefits, or handling estate matters, this is the version of the Philadelphia County marriage record that is typically required.
Certified vs. Exemplified Copies
When requesting a copy of a marriage certificate from Philadelphia County, you’ll often be asked whether you need a certified copy or an exemplified copy. Both are legal, official copies, but they serve different purposes.
Certified Copy
A certified marriage certificate is an official copy issued with the court’s raised seal. It’s accepted by most U.S. government agencies and institutions.
Uses include:
- Name change on government ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Filing for spousal benefits
- Mortgage, insurance, or bank verification
- Legal documentation for estate settlement
The cost for a certified copy in Philadelphia County is typically $25.
Exemplified Copy
An exemplified copy is a step above a certified copy and includes an extra level of authentication, sometimes referred to as a “triple seal.” It is used when the marriage document is being submitted to an international government or court.
Uses include:
- Immigration or visa applications
- Marriage recognition in a foreign country
- Legal matters involving international jurisdictions
The fee for an exemplified copy is higher—usually around $50. Processing time may also be slightly longer, especially for mail-in requests.
Index-Only Records for Historical Marriages
For marriages that occurred in the 19th or early 20th century, Philadelphia County marriage records may only be available in index format. These are summaries or listings that help you identify a record before ordering a full document.
An index-only record may include:
- Names of the bride and groom
- Year or exact date of marriage
- Marriage license number
- Volume and page number (for archive use)
- Reference to location of the full record
These are especially helpful for genealogical research or when tracking down family history. While they don’t provide all the details of a full marriage certificate, they serve as a useful starting point. Once identified, the full copy can often be requested from archives, such as the Philadelphia City Archives or Register of Wills.
How to Search for Marriage Records
Searching for Philadelphia County marriage records doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming. Whether you’re researching your family history, confirming a legal marriage, or trying to locate a specific record from decades ago, there are different ways to search—online, through government offices, or by visiting historical archives.
Each option works best depending on how much information you already have, and how far back in time the record goes. Below is a complete explanation of the search process, organized step by step, so you can find the right record using the most efficient method.
Online Search for Philadelphia Marriage Records (1995 to Present)
If the marriage you’re searching for happened after 1994, then the most convenient place to start is the Philadelphia Register of Wills’ online search system. This digital database contains marriage licenses issued from 1995 to the present day and is available to the public at no cost.
To search online, you only need a few key pieces of information. Even if you don’t have the full details, the system is flexible enough to accept partial information in many cases.
Here’s how to perform a proper search:
- Visit the official website where the Philadelphia Register of Wills provides access to marriage license records.
- Enter the last name of either person listed on the marriage license. You can begin with just one person if you don’t know the full names of both partners.
- Add the first name if available. While not required, using both first and last names will help narrow down the results and reduce unrelated entries.
- Enter the year of marriage, if known. This can save time and focus the search more accurately, especially for common last names.
- Submit the search and review the list of results.
The results will usually display:
- Full names of both individuals
- Marriage license issue date
- A license reference number
While you won’t receive a full copy of the certificate through the search tool, the license number provided can be used to order a certified or exemplified copy either by mail or in person.
Searching Process
The system allows you to search records using several different methods, and each method can be helpful depending on what information you already have.
Search by Last Name Only
If you only know the last name of one of the partners, that’s enough to begin a search. You might get many results if it’s a common name, but it’s still a good starting point. Later, you can apply filters like marriage year to help narrow it down.
Search by Full Name
If you know the full names of both individuals, include both in the search form. This will reduce the number of possible matches and help you find the exact record more easily.
Search by Marriage Date or Year
Including the exact year or a date range of the marriage will make your search faster. This is especially helpful if you’re not sure about the full name but have a general idea of the wedding year.
Search by License Number
If you already have a marriage license number—for example, from a family document or court record—you can often enter it directly. This is the most accurate and direct method, and it will lead you to the exact record you’re looking for, without needing to enter names or dates.
Using Partial Names to Search
One of the most helpful features of the online search system is its ability to recognize partial names. This is useful in situations where:
- You’re unsure of the spelling
- A name may have been shortened or abbreviated
- The handwriting on an old record is hard to read
For example:
- If you only remember that the last name starts with “McD,” you can enter “McD” and the system will pull up all records with last names beginning that way, such as McDonald, McDowell, McDaniel, etc.
