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
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.
How to get a marriage license in Philadelphia County, step by step
- Book an appointment by emailing MLappt@phila.gov, or walk in on a weekday before 3:15 p.m. at City Hall, Room 413.
- Both applicants appear together with valid photo ID (a driver’s license, passport or similar).
- Choose a standard license ($90) or a self-uniting Quaker-style license ($100), which needs no officiant.
- Pay by Visa, Mastercard or money order — cash and personal checks are not accepted.
- Wait three days from the day both of you complete the application in person, then marry within 60 calendar days.
What to bring to the Philadelphia office
- Photo ID for both applicants
- Visa, Mastercard or a money order for $90 ($100 for a self-uniting license)
- Do not bring cash or a personal check — neither is accepted
When to apply for your Philadelphia license
Pennsylvania’s three-day wait starts only once both of you have appeared together and completed the application — not when you submit anything online or by email. After that the license is valid for 60 calendar days. Because walk-ins are only accepted until 3:15 p.m., plan your visit for morning or early afternoon and add a buffer if the wedding is close.
After the ceremony: filing your Philadelphia license and getting certified copies
Pennsylvania requires the completed license to be returned to the issuing county office within 10 days of the ceremony; without that, no public record of the marriage exists. In Philadelphia a certified copy of a marriage record costs $25. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Philadelphia County
$25 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Philadelphia Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $25 per certified copy. Mail requests have also listed a $15 research fee. |
| How to order | Request form by mail or in person; see the city page for the current instructions. |
| Timing | Not stated. |
| Heads up | A 2025 city page for REAL ID applicants lists higher money-order amounts ($40 by mail, $95 in person); the older fee schedule says $25. Confirm with the Register of Wills before paying. |
Source: City of Philadelphia - Find and request a marriage record · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Philadelphia
- Cash is not accepted — bring a card or a money order.
- The self-uniting license needs no officiant, which is useful for couples who want to marry without one.
- Emailing MLappt@phila.gov for an appointment is optional but avoids a queue.
More questions about getting married in Philadelphia
Can we pay with cash in Philadelphia?
No. Only Visa, Mastercard or a money order are accepted — not cash or personal checks.
What is a self-uniting license?
A Pennsylvania license option that lets the couple and their witnesses solemnize the marriage without an officiant. It costs $100 in Philadelphia.
When does the three-day wait begin?
When both applicants have appeared together to complete the application in person.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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