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Philadelphia County’s Marriage License Bureau is run by the Register of Wills, located in City Hall, and also offers Pennsylvania’s distinctive self-uniting (Quaker-style) license.
| License fee | $90 for a standard license; $100 for a Quaker or self-uniting license (no officiant required). |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days, beginning once both applicants appear together to complete the application (Pennsylvania statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Valid photo ID for both applicants (driver’s license, passport, or similar). |
| License validity | 60 calendar days (Pennsylvania statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Book an appointment by emailing MLappt@phila.gov, or walk in before 3:15 p.m. on a weekday, to City Hall Room 413. Both applicants must appear together. |
| Office hours | Weekdays, walk-ins accepted until 3:15 p.m. |
Special notes
Only Visa, Mastercard, or money order are accepted — no cash or personal checks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a self-uniting marriage license?
A Pennsylvania-specific license option, historically associated with Quaker weddings, that lets the couple and their witnesses solemnize the marriage themselves — no officiant is required to sign it.
Official source: City of Philadelphia, Register of Wills — https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/marriage-and-divorce/get-a-marriage-license/
Last verified: August 2026
Last verified: August 2026