Are marriage records public in Pennsylvania?

According to the provisions of Pennsylvania state law, records of marriages licensed within the state’s jurisdiction are public record. However, certified copies of Pennsylvania marriage records are not available to the public except to the persons named on the record and those authorized by court order.

When did Pennsylvania start keeping marriage records?

Marriage Records Since September 30, 1885, marriage licenses have been required in Pennsylvania and are maintained by the Marriage License Clerk in the county courthouse of the county issuing the license.

How can you find someone’s anniversary?

An individual’s marriage certificate is the best place to look for a marriage date, because it is a primary source for that information. Marriage certificates are available from either the county or the state where the marriage took place, depending on the year of the marriage.

How do I find someone’s marriage date?

Marriage licenses, which show the date of marriage, are given by the county clerk and a search can be conducted at the County Recorder’s office.

  1. You need to go with as much information as you have about the marriage in question.
  2. This should include at least the names of the couple and the place of the marriage.

How do you find out if someone got married?

Go to the courthouse of the city where the marriage was likely to occur. Public records can be useful for finding out whether someone is married now, or what their marriage history has been in the past. Marriage records are public; you can usually see a copy for free or for a small fee.

How to find your ancestor’s marriage record in PA?

If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below: When ordering Pennsylvania marriage records: Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Always order from the county where the marriage occurred.

What do you need to know about marriage in PA?

Pennsylvania Marriage Records provide information about marriage licenses, certificates, and registries in PA. Official Marriage Records provide information about whether a marriage is legally valid, the names of both parties to the marriage, and when the wedding took place.

When did birth and death records start in Pennsylvania?

Birth and Death Records. On January 1, 1906, birth and death records began to be recorded at the state level in Pennsylvania. These records are maintained at the Division of Vital Records , P.O.

How are the marriage indexes arranged in PA?

Marriage indexes are arranged by the names of brides and grooms with the year of the marriage and the license number. The surname of the spouse is shown in parentheses.