Marriage records in Berks County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. BerksCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also access records directly through the Berks County Clerk of Orphans' Court, which issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records under Pennsylvania law. Requests may be made in person at the courthouse in Reading, by mail, or through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's online vital records system. The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records also maintains statewide marriage records for events occurring from 1906 forward.
Berks County Marriage Records Search
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued and recorded at the county level by the Clerk of Orphans' Court (sometimes referred to as the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court). The Berks County Clerk of Orphans' Court, located inside the Berks County Courthouse, is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and filing completed marriage certificates after the ceremony.
The office's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Issued marriage licenses
- Filed marriage certificates (returned by the officiant after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records dating back through the county's history
For older records or statewide searches, the Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains marriage records for marriages that occurred in Pennsylvania from 1906 to the present.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Berks County
Fees for marriage record services in Berks County are set by the Clerk of Orphans' Court in accordance with Pennsylvania law. The table below reflects standard county-level fees; contact the office directly to confirm current amounts.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license application | $50.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (from county) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy from PA Department of Health | $20.00 |
Fees are typically payable by money order, certified check, or cash when applying in person. Credit card acceptance varies — call ahead to verify accepted payment methods. Processing at the county level is generally same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests may take several business days depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Berks County
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a Berks County marriage certificate:
Online
The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers an online ordering portal for vital records, including marriage certificates for events recorded statewide from 1906 onward. Visit the Pennsylvania Vital Records page to access the application or place an order through the state's approved third-party vendor. Note that online orders through the state typically include additional processing and shipping fees.
In Person
Visit the Berks County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse in Reading during regular business hours. Both applicants must appear in person when applying for a new marriage license. For certified copies of previously filed marriage certificates, one party or an authorized representative may request copies at the counter.
By Mail
To request a certified copy by mail, send the following to the Clerk of Orphans' Court at the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- Your name, mailing address, phone number, and relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- The applicable fee by money order or certified check payable to "Berks County Clerk of Orphans' Court"
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You may also submit a request through the Berks County Open Records Office if you are seeking marriage records as public records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Allow additional time for mail processing. For questions about record availability or specific requirements, call the Clerk of Orphans' Court directly at (610) 478-6600.