Lehigh County Marriage Records
Lehigh County marriage records are managed by the Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Lehigh County Courthouse in Allentown. The office has issued marriage licenses since October 1885. Lehigh County is part of the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania and is home to more than 375,000 residents. Whether you need a new marriage license or a copy of a past record, start your search here or reach out to the clerk's office for personal help.
Lehigh County Quick Facts
Lehigh County Marriage License Office
The Clerk of Orphans' Court handles all marriage licenses in Lehigh County. The office is in Room 123.5 of the Lehigh County Courthouse at 455 West Hamilton Street in Allentown. This office operates by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
To schedule an appointment, email marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org. You must submit your application packet at least 20 business days before your planned wedding date. Both people must attend an in-person interview. Appointments are available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
The Lehigh County official website has details about the marriage license process and required forms.
Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1301, every marriage in Pennsylvania must have a license. The Lehigh County Clerk of Orphans' Court is the only office that can issue one for marriages filed in this county.
| Office |
Clerk of Orphans' Court Lehigh County Courthouse, Room 123.5 455 West Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101-1614 Phone: (610) 782-3173 Email: marriagelicense@lehighcounty.org |
|---|---|
| Hours | By appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | lccpa.org |
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Lehigh County uses an appointment-based system. You must complete and submit your application packet by email before your appointment date. The office needs all documents at least 20 business days before the wedding. Both parties must then come to the courthouse for an in-person interview under oath.
Bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, visa, or green card. You also need Social Security documentation such as your card, a W-2, or a Medicare card showing your full number. If you were married before, bring a certified divorce decree that is at least 30 days old. Widowed applicants must bring a death certificate.
Foreign documents must have a certified English translation. If neither applicant speaks English, an independent translator with a valid photo ID must attend the interview.
The total fee for a marriage license in Lehigh County is $100.00. This includes two certified copies of the license. The fee breaks down as follows:
- County fee: $25.50
- Computer fee: $29.00
- Court Technology fee: $5.00
- Writ Tax: $0.50
- Act 151 Surcharge (domestic violence fund): $10.00
- Act 222 Surcharge (children's fund): $10.00
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) are the preferred payment method. Cash is also accepted. The fee is not refundable if your application is denied or the license expires unused. An extra $10.00 charge applies for each divorce decree presented, and priority mail costs an additional $10.10.
The three-day waiting period under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1303 begins on the date of your application. Once the waiting period passes, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Pennsylvania. As of July 8, 2020, both applicants must be 18 or older. No marriages involving anyone under 18 are permitted in Lehigh County.
Note: The license fee is non-refundable, so make sure all your documents are in order before you submit your application to the Lehigh County office.
Searching Lehigh County Marriage Records
Lehigh County has marriage license records going back to October 1885. The office has limited online search options, so most record requests are handled in person or by mail. For copies, contact the Clerk of Orphans' Court at (610) 782-3173. Additional certified copies cost $10.00 each beyond the two included with the license.
Lehigh County court records are available through third-party record databases.
The Clerk of Judicial Records Civil Division can be reached at (610) 782-3148 for civil court matters including divorce records. Marriage and divorce records are kept in separate offices in Lehigh County.
Marriage license applications are public records under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1309. They are filed and docketed as soon as they are received. Anyone may ask to view them.
Historical Marriage Records in Lehigh County
Lehigh County has continuous marriage records from October 1885 to the present. FamilySearch has partial coverage of Lehigh County marriage records through its Pennsylvania County Marriages collection. The Pennsylvania State Archives holds digitized microfilm for some Lehigh County records, and on-site researchers in Harrisburg can access these collections.
For the period from 1852 to 1854, some counties submitted marriage returns to the state. Check the Ancestry Pennsylvania Marriages 1852-1854 database for any Lehigh County records from that time. This collection is free for Pennsylvania residents through the Ancestry Pennsylvania portal.
Before 1885, marriages in Lehigh County were not required to have licenses. Church records from congregations in Allentown and throughout the Lehigh Valley are the best source for earlier marriages. Newspaper notices also help fill in the gaps for this period. The Register of Wills office in Lehigh County, located in Room 124 of the courthouse, may have additional historical records.
Note: FamilySearch coverage for Lehigh County is partial, so researchers should also check directly with the courthouse for records not found online.
What Lehigh County Marriage Records Include
A marriage license application in Lehigh County lists the full names, addresses, ages, and birthplaces of both people. Social Security numbers and parents' names are also recorded. The application notes whether either person was previously married and includes details about how any past marriage ended.
After the ceremony, the officiant completes the certificate and returns it to the Clerk of Orphans' Court. The returned certificate includes the date and place of the marriage, the officiant's name, and witness information. Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1307, the license is issued with both an original and a duplicate certificate.
Certified copies from the Lehigh County clerk's office bear an official seal. They are accepted for legal matters like name changes, benefits applications, and property transfers.
Legal Resources in Lehigh County
Residents of Lehigh County who need legal help with marriage or family law have several options. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal provides free access to court docket sheets across all Pennsylvania counties. Pennsylvania Legal Aid at palegalaid.net offers free legal assistance for people who qualify based on income.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375 can help you find a family law attorney who practices in the Lehigh County area. The Lehigh County courthouse staff can help with procedural questions about marriage records but cannot give legal advice.
Cities in Lehigh County
Lehigh County includes the city of Allentown, which is the county seat and the third largest city in Pennsylvania. All marriage licenses for Lehigh County residents are issued at the Clerk of Orphans' Court in Allentown.
Nearby Counties
Lehigh County is in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. If you are unsure which county your address falls in, check before you apply for a marriage license.