McKean County Marriage Records Search
McKean County marriage records are maintained by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse in Smethport. The county has kept marriage license records since 1885. McKean County is in rural northern Pennsylvania near the New York border. Whether you plan to apply for a marriage license, request a certified copy, or do genealogical research, this page has the tools and information you need. Start your search below or contact the county office for help.
McKean County Quick Facts
McKean County Register of Wills
Wendy Yaros serves as the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court in McKean County. The office is at the McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street in Smethport. Both people who plan to marry must visit the office in person to apply for a license.
The McKean County official website has information about the courthouse and county offices.
McKean County is a 6th Class county in rural northern Pennsylvania. The courthouse in Smethport is the sole location for marriage license applications. Because this is a smaller office, call ahead to verify hours and confirm what you need to bring. Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1301, a license is required before any marriage in Pennsylvania can take place.
| Office |
Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court McKean County Courthouse 500 West Main Street Smethport, PA 16749 Phone: 814-887-3260 Fax: 814-887-2242 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Verify with office before visiting |
| Website | mckeancountypa.org |
Applying for a McKean County Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in McKean County, both people must visit the courthouse in Smethport. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card. If either person was married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended, such as a certified divorce decree or a death certificate.
Contact the office at 814-887-3260 for the current license fee. McKean County does not list fees on its website, so a phone call is the best way to confirm. The standard three-day waiting period under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1303 applies. After the waiting period, the license is valid for 60 days. You can use it anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Both applicants must be 18 years old or older. Each person is examined under oath about the legality of the planned marriage and any prior marriages. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. The county follows all standard Pennsylvania marriage license requirements.
Note: McKean County is in a rural area, so plan your trip to Smethport carefully and call the office at 814-887-3260 to confirm hours before you visit.
Searching Marriage Records in McKean County
The Register of Wills keeps marriage license records in McKean County from 1885 to the present. There is no online database for searching these records. All searches are done at the office in person or by mail.
To request a record by mail, send a letter to the Register of Wills at 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749. Include the names of both spouses, the date of marriage if you know it, and payment for the copy fee. Contact the office to confirm the current fee before sending your request.
In-person searches are handled by office staff who use an in-house index. Bring as much information as you can, including names and approximate dates. Older records may take longer to find.
McKean County court records are also available through outside databases.
Marriage license applications are public records under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1309. Anyone can request to view these records in McKean County. You do not need to be named on the license.
Historical Marriage Records
McKean County has marriage license records from 1885 to the present. FamilySearch has digitized some of the earliest records, including marriage license dockets from 1885 to 1918. These can be found on FamilySearch Films 946758 and 946759. The records are free to view with a FamilySearch account.
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg may have additional McKean County records on microfilm. On-site researchers can access the digitized county records at the archives. The State Archives staff does not search county records for you.
For the 1852 to 1854 period, some Pennsylvania counties submitted marriage returns to the state. The Ancestry Pennsylvania Marriages 1852-1854 database covers 49 of the 64 counties that existed at that time. This collection is free for Pennsylvania residents through the Ancestry Pennsylvania portal. Check if McKean County records are included, as not all counties made returns.
Before 1885, marriages in McKean County did not need a license. Church records from congregations in Smethport, Bradford, and other towns in the county are the best sources for earlier marriages. Newspaper notices and family records also help fill in the gaps from this period. The State Archives vital statistics page explains what county records are available on microfilm.
McKean County falls under the Western (Pittsburgh) regional office of the Attorney General. The State Library of Pennsylvania vital records guide also has research tips for locating marriage records across all Pennsylvania counties.
What McKean County Marriage Records Show
Marriage records from McKean County include the names and addresses of both applicants. Their ages, birthplaces, and occupations are listed. Parents' names and residences appear on the application. The record also notes any prior marriages and how they ended.
The returned marriage certificate adds the date, location, and officiant for the ceremony. Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 1307, the license is issued with an original and a duplicate certificate. After the marriage, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the Register of Wills in McKean County, where it becomes part of the permanent record.
Certified copies from the McKean County office carry an official seal. They are accepted for legal matters such as name changes, insurance claims, and property transfers. You may request certified copies in person or by mail from the Register of Wills.
Legal Help in McKean County
If you need legal help with marriage records or family law in McKean County, several resources are available. The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Portal offers free access to court docket sheets statewide. Pennsylvania Legal Aid at palegalaid.net provides free legal assistance to people with low income.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375 can match you with an attorney in the McKean County area. Staff at the Register of Wills can help with procedural questions about marriage records and license applications but cannot give legal advice.
Nearby Counties
McKean County is in northern Pennsylvania near the New York border. It is surrounded by several other rural counties. Make sure you apply for a marriage license in the correct county.