Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

Philadelphia: For Philadelphia, the listed marriage license fee is $90. The waiting period is 3 Days, and the license is valid for 60 Days. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.

License Fee

$90

Wait Time

3 Days

Valid For

60 Days
Ranked #66 of 86 by lowest listed cost, above the $66 average

Philadelphia marriage license cost and wait time

Philadelphia's listed marriage license fee is $90. The waiting period is 3 Days, and the license has a 60 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, Philadelphia is $24 above average and ranks 66 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in Philadelphia

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in Philadelphia, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.

Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.

Overview

Philadelphia County Marriage License Bureau handles all marriage licenses. Pennsylvania has a 3-day waiting period. Both parties must appear in person at the Register of Wills office.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Visit Register of Wills

Go to Philadelphia City Hall, Room 415, Marriage License Bureau.

02

Complete Application

Both parties must appear with valid ID and Social Security proof.

03

Pay the Fee

Pay $90 ($100 for self-uniting/Quaker license).

04

Wait 3 Days

Pennsylvania requires a 3-day waiting period before the ceremony.

How Philadelphia compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
Philadelphia$903 Days
Jacksonville, FL$933 Days
Miami, FL$933 Days
Austin, TX$8172 Hours
Dallas, TX$8172 Hours
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in Philadelphia?

The listed marriage license fee for Philadelphia is $90. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia: The waiting period is 3 Days. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.

Can you have a courthouse wedding in Philadelphia?

Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.

What is a self-uniting license?

A Quaker-style license where no officiant is required. Costs $100.

Do I need to be a PA resident?

No residency requirement to marry in Pennsylvania.

Can I waive the waiting period?

A judge may waive the waiting period for good cause shown.