Philadelphia Marriage License Vs. County Marriage License

We Often Get Asked, Which County Should I Get My Marriage License In? Should We Get Our Marriage License From Philadelphia Or Should We Get Our Marriage License From Montgomery County, Bucks County, Etc.

First Let’s Start Addressing This: You Can Get Your Marriage License From Any Pennsylvania County That You Like. You Can Also Use That Same Marriage License In Any County That You Like. So It’s Really A Matter Of Preference As To Which One Is A Better Fit For You.

Some Couples Want The Experience Of Going To The Court House For Their Marriage License. I’ve Heard Of Some Couples Getting Dressed Up And Making A Day Of It. Others Just Want To Quickly Get Their Marriage License As Fast As Possible.

Every County In Philadelphia Allows You To Get Your Marriage License Virtually.

What That Means To You Is You Don’t Have To Take A Day Off Of Work And Coordinate Going Down Town. You Avoid The Fuss, The Parking, And Crowds. Most Counties Charge About $60 To Issue A Marriage License. Whereas Philadelphia County Charges $90. However With Philadelphia They Include Mailing You Your Official County Seal Which You’ll Need For Last Name Changes Or Any Other Government Business. All Other Counties Will Provide You With The Seal Upon Request And For Additional Payment.

So In Deciding Which County To Get Your Marriage License From Ask Yourself A Few Questions Like:

Do You Want To Go Down Town Or Do You Want A Virtual Appointment?

Are You Intending To Change Your Last Name Immediately Or Can You Wait A Few Weeks To Request The Official Seal?

Also Keep In Mind That If There Is An Error Or Typo On Your Documents, You’ll Need To Return Back To Philadelphia Court House For Updating While Other Counties Can Make Changes And Corrections By Phone Or Email.