Sullivan County Marriage Records
Sullivan County marriage records are kept at the courthouse in Laporte, the county seat. Known as the "Gem of the Endless Mountains," Sullivan County sits in a beautiful stretch of rural north-central Pennsylvania. The county covers 478 square miles of mountains, valleys, forests, and farmland. If you need to search for a marriage license or certificate in Sullivan County, you will work with the Recorder of Deeds or Prothonotary office. Marriage records here date back to 1885. This page walks you through how to find and request these records.
Sullivan County Quick Facts
Sullivan County Courthouse Records
The Sullivan County Courthouse in Laporte is the sole place to get marriage records in this county. Laporte sits atop the Appalachian Plateau at an elevation of 2,060 feet. It was named for John LaPorte, who served as Surveyor General of Pennsylvania from 1843 to 1851. The Recorder of Deeds and Prothonotary offices share a phone line, which reflects the small scale of this rural county government.
Sullivan County does not have an online database for marriage records. All requests must be made in person or by mail. This is common in smaller Pennsylvania counties where the volume of records is low. When you visit, staff at the courthouse can help you look up marriage licenses and certificates going back to 1885. Bring the full names of the couple and an approximate date to speed up your search.
The Sullivan County website at sullivancountypa.gov provides general county information, though it does not offer an online records portal.
Under Pennsylvania law, the Recorder of Deeds and Clerk of Orphans' Court handle the filing and preservation of marriage records. In Sullivan County, these duties fall to a small staff that manages all vital records for the area.
| Office |
Sullivan County Courthouse Recorder of Deeds / Prothonotary Main & Muncy Streets, P.O. Box 157 Laporte, PA 18626-0157 Phone: 570-946-7351 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Website | sullivancountypa.gov |
How to Find Marriage Records
Because Sullivan County has no online search tool, you will need to contact the courthouse directly. You can visit in person, call, or send a written request by mail. Phone inquiries go to 570-946-7351, which serves both the Recorder of Deeds and the Prothonotary.
Pennsylvania Section 1301 of Title 23 sets the rules for marriage licenses across the state. Every county must maintain records of all licenses issued. In Sullivan County, these records go back to 1885, the year Pennsylvania began requiring counties to keep marriage records. If you need a record from before 1885, you may need to check church records or the Pennsylvania State Archives.
To search by mail, send a letter to the courthouse with the names of both parties, the approximate year of the marriage, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include any fees as directed by the office. Call first to confirm the current cost.
Note: Sullivan County birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are also available at the courthouse, but earlier vital records were not kept at the county level.
Sullivan County Marriage Licenses
If you plan to get married in Sullivan County, you will need a marriage license from the courthouse in Laporte. Under Section 1303 of Title 23, both parties must appear together to apply. You can apply in any Pennsylvania county, but the license is valid for use anywhere in the state.
Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after you apply. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. You will need to bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. If either person was previously married, you must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate.
Standard Pennsylvania marriage license fees apply in Sullivan County. Contact the office at 570-946-7351 to confirm the current fee before your visit. Payment options may be limited in this small office, so ask about accepted forms of payment when you call.
Historical Marriage Records in Laporte
Sullivan County was created from part of Lycoming County. The county was named for Senator Charles C. Sullivan, who played a key role in passing the legislation that formed it. Marriage records in the county begin in 1885, which is the standard start date for most Pennsylvania counties.
For older records, the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds collections that may include Sullivan County data. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission oversees the state archives and can help with research requests. Church and religious records from before 1885 may also hold marriage information for Sullivan County residents.
Genealogy researchers often find Sullivan County records useful because the population has stayed small and stable. The county's timber industry, agriculture, and tourism have shaped its communities for over a century. Families with deep roots in the area may find records spanning many generations at the courthouse.
Note: The courthouse also holds birth and death records from 1893 to 1905, which can help fill in gaps when you are building a family history alongside marriage records.
Copies of Sullivan County Records
You can get plain or certified copies of marriage records from the Sullivan County Courthouse. A certified copy has an official seal and signature, which makes it valid for legal use. Plain copies work for personal research or genealogy.
Under Section 1307 of Title 23, the clerk who issues a marriage license must record it and make it part of the public record. This means anyone can request a copy of a marriage record in Sullivan County. You do not need to be one of the people named on the license.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health also issues marriage certificates for marriages that took place after 1885. You can order these through the Division of Vital Records in New Castle or online through VitalChek. The state fee is around $20 per certified copy. However, the state certificate is a shorter document. For the full record, go to the Sullivan County Courthouse.
Marriage Records and Sullivan County Life
Sullivan County is home to some of Pennsylvania's best-known state parks, including Ricketts Glen and Worlds End. The county also has three covered bridges in Forksville, Hillsgrove, and Sonestown, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many couples choose to marry in this scenic area.
If you attended a wedding in Sullivan County or know someone who married here, the marriage record is on file at the courthouse. Pennsylvania law under Section 1309 of Title 23 requires that the officiant return the signed license to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Once filed, the record becomes part of the permanent collection in Laporte.
The area draws visitors year-round. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s to low 80s, and annual snowfall reaches about 70 inches. Whether you need a marriage record for a legal matter or family research, the Sullivan County Courthouse is your starting point.
Nearby Counties
Sullivan County borders several other Pennsylvania counties. If you are not sure which county holds the marriage record you need, check where the license was issued. Couples can apply in any county in the state.