Mercer County Marriage License Records
Mercer County marriage records are kept by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse in Mercer. This western Pennsylvania county has maintained marriage license records since 1885. Residents of Sharon, Hermitage, and other communities in Mercer County can search for marriage licenses and certified copies through the courthouse. Use this page to learn how to find, request, and obtain marriage records in Mercer County. You can also search for records using the tool on this page.
Mercer County Quick Facts
Mercer County Register of Wills
The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court handles all marriage license records in Mercer County. This office issues new marriage licenses and keeps older records on file. The courthouse is at 125 South Diamond Street in Mercer. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a new license.
You can request certified copies of Mercer County marriage records by mail or in person. The office keeps marriage license dockets going back to 1885. Staff can search their index to find the record you need. If you plan to visit, call ahead to check hours. The Register of Wills also handles probate and estate matters, so wait times can vary.
The Mercer County official website provides general information about county services and departments.
Contact the office for current fees and to confirm what you need to bring when you visit.
| Office |
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court 125 South Diamond Street, Suite 112 Mercer, PA 16137 Phone: (724) 662-3800 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fax | (724) 662-1604 |
Note: Mercer County was created in 1800 from Allegheny County, so earlier records may be found in Allegheny County files or at the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Searching Mercer County Marriage Records
There are a few ways to search for marriage records in Mercer County. The most direct method is to visit the courthouse in Mercer. Staff can look up records by name using their in-office index. You will need the full name of at least one spouse and an idea of when the marriage took place. This helps narrow the search.
Pennsylvania law under Section 1301 of Title 23 sets the rules for marriage licenses in the state. Each county clerk issues licenses to couples who apply in person. Mercer County follows these same rules. The license must be obtained before the ceremony.
For older Mercer County marriage records, the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg has microfilm copies of marriage license dockets from 1885 to 1908. These rolls are internally indexed, which makes them easier to search. The archive also holds 1852 to 1854 state registration records that may include some Mercer County marriages from that brief period of statewide recording.
You can also search for Mercer County court records through online databases that compile public record information.
Online tools can help you locate case details, though you may still need to contact the courthouse for certified copies of marriage records.
Historical Marriage Records in Mercer County
Mercer County has a rich set of historical marriage records. The county began keeping marriage license dockets in 1885, and these records run to the present day. For research into older marriages, there are several paths to explore.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds microfilm of Mercer County marriage license dockets. The rolls cover 1885 to 1908 and are internally indexed. Here is the breakdown of the available microfilm:
- Roll 3598: Volumes 1 and 2, covering 1885 to 1888
- Roll 3599: Volumes 3 and 4, covering 1888 to 1890
- Roll 3600: Volume 5, covering 1890 to 1892
- Roll 3601: Volumes 6 and 7, covering 1892 to 1899
- Roll 3602: Volume 8, covering 1899 to 1902
- Roll 3603: Volumes 9 and 10, covering 1902 to 1908
Records after 1908 are only at the Mercer County courthouse. You must contact the office to request copies of those records. The Pennsylvania State Archives can help you access the microfilm rolls for earlier research. FamilySearch also has partial coverage of Mercer County marriages from 1885 to 1908 in their online database. Some index records from the 1885 to 1950 period may be available there as well.
Before 1885, marriage records in Mercer County were kept mainly by churches and religious groups. These records are scattered across many locations. Some have been collected by historical societies and genealogy groups.
Note: The second Mercer County Courthouse, built in 1866, was destroyed by fire on December 15, 1907, which may have affected some older records.
Marriage License Process
If you need a new marriage license in Mercer County, both parties must go to the courthouse together. You will apply at the Register of Wills office. Bring a valid photo ID. Under Section 1303 of Title 23, the license is not valid until three days after it is issued. This waiting period applies across all Pennsylvania counties.
The license stays valid for 60 days. You can use it anywhere in Pennsylvania, not just in Mercer County. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Mercer County courthouse. The office then records it and creates the official marriage record.
Contact the Mercer County Register of Wills for current fees. Payment methods may vary, so it is best to call ahead. The office can tell you what forms of payment they accept.
Copies of Mercer County Marriage Certificates
You can get certified copies of marriage records from the Mercer County Register of Wills. Certified copies carry the seal of the office and are accepted for legal purposes. You may need one to change your name, update a Social Security card, or prove a marriage for insurance or estate matters.
To request a copy by mail, send a letter with the names of both spouses, the approximate date of the marriage, and your return address. Include the fee for a certified copy. The office also accepts requests by fax at (724) 662-1604. In-person requests are handled at the courthouse during business hours.
The Mercer County Recorder now offers a free fraud protection service for recorded documents. This can alert you to any changes filed against your name. While this service is mainly for property records, it is worth knowing about if you are concerned about record integrity.
Under Section 1307 of Title 23, the clerk who issues a marriage license must keep a record of it. This means Mercer County is required by law to maintain all marriage records that pass through their office.
Note: The Pennsylvania Department of Health also issues marriage certificates for a $20 fee, covering marriages from 1906 to the present across all counties.
State Archives and Online Resources
Several online tools can help you find Mercer County marriage records. The Unified Judicial System Portal lets you search court records across Pennsylvania. While it focuses on recent cases, it can be a useful starting point for locating marriage-related court filings in Mercer County.
The State Archives vital statistics page has details on what records are available on microfilm. You can also search the Ancestry collection of Pennsylvania marriages from 1852 to 1854, which includes records from the brief period when the state required marriage registration.
For genealogy research, the Library of Congress Pennsylvania guide is a helpful resource. It lists archives, libraries, and other places where you can find marriage and vital records from across the state. Sharon and Hermitage residents may also find local historical society collections useful for Mercer County research.
Under Section 1309 of Title 23, certain exceptions to the standard marriage license rules may apply in special circumstances. The Mercer County Register of Wills can advise on any unusual situations.
Nearby Counties
Mercer County sits in northwestern Pennsylvania. If you are not sure where a marriage was recorded, check the county where the license was issued. Neighboring counties may hold the record you need.