- If you’re not sure whether the name was “Katherine” or “Catherine,” you can type part of the name like “therine” or just “Kath” to generate broader matches.
This kind of search is helpful for users who are researching distant relatives or trying to track down records without full certainty.
How to Search for Older Marriage Records (Before 1995)
If the marriage happened before 1995, the online system will not contain the full record. In this case, you’ll need to search through government archives or in-person collections depending on the exact year.
1. 1860 to 1885 – Philadelphia City Archives
Marriage records from this early period are stored at the Philadelphia City Archives. These include older licenses, applications, and other historical documents. Most of them are not online, so you’ll need to request access either in person or through written mail.
The records may include:
- Full names of the couple
- Marriage date
- Officiant name
- Witness names
- Additional background details (especially useful for genealogy)
2. 1885 to 1994 – Register of Wills, Philadelphia County
Marriage records issued between 1885 and 1994 are handled by the Register of Wills. These records are available at City Hall in Room 415. They are not accessible through the online search system, so you must visit the office in person or request the record through a formal mail application.
When making a request, you will need to provide:
- Full names of both individuals
- Approximate marriage year
- Purpose of the request (legal, personal, or historical)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope, if requesting by mail
Using Local Libraries and Genealogy Centers
If you’re working on a family tree or trying to learn more about ancestors, you can also search through public libraries and genealogy centers in Philadelphia. Many of these locations offer:
- Microfilm copies of old marriage indexes
- Books and city registers listing marriages
- Access to online databases such as FamilySearch or Ancestry, which may include Philadelphia County records
The Free Library of Philadelphia and local historical societies often have valuable resources and experienced staff who can help locate older or hard-to-find records.
How to Request Marriage Records
You can request Philadelphia County marriage records in three ways: online, by mail, or in person. Each method is explained below to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how long the process usually takes.
Online Requests (Search Only)
If the marriage occurred in 1995 or later, you can begin with an online search using the Philadelphia Register of Wills’ public database. This helps confirm whether the record exists before submitting a request.
You can search by:
- Last name (minimum two letters)
- First name (optional)
- Marriage year (optional)
The online system does not issue certified copies. After finding the record, you’ll still need to request a copy through mail or an in-person visit.
Mail Requests
Mail is a convenient option if you’re unable to visit in person. To request a marriage record by mail, write a letter including:
- The full names of both spouses
- The date or approximate year of the marriage
- Your name and mailing address
- Your contact number
- The type of copy you need (certified or exemplified)
Include a money order for the $15 research fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Once the office confirms the record is available, you’ll be asked to send an additional money order—$25 for a certified copy or $50 for an exemplified copy.
Mail your request to:
Philadelphia Register of Wills
Marriage License Department
Room 415, City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Allow about seven to ten business days after payment for processing and delivery.
In-Person Requests
If you’re near City Hall or need the record quickly, an in-person visit is the fastest option. Head to Room 415 in Philadelphia City Hall on a weekday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For same-day service, arrive before 2:30 p.m.
Bring:
- A valid photo ID
- The names of the couple
- The date of the marriage (or best estimate)
- Payment for the copy requested
Payment can be made by credit or debit card. Certified copies cost $25. Exemplified copies, which are often required for use in foreign countries or legal matters, cost $50. If you request and receive the record on the same day, expect an additional fee of $45.
What You Need to Include
No matter which method you choose, make sure you provide:
- Full names of both individuals at the time of marriage
- The approximate marriage date
- Your contact details (mailing address and phone number)
- The type of copy you’re requesting
For mail requests, always include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the initial research fee. If the record is located, payment for the actual copy will be requested before it’s mailed to you.
Fees and Processing Time
When requesting Philadelphia County marriage records, it’s helpful to know the exact costs, what type of record you need, and how long each method takes. This section breaks everything down so you can make the right choice, whether you’re applying by mail, online, or in person.
Certified Copy – Cost and Use
A certified copy of a marriage record costs $25. This is the standard version most people request. It’s officially signed and sealed, and accepted for everyday legal and personal needs.
