Washington County Marriage Record Search
Washington County marriage records are issued and maintained by the Register of Wills office at the courthouse in Washington, PA. The Register of Wills also serves as Clerk of Orphans' Court, handling marriage licenses, estate records, and guardianship papers. Marriage records in Washington County date back to 1885. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania just south of Pittsburgh, Washington County has a large population and a busy courthouse. This guide explains how to search for marriage records, apply for a new license, and get certified copies of existing records.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Register of Wills
James Roman serves as the Register of Wills in Washington County. His office issues marriage licenses and keeps all required marriage records. The office also handles the probate of wills, grants letters of administration for people who die without a will, and maintains records of estates. As an agent of the Commonwealth, the Register collects state inheritance tax.
The Register of Wills office is in Suite 425 at 95 West Beau Street in Washington, PA 15301. General hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 724-228-6775. The general county phone number is 724-228-6700 if you need to reach other departments.
Visit the Washington County website at washingtoncopa.gov for more details on county offices and services.
Pennsylvania law under Section 1301 of Title 23 requires each county to keep records of all marriage licenses issued. Washington County has maintained these records since 1885.
| Marriage Licenses |
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court James Roman, Registrar 95 W Beau Street, Suite 425 Washington, PA 15301 Phone: 724-228-6775 |
|---|---|
| Prothonotary |
Laura Hough, Prothonotary 95 West Beau Street, Suite 510 Washington, PA 15301 Phone: 724-228-6770 Email: wcc.prothonotary@washingtoncourts.us |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | washingtoncopa.gov |
Getting a Washington County Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in Washington County, both parties must visit the Register of Wills office in person. Bring proper identification and any required documentation. Under Section 1303 of Title 23, both applicants must appear together before the issuing officer.
Standard Pennsylvania requirements apply. Both people must be 18 or older. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If you were married before, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate. After the application, a three-day waiting period applies. The license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Standard Pennsylvania marriage license fees apply in Washington County. Call 724-228-6775 to confirm the current fee. The Register of Wills office handles both the application and the record keeping, so everything happens at one location in the courthouse.
Note: Forms for the marriage license application and other court documents are available at the AOPC (Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts) forms website.
Searching Marriage Records in Washington
Washington County has some online access to court records through a portal system. To access documents in the court docket, you must register as a user of the portal. Call Court Administration at 724-228-6797 to register. Two computers are available at the courthouse for the general public to view or file documents, and additional computers are in the Courthouse Law Library.
For marriage records specifically, contact the Register of Wills office at 724-228-6775. You can visit in person or submit a written request. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage to help staff locate the record.
The statewide UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us also provides free court record searches across all Pennsylvania counties.
Marriage records in Washington County are public records under Pennsylvania law. Anyone can request a copy. You do not have to be a party to the marriage.
Washington County Court Records
The Prothonotary's office in Washington County, led by Laura Hough, keeps all civil court records. This includes divorce cases, custody matters, abuse cases, property disputes, and appeals. The office is in Suite 510 at 95 West Beau Street, one floor above the Register of Wills.
If you need a marriage record along with divorce or custody records, both offices are in the same building. The Prothonotary accepts cash or money order for in-person payments. If you are e-filing, credit card payment is accepted. Contact the Prothonotary at 724-228-6770 or by email at wcc.prothonotary@washingtoncourts.us.
The Recorder of Deeds at 724-228-6806 handles land records in Washington County. If your research involves property transfers connected to a marriage, this office can help with deed searches and related documents.
Note: The Prothonotary's office does not serve judges, the Divorce and Custody Office, the Sheriff, or other parties directly. You must prepare writs and rules before filing.
Historical Records in Washington County
Washington County has marriage records from 1885 to the present. Estate records are maintained permanently, and wills and estate inventories are on file going back many years. The county sits in southwestern Pennsylvania and has been a center of population and commerce for over two centuries.
For records before 1885, check church records, newspaper archives, or the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission can help with research into older vital records. Washington County's long history means that many families have deep roots in the area, and genealogy researchers often find useful records at the courthouse.
Under Section 1307 of Title 23, every marriage license must be recorded by the issuing clerk and kept as part of the permanent public record. Washington County has followed this requirement since 1885.
Copies of Washington County Records
You can get plain or certified copies of marriage records from the Register of Wills office. Certified copies have the official seal and are accepted for legal use. These are needed for name changes, insurance claims, immigration paperwork, and similar purposes.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health also issues state marriage certificates. These shorter documents confirm that a marriage took place. You can order them online through VitalChek or by mail to the Division of Vital Records at PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. The fee is about $20 per certified copy. For the complete record with full details, visit the Washington County Register of Wills in person.
Returning the Marriage License
After a wedding ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the clerk who issued it. Pennsylvania law under Section 1309 of Title 23 sets a deadline of 10 days after the ceremony. Once filed, the marriage becomes part of the permanent record at the Washington County Courthouse.
Washington County is close to Pittsburgh and borders several other counties. Many couples who live in the greater Pittsburgh area choose Washington County for their marriage license. The record stays in the county where the license was issued, regardless of where the ceremony takes place. If you got your license in Washington County but married elsewhere, your record is still in Washington.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in southwestern Pennsylvania, bordering West Virginia to the south. If you need a marriage record from a neighboring county, contact the Register of Wills or Clerk of Orphans' Court in that county.