Marriage Records for Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh marriage records are managed by Allegheny County. The county Department of Court Records keeps all marriage licenses and related documents at the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Residents of Pittsburgh can search for marriage records online for licenses issued from 1996 forward. Older records are on file at the same office going back to 1885. The county even holds some Pittsburgh city marriage records from the 1870s. Use the search tool below to start looking for Pittsburgh marriage records now.
Pittsburgh Quick Facts
Allegheny County Marriage Records Office
Pittsburgh is the county seat of Allegheny County. All marriage records for Pittsburgh residents are filed at the Allegheny County Department of Court Records. The Marriage License Bureau sits on the first floor of the City-County Building on Grant Street, just steps from the Allegheny County Courthouse.
The office is open on weekdays and also on Saturdays from May through September. Saturday hours run from 8:30 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon. This seasonal schedule gives working couples an option to apply in person on the weekend. Arrive by noon on Saturdays to be seen.
| Office | Allegheny County Marriage License Bureau |
|---|---|
| Address | City-County Building, 1st Floor 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 |
| Phone | (412) 350-4230 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Saturdays (May-September), 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM |
| dcrml@alleghenycounty.us |
The Department of Court Records at the courthouse on 436 Grant Street also handles requests. Staff at both locations can help with marriage records for Pittsburgh residents.
Note: Plan to arrive by 4:00 on weekdays since the computer systems begin shutting down at that time.
Searching Pittsburgh Marriage Records
Allegheny County offers an online search portal for marriage records from January 1, 1996 forward. You can search by the names of one or both parties, the date of marriage, or the license number. The system returns basic record details and lets you order copies directly online.
For marriage records issued before 1996, the online search is not available. You can still order copies online, but you need to know the approximate year and the full names used on the application. The office will conduct a manual search of their files. A search fee applies even if no record is found.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh also holds microfilm copies of marriage record indexes and early records. The Carnegie Library legal resources guide points visitors to forms and contact details for the Marriage License Office. This is a useful starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the process.
The Pittsburgh city website also links to county resources for residents who need marriage records or want to apply for a new license.
How to Get Marriage Record Copies
Pittsburgh residents can get copies of marriage records through the Allegheny County office in person, by mail, or online. There are two types of copies. A plain copy works for personal and historical use. A triple-seal certified copy is needed for any legal matter in or outside Pennsylvania.
The fees are straightforward. A certified copy costs $10. A non-certified copy costs $4. The office accepts cash, credit cards, and money orders. If you order by mail, use a money order only. Online orders require a credit or debit card.
To request a copy in person, visit the Marriage License Bureau and bring a valid photo ID. Give the clerk both names and the year of the marriage. In most cases, the staff can pull the record and prepare your copy the same day if you come early enough.
- Certified copy (triple-seal): $10
- Non-certified copy: $4
- Marriage license application: $80
- Additional $10 per divorce decree on file
Mail requests should go to the Marriage License Bureau at 414 Grant Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Include the names, date, and payment. Processing takes two to three business days plus mailing time.
Historical Marriage Records
Allegheny County holds marriage records from 1885 to the present. The county also has some marriage records for the city of Pittsburgh that cover the period from 1870 to 1879. These pre-county records are rare in Pennsylvania, as most counties did not keep marriage records before 1885.
Under Pennsylvania law (23 Pa.C.S. Section 1301), all marriages require a license. The county system of recording these licenses began in 1885 across the state. Before that, some cities like Pittsburgh kept their own records, though coverage was inconsistent.
The Marriage License Dockets at the Allegheny County courthouse span Volumes 1 through 70 and cover the years 1885 to 1905. Index volumes 1 through 14 cover 1885 to 1925. Researchers can view these in person during office hours. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Room also holds microfilm copies of indexes and early marriage records for the county.
Pennsylvania's early attempt to record vital events at the county level from 1852 to 1855 produced some records, but the effort was largely unsuccessful. The 1885 mandate created the consistent system still used today. Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1309, all marriage license applications and consent certificates must be filed with the issuing clerk.
Note: FamilySearch has digitized Pennsylvania county marriages from 1885 to 1950. These can be searched online at no cost for genealogy purposes.
Marriage License Process in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh residents who want to get married apply for a license at the Allegheny County Marriage License Bureau. Both people must appear in person together. Each person needs a valid government photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Social Security documentation is also required.
The application fee is $80. Pennsylvania law under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1303 requires a three-day waiting period between the application and the time the license becomes valid. The license then stays valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state. There is no residency requirement, so couples from outside Pittsburgh can apply here if they choose.
After the wedding, the officiant fills out the bottom portion of the license and files it with the Marriage License Bureau within ten days. Once filed, it becomes a permanent marriage record in Allegheny County. Anyone can then request a copy of that record.
If either person has been married before, they must bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate for the prior spouse. Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1307, the clerk must verify all requirements before issuing a new license. The office charges an added $10 for each divorce decree that needs to be recorded.
Video conference options are also available for the application process. Check the Allegheny County website for current instructions on how to schedule a virtual interview.
Allegheny County Records
All marriage records for Pittsburgh are kept by Allegheny County. The county serves more than 1.2 million residents across 130 municipalities, with Pittsburgh as its largest city. For full details on the county record system, fees, office hours, and related resources, visit the Allegheny County page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Other large cities in Pennsylvania handle marriage records through their own county offices. Pick a city below to learn more.