Mortimer Issues Marriage Licenses Guidelines

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published May 30, 2015 4:24 am
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CLARION, Pa. – With wedding bells ringing for many area couples over the next several months, Clarion County Register and Recorder Greg Mortimer has issued guidelines to be followed to obtain a marriage license.

(Photo: Nicole Menteer and Michael Rawson (L), both of Clarion, look over a marriage license application competed for Clarion County Deputy Register and Recorder Tom McConnell (R) as they become the 77th couple to apply for a marriage licenses in Clarion County this year.)

“Under Pennsylvania law, no couple may be joined in marriage in the Commonwealth until a marriage license has been obtained,” said Mortimer. “Once the license is issued,” he continued, “the license can be utilized in any county of the Commonwealth.”

To begin the application process, the couple intending to marry must appear together in the Register and Recorder’s first floor Clarion County Courthouse office. Each applicant must present some form of identification (Photo I.D., birth certificate, etc.) at the time of application.

The contents of the marriage license application includes the full names of the applicants; their social security numbers, occupations, birthplaces, residences, and dates of birth; whether the marriage contemplated is the first, second, or other marriage of the applicants; a statement that neither of the applicants is afflicted with any transmissible diseases; that neither of the applicants are related; a statement that neither of the applicants are under the influence of intoxicative liquor or narcotic drugs; and the full name, residence, occupation and birthplaces of the parents of each applicant, including the maiden name of the mother of each applicant.

If either of the applicants have been divorced, information on the date(s) of divorce(s) and cause(s) of the divorce(s) as listed on the divorce decree(s) must be obtained for the application. If an applicant has been divorced within one month of the marriage license application, a copy of the divorce decree must also be presented to the office.

If either of the applicants have had a previous marriage end through death, the date of the spouse’s death must be submitted for the application process.
Prior to any questions asked of the applicants, they are sworn in under oath that all statements made on the application form are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.

Once the application is completed, there is a three day waiting period until the license may be issued. In case of an emergency or extraordinary circumstances, the court may be petitioned to waive the waiting period.

There is no longer any requirement that the couple submit to a premarital blood test and physical examination.

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The cost is $40.00.

Under federal and state law, all marriage license applicants are also given the opportunity to register to vote at the time of application.

The Register and Recorder’s Office is open to take applications Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to Mortimer, no appointment is necessary. Questions on the procedure may be addressed to the office at 8141-226-4000 EXT. 2500.

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