Marriage records in Erie County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. EriePACourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also access records directly through the office that issues and maintains them — the Erie County Clerk of Records — as well as in person at the courthouse or by mail. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains statewide marriage records from 1906 forward, and older county-level records may be available through the State Library of Pennsylvania's vital records guide.
Erie Marriage Records Search
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued and maintained at the county level. In Erie County, the Clerk of Records is the office responsible for issuing marriage licenses and retaining the associated records. This office falls under the umbrella of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas and handles marriage license applications, the filing of completed marriage certificates, and the issuance of certified copies.
The marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage license applications filed by couples in Erie County
- Marriage certificates returned by the officiant after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records dating back through county record-keeping
For records from 1906 onward, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records in New Castle also maintains statewide copies. However, for county-specific searches — especially older records — the Clerk of Records office at the Erie County Courthouse is the primary point of contact.
You can also review the record information page on the Erie County Courts website for details about available record types and access procedures.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Erie
Fees for marriage record services in Erie County are set by the Clerk of Records in accordance with Pennsylvania statute and local court fee schedules. The table below reflects standard fees — contact the office directly to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license application | $50.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $5.00 |
Pennsylvania law (23 Pa.C.S. § 1301 et seq.) governs marriage license issuance and fees statewide, though individual counties may assess additional filing or processing charges. There is a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place, and the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples may apply to the court for a waiver of the waiting period under certain circumstances.
Processing times for certified copy requests handled in person are typically same-day. Mail requests may take one to two weeks depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Erie
There are several ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate from Erie County:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Records at the Erie County Courthouse during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Purpose for requesting the record
Certified copies are generally available the same day for in-person requests.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Records at the address below. Include:
- Full names of both spouses (including maiden names)
- Date of marriage (or approximate date)
- Your relationship to the individuals named on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order payable to "Erie County Clerk of Records" for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online / State-Level Requests
For marriages recorded from 1906 to the present, you may also order certified copies through the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. The state accepts online orders through its contracted vendor, VitalChek. State-level certified copies typically cost more than county copies due to processing and vendor fees.
For older or historical marriage records, the Pennsylvania State Library's vital records research guide provides direction on locating records held at the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg.
If you need a marriage certificate for use outside the United States, the Pennsylvania Department of State's document certification office can provide an apostille or authentication for the document.
For general questions about available records or to check on the status of a request, contact the Erie County Clerk of Records directly by phone or visit during office hours. You can also explore EriePACourt.us for additional guidance on locating publicly available marriage record information in Erie County.