Philadelphia Pennsylvania marriage records are legal documents that prove a marriage took place in the city. These records include names, dates, locations, and license numbers. People need them for name changes, benefits, court cases, or family history. You can get them in person, online, or by mail. The City Hall office handles most requests. Online tools help you search before ordering. Fees range from $10 to $12 per copy. Always bring ID when visiting. This page shows you every way to find, view, and request Philadelphia marriage records fast and correctly.
Where to Get Philadelphia Marriage Records In Person
To get a certified copy of a marriage record in Philadelphia, go to the Marriage Record Department at City Hall. It’s on the second floor, Room 415, at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The line closes at 3:45 p.m. You must fill out a request form with both spouses’ full legal names, the exact marriage date, and the license number if you know it. Bring a driver’s license or Pennsylvania state ID. Call (215) 686-2234 if you have questions about forms, fees, or processing times.
Online Search Tools for Philadelphia Marriage Records
You don’t always need to visit City Hall. Several websites let you search Philadelphia marriage records online. Each covers different years and offers unique features. Some are free to search but charge for certified copies. Others give instant PDF downloads. Below are the best options based on your needs.
Register of Wills Marriage License Search (1995–Present)
The Register of Wills runs an online search for licenses issued from January 1, 1995, to today. Enter one spouse’s last name—full or partial—to see results. Each match shows the license number, issue date, bride and groom names, and ceremony address. Click the license number to start a copy request. You’ll need to upload a photo ID and pay $10 per certified copy. Requests can be mailed or picked up.
https://www.phila.gov/departments/register-of-wills/marriage-license-search/
County Office Marriage Records Portal
The County Office site lets you search by name, year, or license number. Results show full names, marriage date, and location. You can download a PDF preview for free. To get a certified copy, pay $12 online or in person. If you order before 11 a.m., you can pick it up the same day. This service is best for legal use, like applying for Social Security survivor benefits.
https://www.countyoffice.org/philadelphia-pa-marriage-records/
FamilySearch Historical Records (1885–1915)
FamilySearch has high-quality scans of marriage registers from 1885 to 1915. These come from the Board of Health after a law required all marriages to be recorded. Each page shows the couple’s names, ages, occupations, residence, and officiant. You can search by surname, year, or officiant. It’s free to view and download. Great for genealogy research.
Philadelphia County Public Records Portal
This free index covers licenses from the mid-1800s to now. Search by name, license number, or year. Results list both spouses, date, and ceremony location. Click to view a digitized copy if available. To get a certified copy, go to the County Clerk’s office with ID and pay $10. The site also links to state archives and Ancestry.com for deeper research.
https://www.countyoffice.org/pa-philadelphia-county-marriage-records/
Specialized Religious and Community Records
Not all Philadelphia marriages are in government databases. Some churches and religious groups kept their own records. These can help when civil records are missing or incomplete.
New Jerusalem Society (Swedenborgian) Marriages (1846–1947)
The New Jerusalem Church in Frankford kept detailed marriage logs from 1846 to 1947. The original book is at 4506 Paul Street, Frankford. It includes bride and groom names, date, and often witness names. LDS Genealogy hosts this collection online. You can request scanned pages for $5 each.
https://ldsgenealogy.com/PA/Philadelphia-County-Marriage-Records.htm
Quaker (Society of Friends) Records (1687–1900)
The Archive Grid holds Quaker records with births, deaths, marriages, and burials. These span 1687 to 1900 and cover multiple Philadelphia meeting houses. Useful for tracing early colonial families. Contact the archive for access or copies.
Roman Catholic Parish Marriages (1800–1917)
Findmypast has transcripts and images of Catholic marriage records from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each entry shows names, birth years, ages, parents’ names, marriage date, and parish. Search by name or browse by year. Download transcripts for free. Order certified copies for $10.
https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-marriages
Marriage Indexes for Research and Verification
Indexes help you locate a record before requesting a full copy. They list key details but aren’t legal documents. Use them to confirm names, dates, and license numbers.