People often use certified copies for:
- Changing their last name after marriage
- Updating Social Security or DMV records
- Filing insurance claims
- Applying for spousal immigration
To pay, use a money order or cashier’s check made out to the Clerk of Orphans’ Court. Personal checks are not accepted.
Exemplified Copy – Cost and Use
An exemplified copy costs $50. This version includes additional certification and is often used for official business outside the United States or in legal cases requiring more formal verification.
You may need an exemplified copy for:
- Submitting documents to a foreign embassy
- Legal proceedings in another country
- Immigration cases involving international documents
It comes with extra seals and a signed statement from court officials. If you’re unsure which copy to request, check with the organization or office that asked for the record.
Research Fee for Mail Requests
If you’re sending a request by mail and you don’t have the exact marriage date or license number, there is a $15 non-refundable research fee. This fee covers the time court staff spend searching for the record manually.
Your mail request should include:
- Full names of both people listed on the record
- The approximate year or date range of the marriage
- Your contact details and a return address
Make sure the information is clear and complete. Missing or incorrect details may cause delays in processing.
Same-Day Services and Walk-In Deadlines
You can visit the office in person for faster service. Same-day pickup is usually available if you arrive early enough.
Walk-in requests are accepted at:
- Philadelphia City Hall, Room 415
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
To receive your record the same day, arrive before 2:30 PM. Walk-ins after this time may have to return the next business day. If same-day service is requested during busy times or holidays, there may be a longer wait or an extra fee for rush handling.
When visiting, bring a valid ID, your completed application, and payment by money order. Always double-check hours in advance if you’re visiting near a holiday or weekend.
Contact Information and Official Sources
To request Philadelphia County marriage records, contact the correct office based on the record year:
Register of Wills (1885–Present)
- Address: City Hall, Room 415, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Phone: (215) 686-2234
- Website: Marriage Services
- Handles certified/exemplified copies and marriage license records.
City Archives (1860–1885)
- Address: 548 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Phone: (215) 685-9401
- Email: archives.info@phila.gov
- Website: City Archives
- Provides access to older historical records.
Use online tools to search by name or date before sending a request.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to access Philadelphia County Marriage Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for marriage certificates, license filings, and other related public records in Philadelphia County.
Are marriage records public?
In most cases, marriage records are public documents and can be accessed by anyone unless restricted by law. Basic information such as the names of the spouses, date of marriage, and county of issuance is generally available to the public. However, certified copies of the marriage certificate are often limited to the individuals named on the record or those with legal authorization. Some jurisdictions may apply privacy rules depending on the nature of the request or the year the marriage occurred.
Can I get someone else’s marriage record?
You may be able to request a copy of someone else’s marriage record, but access is usually limited to informational or non-certified versions. Certified copies are typically reserved for the couple named on the document or authorized legal representatives. When requesting a record for someone else, you’ll often need to provide full names, the approximate date of marriage, and the county where it was filed. Legal restrictions and identity verification may apply depending on the jurisdiction.
How far back do records go?
The availability of historical marriage records depends on the county and the state’s archival practices. In many counties, official marriage records can go back to the early 1900s or even earlier. Some states have digitized older records for easier access, while others store them in physical archives that require special handling. For older records, it may be necessary to visit the county clerk’s office in person or submit a written request. Archival research may take longer than modern record retrieval.
What is the difference between a license and certificate?
A marriage license is the legal document a couple obtains before getting married, granting them permission to wed. It must be signed by both parties and the officiant, then filed with the appropriate government office. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the official record issued after the marriage has been legally completed and registered. The certificate serves as legal proof of marriage and is used for name changes, benefits, and other legal purposes. Both documents play essential roles but serve different functions.
Is there a fee waiver for legal use?
Some counties may offer a fee waiver for certified marriage records if the request is for legal purposes such as court proceedings, immigration cases, or government benefits. To qualify, you may need to provide documentation proving financial hardship or a court order. Policies on fee waivers vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to contact the issuing county clerk’s office directly. They can inform you of any required forms, eligibility criteria, and the process for submitting a waiver request.