Clinton County Marriage Record Search
Clinton County marriage records are maintained by the Register and Recorder's Office in Lock Haven. Records go back to October 1885. The county was created in 1839 from parts of Centre and Lycoming Counties. Searching for Clinton County marriage records requires knowing an approximate date because no general index exists for the marriage files. This page covers how to apply for a license, search old records, and request copies from the Clinton County office.
Clinton County Quick Facts
Clinton County Register and Recorder
The Clinton County Register and Recorder handles marriage licenses, land records, and estate files. The office is at 2 Piper Way, Suite 239, in Lock Haven. Call (570) 893-4010 to reach them. This office serves as the Clerk of Orphans' Court for marriage license matters.
Marriage records in Clinton County begin in October 1885 and run to the present day. Land records start in 1839, when the county was first created. Estate records also go back to 1839. Birth and death records at the county level cover 1893 to 1905. Delayed birth registrations were recorded from 1941 to 1976 for people whose births were never originally filed. Orphans' Court records are indexed from 1839 to 1974.
The office will help with genealogical research but does not conduct long searches. Staff can furnish available records if you provide enough detail. For in-depth research, plan to visit in person.
| Office |
Clinton County Register & Recorder 2 Piper Way, Suite 239 Lock Haven, PA 17745 Phone: (570) 893-4010 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | clintoncountypa.gov |
Note: Birth and death records after 1905 are held by the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records in New Castle, not at the Clinton County level.
Clinton County Marriage License Application
Both applicants must appear in person at the Register and Recorder's Office in Lock Haven. Bring valid photo ID and Social Security cards. If you were divorced before, bring the divorce decree. Under Section 1303 of Title 23, a three-day waiting period applies. The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.
Contact the office at (570) 893-4010 for the current fee. The Clinton County marriage license page provides application details. Standard Pennsylvania requirements apply in Clinton County, including the waiting period and the 60-day window to use the license.
You can use a Clinton County marriage license anywhere in the state. The license does not restrict you to marrying within the county. Under Section 1301, no marriage may be performed in Pennsylvania without a valid license.
How to Search Marriage Records in Clinton County
Searching Clinton County marriage records is different from most counties. No general index exists for the marriage files. You must know an approximate date of marriage to find a record. This is a critical detail that catches many researchers off guard. If you do not have a rough date, the staff may not be able to locate the record.
Some marriage records in the dockets were never completed. This happened when the officiant did not return the duplicate certificate. An incomplete record does not mean the marriage never took place. It just means the paperwork was not finished.
Clinton County provides online public records access through a county portal. The portal covers deeds, property documents, surveys, and marriage license information. It supplements but does not replace an in-person visit for full access.
Clinton County court records are also available through this information guide.
The guide explains how to find court records and request copies in Clinton County.
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal offers free court record searches. Under Section 1309, marriage license applications are public records. Anyone can request them.
Clinton County Historical Marriage Records
Clinton County was created on June 21, 1839. Marriage records start in October 1885. Before that date, marriages were recorded through churches and newspaper notices, not at the county level.
Two sets of Marriage License Dockets covering 1885 to 1906 are available on FamilySearch. These can be viewed for free with an account. Marriage records from 1852 to 1855 exist as an index in the International Genealogical Index. The Pennsylvania State Archives holds additional county records on microfilm.
Local resources can also help with Clinton County marriage records research. The Heisey Museum at 362 East Water Street in Lock Haven has local history materials. Call them at (570) 748-7254. The Ross Library at 232 West Main Street in Lock Haven keeps historical records as well. Their number is (570) 748-3321. Both places can point you to records that the county office does not hold.
Wills and estate files at the Register and Recorder often contain family details useful for genealogy. These records go back to 1839 in Clinton County. They can help fill gaps when marriage records are missing or incomplete.
Note: Some Clinton County marriage records were never completed because the officiant failed to return the duplicate. This does not mean the marriage did not happen.
Clinton County Marriage Record Contents
A marriage record in Clinton County typically shows both names, ages, and residences. The application includes birthplaces, Social Security information, and parents' details. The date and location of the ceremony appear on the returned certificate.
Under Section 1307, each license is issued with an original and duplicate certificate. The officiant signs one and returns it to the county. This returned copy serves as the permanent record. Certified copies from the Clinton County office carry a seal and work as legal proof. Contact the office for the current copy fee.
Nearby Counties
Clinton County is in north-central Pennsylvania. If you are unsure which county holds a marriage record, check where the couple lived when they applied. Records stay in the issuing county.