Philadelphia Marriage Index (1885–1951)
This index comes from the Orphans’ Court clerk. It includes bride and groom names, gender, ceremony address, date, and license number. Some entries lack middle names if the form was incomplete. Search by name, year, or license number. Request certified copies through the city for $12 plus postage.
https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2536/
FamilySearch Marriage Index (1916–1951)
FamilySearch digitized the official index stored at City Hall. It covers 1916 to 1951 and reflects the 1854 city-county merger and 1885 state law that moved registration to the Orphans’ Court. Each entry has the bride’s maiden name, groom’s name, date, location, and license number. Free to search and view.
How to Request a Certified Copy: Step by Step
Certified copies are needed for legal purposes. Follow these steps to avoid delays.
- Search first: Use an online tool to find the license number and exact date.
- Fill the form: Get the Marriage Record Request Form from City Hall or the city website.
- Gather ID: Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or PA state ID).
- Pay the fee: Costs are $10–$12 per copy. Cash, check, or card accepted in person.
- Submit: Go to Room 415, City Hall, or mail the form with payment and ID copy.
- Wait: Processing takes 1–3 business days. Same-day pickup is possible if you arrive early.
Fees, Processing Times, and What to Expect
| Service | Cost | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (City Hall) | $10 | 1–3 days | Same-day if ordered before 11 a.m. |
| Certified Copy (County Office) | $12 | 1–2 days | Online or in-person |
| LDS Genealogy Scan | $5 per page | 5–10 days | Religious records only |
| Findmypast Certified Copy | $10 | 7–14 days | Archdiocesan archives |
Common Reasons People Need Marriage Records
- Changing your last name after marriage
- Applying for Social Security survivor benefits
- Proving marital status in court or immigration cases
- Genealogy and family tree research
- Updating wills, trusts, or insurance policies
Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Requesting
Double-check spelling of names. Use full legal names, not nicknames. If the marriage was recent, wait 1–2 weeks for it to appear in the system. For older records, try multiple sources—sometimes only church records exist. Always keep a copy of your request and receipt.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Marriage Record Department
City Hall, Room 415
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-2234
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (line closes at 3:45 p.m.)
Related Pennsylvania Marriage Resources
Other counties in Pennsylvania handle marriage records differently. Fees range from $8 to $15. Always contact the local Register of Wills. For statewide searches, use Pennsylvania State Records or FamilySearch’s early returns (1852–1854), which cover 47 counties.
https://pennsylvania.staterecords.org/marriagerecords
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Philadelphia marriage records. Each answer gives clear, direct help based on current rules and procedures.
Can I get a marriage record if I don’t know the exact date?
Yes. Use online search tools that allow partial dates or name-only searches. The Register of Wills portal accepts partial last names. FamilySearch lets you browse by year. If you’re within a few years, the clerk may help narrow it down. Bring as much info as possible: full names, approximate year, and location. This speeds up the process and avoids extra fees.
Are Philadelphia marriage records public?
Yes, but with limits. Anyone can search and view basic details. However, certified copies require ID and proof of need in some cases. Recent records (last 50 years) may have tighter access to protect privacy. For genealogy, older records are fully open. Always check the specific source—government sites are more open than church archives.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests take 7–10 business days after the office receives your form, payment, and ID copy. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing starts the next business day. Rush service isn’t available by mail. For faster results, go in person or use online ordering with pickup.
What if the record is missing or damaged?
Start with alternative sources. Check church records, newspapers, or census data. The Pennsylvania State Archives may have backups. If the license was never filed, contact the officiant or venue. In rare cases, a court can issue a replacement based on other evidence. Keep all correspondence for your files.
Can I request a record for someone who isn’t family?
Yes, but you may need a notarized statement explaining why. Legal purposes like court cases are accepted. Genealogy requests are usually allowed for records over 50 years old. Recent records may require proof of relationship. When in doubt, call (215) 686-2234 before submitting your request.
Do I need a certified copy for a name change?
Yes. Courts and DMVs require a certified marriage certificate to change your name. Photocopies or printouts won’t work. Order it from City Hall or the County Office. Make sure the names match your current ID exactly. If there’s a typo on the original, contact the clerk to correct it first.
Are there free ways to view Philadelphia marriage records?
Yes. FamilySearch, the County Office index, and the public records portal let you search and view for free. You can see names, dates, and locations without paying. Only certified copies cost money. Use these tools to confirm details before ordering an official document.