If you need to consult with an attorney or would like more information on getting married, please contact the Erie County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral & Information Service.

The first step in getting married  is to obtain a marriage license.  Pennsylvania no longer recognizes common law marriage, except in circumstances where the couple entered into the marriage prior to January 2, 2005. 

Couples who intend to be married in Erie County, Pennsylvania, must obtain a marriage license in Erie County at the cost of $60 cash. The prospective parties must appear in person at the Erie County Marriage License Bureau, Room 123, Erie County Courthouse, in Erie.  A brief interview will take place at which the following information is needed:

1. Both persons' Social Security Number and the address where they currently reside.
2. Both persons' mother’s maiden name.
3. Both persons' parents’ current address.
4. The state where both persons' parents were born.
5. Both person's parents’ occupation.
6. Divorce Decrees from prior marriages.
7. Death certificates for prior spouses.
8. Resumption of Maiden Name Certificates from prior marriages.

Physicals and blood tests are not required.

Both applicants must be at least 18. If between 16 and 18, parental consent is necessary.  Court approval is necessary for anyone under 16.

The license will be issued three days after the application.  This requirement may be waived by the Court if special circumstances exist, such as military deployment, health of one of the applicants, or expected birth of a child.  The couple must be married within 60 days of the issuance of the license. 

After the ceremony, the Return of Marriage form must be returned to the Courthouse as proof that the marriage took place.  This is usually done by the person performing the ceremony.  The ceremony may be performed by various civil authorities including judges and magisterial district justices, and clergy from religious denominations.

Information is current as of 6/2023.