Marriage License Rules in Bradford County, Pennsylvania

by Janice Fahy

In Bradford County, Pennsylvania, marriage is considered to be a legal contract entered into by a man and a woman. Same sex marriages, common law marriages and proxy marriages are not currently recognized as legal. A marriage license obtained in Bradford County is valid in any other county in the state of Pennsylvania. The following marriage license rules should be carefully considered when planning a Pennsylvania wedding.

Marriage License rules need to be considered when planning a Pennsylvania wedding.

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Residency and Proof of Identify Rules

There is no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Anyone can apply for a marriage license regardless of whether or not they have ever lived in the state. When applying for the license, both parties will need to present a photo identification and a social security number.

License Waiting Period and Expiration Rules

There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period between the date the application is made and the date the license can be issued. Additionally, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the date of the marriage. These waiting periods do not include weekends or holidays. A waiver of the waiting period can be requested by sending a letter to the Registrar of Bradford County. The marriage license expires 60 days after it is granted.
Age Requirements

Both parties must be 18 years old to apply for a marriage license independently. If either party is 16 or 17, parental consent forms are required in order to get a marriage license from Bradford County. If either party is 15 or younger, a marriage license will only be granted under with Court order.
Blood Requirements

Bradford County, Pennsylvania will not grant a marriage license to first cousins, but all other decrees of cousins can apply. No blood test or physical test is required of either person.
Rules for Divorced Applicants

If either party has been married before, they must show a divorce decree or a death certification when making application for a marriage license in this county.