Marriage records in Adams County, Pennsylvania, can be accessed through several channels. AdamsPACourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Adams County Register of Wills & Recorder of Deeds office, visit in person at the county courthouse, or submit a request by mail. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records maintains statewide marriage indexes as an additional resource for older or hard-to-locate records.
Adams County Marriage Records Search
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued and marriage records are maintained at the county level by the Clerk of the Orphans' Court, a function handled by the Register of Wills in Adams County. The Adams County Register of Wills & Recorder of Deeds public records search provides online access to certain recorded documents. Marriage records on file include marriage license applications, issued marriage licenses, and returned marriage certificates. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1800 may also be available, though very old records sometimes require an in-person search or assistance from staff.
Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the office to confirm hours before visiting, as they may vary on holidays or during special court schedules.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Adams County
Fees for marriage record services in Adams County are set by Pennsylvania statute and local fee schedules. The table below reflects standard county-level fees. Confirm current amounts with the Register of Wills office, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license application | $50.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (if no record found) | $10.00 |
Fees are typically payable by cash, check, or money order made out to the Adams County Register of Wills. Some offices also accept credit or debit cards for in-person transactions — call ahead to verify accepted payment methods. Processing for in-person requests is usually same-day. Mail requests generally take 5–10 business days after the office receives your materials.
Source: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and Adams County Register of Wills fee schedule.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Adams County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Adams County:
Online
The Pennsylvania Department of Health operates the state vital records ordering portal where you can request marriage certificates for events recorded statewide. For county-level records, you may also search the Adams County Register & Recorder eSearch system to verify record availability before placing a request. Note that online orders through the state portal may carry an additional processing or vendor fee.
In Person
Visit the Adams County Register of Wills office at the courthouse:
Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Certified copies are typically available the same day.
By Mail
Send your request to the address above. Include the following:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals named on the record
- A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to "Adams County Register of Wills"
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Allow 5–10 business days for processing after the office receives your request. If the office cannot locate the record, the search fee is still typically retained. For questions about your request status, call (717) 337-9832.
For additional public records resources in Adams County, AdamsPACourt.us provides links and guidance for navigating county records. The Adams County Prothonotary handles civil court records, including divorce decrees, which may be relevant if you need documentation related to a prior marriage.