Marriage Records for Clearfield County
Clearfield County marriage records are held at the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court office in the Clearfield County Courthouse. Records go back to 1885, and the full marriage license index is computerized. The county was formed in 1804 from parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming Counties. You can search for records, apply for a new license, or order certified copies at the courthouse. This guide covers what you need to know about Clearfield County marriage records.
Clearfield County Quick Facts
Clearfield County Register of Wills
The Clearfield County Register of Wills is a dual office. It handles both court and non-court matters. Marriage licenses, probate, estates, adoptions, and guardianships all fall under this office. The Register and Recorder sits on the first floor of the Courthouse at 1 North Second Street, Suite 103, in Clearfield.
Marriage licenses have been on file in Clearfield County from 1885 to the present. The complete index is computerized, which makes searches fast. The office also keeps birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 at $5.00 each. To reach the office, call (814) 765-2641. Use extension 2127 or 2128 to schedule a marriage license appointment.
The Clearfield County Register of Wills page outlines the office services and marriage record access.
This page covers how to apply for a license and what records the office holds.
| Office |
Clearfield County Register of Wills Clerk of Orphans' Court 1 North Second Street, Suite 103 Clearfield, PA 16830 Phone: (814) 765-2641 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | clearfieldcountypa.gov |
Clearfield County Marriage License Steps
You must schedule an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Clearfield County. Call (814) 765-2641, extension 2127 or 2128. Both people must appear in person together at the Clerk of Orphans' Court office.
The fee is $50.00. Cash only. Under Section 1303, there is a three-day waiting period from the time you apply until the license is ready. Military members are exempt from this wait. The license stays valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Bring valid photo ID. Know your birthdate, birthplace, and Social Security number. You also need your parents' birthplaces. If either person was divorced, bring an original or certified copy of the divorce decree. If the divorce happened within the last 30 days, the decree must be shown at the time of application. A death certificate is needed if a former spouse has passed away.
- Both applicants appear in person by appointment
- Valid photo ID required
- Fee is $50.00, cash only
- Three-day waiting period applies
- License valid 60 days statewide
Note: If either applicant is under 18, a parental consent form signed by the custodial parent and notarized is required in Clearfield County.
How to Search Clearfield County Marriage Records
The computerized index at the Clearfield County office makes it easy to find marriage records from 1885 forward. Visit the office in person for a search. Staff can look up records by name and date.
Clearfield County also offers online searching through Landex software. The Landex Remote program lets you search from home with a subscription. The Landex Webstore offers a pay-as-you-go option for people who search less often. Both systems cover deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents in Clearfield County.
The Clearfield County elected officials page provides additional context on county offices handling marriage records.
The Register and Recorder is an elected position in Clearfield County.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal offers free court record searches. Under Section 1309, marriage license applications are filed as public records. Anyone can request access.
This court records guide for Clearfield County explains additional ways to find marriage records.
The guide lists contact details and procedures for requesting copies.
Clearfield County Historical Records
Clearfield County was incorporated on March 26, 1804. Marriage records begin in 1885, when Section 1301 of Title 23 made licenses mandatory across Pennsylvania. Divorce records in Clearfield County go back even further, to 1828. The Prothonotary holds those records along with court files from the same era.
Land records start in 1805. Probate records date to 1875. Birth and death records cover 1893 to 1905 at the county level. After 1905, the state took over vital records. The Pennsylvania State Archives holds some Clearfield County records on microfilm for researchers.
Before 1885, marriages in Clearfield County were recorded mostly through churches and newspapers. A brief state law from 1852 to 1854 required county-level recording, but it ended quickly. Researchers looking for pre-1885 records should check church archives, newspaper collections, and the State Archives.
Note: The courthouse address was formerly listed as 230 Market Street, but the current Register and Recorder office is at 1 North Second Street, Suite 103.
Clearfield County Marriage Record Details
Marriage records in Clearfield County include the names, ages, and residences of both parties. The application lists birthplaces, Social Security numbers, and parents' information. The date of the license and date of the wedding appear on the returned certificate. Under Section 1307, each license includes an original and duplicate certificate.
The officiant signs and returns the certificate to the county after the ceremony. This confirms the marriage took place. Clearfield County files the returned certificate as part of the permanent record. Certified copies carry a seal and can be used for legal purposes. Contact the office for the current certified copy fee.
Nearby Counties
Clearfield County is in central Pennsylvania. If you need records from a neighboring county, contact that county's Register of Wills directly. Marriage records stay in the county where the license was issued.