Forest County Marriage Records Guide
Forest County marriage records are held at the courthouse in Tionesta. Forest County is one of the smallest counties in Pennsylvania by population, but it keeps a full set of marriage records going back to 1885. The Prothonotary and Register and Recorder office handles marriage licenses and record requests. You can search for records at the courthouse or by mail. This guide explains how to find, request, and use marriage records in Forest County.
Forest County Quick Facts
Forest County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary handles marriage licenses in Forest County. The office is in the Forest County Courthouse at 526 Elm Street in Tionesta. Both people who plan to marry must come in together. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either party was married before, a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate is required.
Under Section 1301 of Title 23, every marriage in Pennsylvania requires a license. Forest County follows this law. The Register and Recorder in Forest County also handles deeds and other public records. Because the county is small, the office handles many roles. Staff are helpful and used to working with visitors who travel from outside the area.
Forest County does not have a dedicated online portal for marriage records. In-person visits and mail requests are the main ways to access records. The courthouse is open during normal business hours. Call ahead to confirm the office will be staffed when you plan to visit, as small county offices sometimes adjust hours.
The Pennsylvania State Archives provides research tools that include Forest County marriage records on microfilm.
The State Archives holds microfilm copies of marriage records from many Pennsylvania counties, including Forest County.
| Office |
Forest County Clerk of Courts Prothonotary / Register and Recorder 526 Elm Street, Box 2 Tionesta, PA 16353 Phone: (814) 755-3526 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.forest.pa.us |
Searching Forest County Marriage Records
The best way to search for marriage records in Forest County is to visit the courthouse in Tionesta. Give the clerk the full names of both parties and the rough year of the marriage. The clerk will search the records and pull up what you need. Forest County is small, and searches usually go fast.
You can also request records by mail. Write to the Clerk of Courts at 526 Elm Street, Box 2, Tionesta, PA 16353. Include the full names, the date range, and a check for the copy fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office will mail back what they find.
The Unified Judicial System Portal lets you search court records across all Pennsylvania counties for free. Basic case data shows up right away. For actual marriage record copies from Forest County, contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
Note: Forest County does not have an online marriage records search portal, so phone calls and mail requests are the most practical options for people who live far from Tionesta.
Marriage License Fees in Forest County
Forest County charges a fee for new marriage license applications. Call the office at (814) 755-3526 for the current rate, as fees can change. Under Section 1303, there is a three-day waiting period from the date you apply. The license is then valid for 60 days under Section 1307 and can be used anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Certified copies of existing marriage records are available for a fee. The office takes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance may vary, so ask when you call. Forest County keeps its processes straightforward for residents and visitors alike.
Forest County Historical Marriage Records
Forest County was formed on April 11, 1848, from Jefferson County. It is named for the dense forests within its borders. The county has no known courthouse fires or record disasters. Marriage records in Forest County begin in 1885, the year Pennsylvania started requiring county-level marriage license recording.
FamilySearch holds digital images of Forest County marriage licenses from 1885 to 1928. These are part of the Pennsylvania County Marriages, 1885-1950 collection. You can view them for free at FamilySearch.org with a free account. The collection includes microfilm from original records in the Forest County Courthouse.
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg may also have microfilm of Forest County records. Visit the archives at 1681 North Sixth Street or request copies by mail. The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania has a Forest County resource guide that lists where to find different types of records. The Ancestry.com Pennsylvania Marriages 1852-1854 collection may include some early Forest County data from the brief state recording period.
The Prothonotary in Forest County also has birth records from 1893 to 1906 and death records from 1893 to 1907. These are not marriage records, but they can help with family history research. After 1906, the state took over birth and death recording.
The Forest County Historical and Genealogical Society is another resource. They keep local records and can help point you to church archives and other sources for pre-1885 marriages. Contact them through the Forest County Historical Society website.
The Unified Judicial System Portal can be used alongside county records for research across Pennsylvania.
The UJS Portal lets you search court records in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Forest County.
Note: Forest County marriage license records on FamilySearch cover 1885 to 1928, with later records available only through the courthouse in Tionesta.
What Forest County Marriage Records Show
A marriage record from Forest County lists the full names of both parties. It shows ages, addresses, and occupations. Parents' names and places of birth are included on most records. The date of the application, the license issue date, and the ceremony date all appear. The officiant's name and title are part of the record too.
Under Section 1309, marriage license applications in Pennsylvania are public records. Anyone can request to see them in Forest County. You do not need to be a party to the marriage. Certified copies carry the county seal and work for legal uses like name changes, benefits claims, and property transfers.
Legal Resources for Forest County
Forest County residents who need legal help can reach Pennsylvania Legal Aid at palegalaid.net. This service is free for people who meet income limits. The Pennsylvania Bar Association lawyer referral line at (800) 692-7375 can match you with a family law attorney who serves Forest County.
For genealogy research, the Pennsylvania State Archives and the Library of Congress Pennsylvania guide are both free resources. The Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library in Tionesta and the Marienville Area Library may also have local history materials that help with Forest County marriage research.
Nearby Counties
Forest County sits in the rural north-central part of Pennsylvania. It is surrounded by heavily wooded land and state forests. If you are not sure which county holds the marriage record you need, check where the license was issued. Records stay with the issuing county.