Marriage records in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can be accessed through several channels. DauphinCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the issuing authority — the Dauphin County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court — directly, visit the office in person at the Dauphin County Courthouse, or submit a request by mail. The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains statewide marriage records as well.
Dauphin County Marriage Records Search
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court in each county. The Dauphin County Register of Wills is the custodian of marriage license applications, issued marriage licenses, and returned marriage certificates for marriages that took place in the county. The collection includes both current and historical marriage records filed with the office.
Marriage records dating from 1885 forward are generally held at the county level. For older records or additional research, the Pennsylvania State Library vital records research guide can help identify where earlier records are housed.
The office is located inside the Dauphin County Courthouse:
Dauphin County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dauphin County
Fees for marriage record services in Dauphin County are set by the Register of Wills office consistent with Pennsylvania statutory fee schedules. The following table reflects standard county-level fees for marriage-related records in Pennsylvania:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license application | $50.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $5.00 |
Payment methods accepted and any additional search fees should be confirmed directly with the Register of Wills office by calling (717) 780-6500. Processing for in-person requests is typically same-day for certified copies of records on file.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records also issues certified copies of marriage records recorded at the state level, though separate fees and processing times apply.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dauphin County
There are several ways to obtain a certified copy of a Dauphin County marriage certificate:
In Person
Visit the Register of Wills office at the Dauphin County Courthouse during regular business hours. Walk-ins are accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Payment for the applicable fee
By Mail
Send a written request to the Register of Wills office at the courthouse address:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A written letter stating the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals named on the record
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to "Register of Wills"
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
Mail requests are typically processed within several business days of receipt.
Online — State-Level Orders
The Pennsylvania Department of Health accepts online orders for marriage records through its vital records portal. This option may involve longer processing times and additional service fees charged by the state's authorized vendor. If you need a record quickly, an in-person visit to the county office is usually faster.
Historical and Genealogical Research
For marriage records predating county-level record keeping, the State Library of Pennsylvania maintains research guides that identify where older Pennsylvania marriage records — including church and civil records — can be found. You may also submit an open records request to Dauphin County for records that fall under the Right-to-Know Law.
For additional Dauphin County court information, including office locations and contact details, visit the Unified Judicial System page for Dauphin County or the Dauphin County government website.