How to Get Married in Pennsylvania: License and Venue Tips

Getting married in Pennsylvania is a meaningful milestone that blends legal formality with personal celebration. Whether you’re planning a quiet courthouse ceremony, a scenic outdoor wedding in the Poconos, or a historic venue in Philadelphia, understanding the state’s marriage requirements is essential to ensure your day proceeds without delay or complication. Pennsylvania offers flexibility in both licensing and venue selection, but navigating the process requires attention to detail, timing, and local regulations. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step—from obtaining your marriage license to choosing the perfect location—equipping you with the knowledge to plan a seamless, legally valid wedding in the Keystone State.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Eligibility to Marry in Pennsylvania

Before beginning the application process, both parties must meet Pennsylvania’s legal requirements for marriage. You must be at least 18 years old to marry without consent. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with written consent from both parents or legal guardians, and a court order from a judge. Minors under 16 are not permitted to marry under any circumstances.

Both parties must be unmarried and not currently related by blood in a lineal relationship (parent-child, grandparent-grandchild) or as siblings. First cousins may marry in Pennsylvania, but double first cousins (where both sets of parents are siblings) are prohibited.

There is no residency requirement—you do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident to obtain a marriage license in the state. This makes Pennsylvania a popular destination for out-of-state couples seeking a quick or scenic wedding.

2. Choose Your County for the Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Pennsylvania are issued by the Register of Wills office in the county where either party resides—or where the ceremony will take place. If neither party lives in Pennsylvania, you must apply in the county where the wedding will occur.

It’s critical to select the correct county early. Each county has its own office hours, appointment policies, and processing times. For example, Philadelphia and Allegheny (Pittsburgh) counties are busier and may require appointments weeks in advance, while rural counties like Cameron or McKean often allow walk-ins. Always verify the specific county’s website before visiting.

3. Gather Required Documentation

Both parties must appear together in person to apply for the license. You cannot apply by mail, online, or through a third party. Bring the following documents:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, pay stub, or tax return)
• Proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse, if applicable (divorce decree, annulment document, or death certificate)

If either party has been previously married, the divorce must be final. Separation papers or pending divorces are not sufficient. If the divorce was granted outside the U.S., you may need a certified translation and verification from the issuing country’s authorities.

4. Complete the Marriage License Application

At the Register of Wills office, you’ll fill out a joint application form. This includes full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, parents’ full names (including mothers’ maiden names), and the intended date and location of the ceremony.

The application is straightforward but must be accurate. Mistakes in names or dates can delay issuance or invalidate the license. Double-check all entries before submission. Some counties offer pre-filling options online to save time—check your county’s official website.

5. Pay the License Fee

Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $50 to $90. Check your county’s website for exact pricing. Most offices accept cash, credit cards, or certified checks. Personal checks are often not accepted.

Some counties offer discounts for couples who complete a premarital counseling course. For example, Bucks County reduces the fee by $25 for couples who submit a certificate from a licensed counselor. Ask about this option—it’s a simple way to save money and strengthen your relationship.

6. Wait the Mandatory Three-Day Period

After submitting your application, Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. This period begins the day after application and includes weekends and holidays. For example, if you apply on a Monday, the license is valid starting Thursday.

There is one exception: if you obtain a judicial waiver from a judge, the waiting period can be waived. Waivers are granted for compelling reasons such as military deployment, serious illness, or imminent travel. You must appear before a judge in the county where you applied, and the request must be filed in writing. This process takes time, so plan accordingly.

7. Use the License Within 60 Days

Once valid, your marriage license is active for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must occur within this window. If you don’t marry within 60 days, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again.

There is no grace period. Even one day past the 60th day renders the license void. Mark your calendar and confirm your ceremony date well in advance.

8. Choose and Secure Your Marriage Venue

Pennsylvania allows marriage ceremonies to be performed in virtually any location: courthouses, churches, parks, barns, beaches, or private homes. The only legal requirement is that the officiant is authorized to solemnize marriages in the state.

Authorized officiants include:

• Ordained ministers, priests, or rabbis of any religious denomination
• Judges, magisterial district judges, and justices of the peace
• Mayors of cities and boroughs
• Any person ordained through an online ministry (e.g., Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries) as long as they are registered with the county where the ceremony occurs

Important: If you choose an online-ordained officiant, confirm with your county’s Register of Wills office whether they require registration or documentation. Some counties (like Montgomery and Chester) require a copy of the ordination certificate to be filed in advance. Others accept it on the day of the ceremony.

9. Schedule and Conduct the Ceremony

The ceremony must be performed in the presence of at least two witnesses who are 18 or older. Witnesses do not need to be residents of Pennsylvania, but they must be physically present and able to sign the license.

After the ceremony, the officiant must complete and sign the license, then return it to the Register of Wills office within 10 days. Failure to return the license on time can delay your marriage certificate and affect legal name changes or spousal benefits.

10. Obtain Your Certified Marriage Certificate

Once the officiant returns the signed license, the county processes it and issues a certified marriage certificate. This is your official proof of marriage and is required for name changes, insurance updates, immigration paperwork, and tax filings.

You can request copies at the time of application or afterward. Most counties charge $10–$20 per certified copy. You can order online through the county’s website or by mail. Some counties offer same-day pickup; others take 2–4 weeks. Plan ahead if you need the certificate for urgent legal purposes.

Best Practices

Apply Early and Avoid Peak Times

Many couples make the mistake of applying for their license the week before their wedding. While Pennsylvania’s three-day wait is predictable, county offices can be overwhelmed during peak wedding seasons (May–October). In popular counties like Lancaster, Bucks, or Delaware, appointments may be booked 6–8 weeks in advance.

Best practice: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your ceremony date. This gives you a buffer for unexpected delays, weather cancellations, or last-minute officiant changes.

Confirm Officiant Credentials in Writing

Not all online ordinations are accepted universally. Some counties require the officiant to be registered with them before the ceremony. Others require the officiant to present their credentials in person on the day of the wedding.

Best practice: Contact your county’s Register of Wills office at least two weeks before your wedding and ask: “What documentation do you require from an ordained officiant?” Save their response in writing via email. If they say “no documentation needed,” get it confirmed in writing. This prevents the ceremony from being invalidated due to technicalities.

Choose a Venue with Built-In Support

Many venues—especially wedding chapels, historic estates, and event spaces—offer full-service wedding packages that include officiants, witnesses, and even license assistance. These venues are familiar with Pennsylvania’s rules and often have staff who have processed hundreds of licenses.

Best practice: If you’re unfamiliar with the process, consider booking a venue that provides end-to-end coordination. It reduces stress and ensures compliance. Even if you’re planning a DIY wedding, a venue that offers a license checklist can be invaluable.

Bring Extra Copies of Documents

County offices are not always equipped with photocopiers. If you bring only one copy of your divorce decree or passport, you risk being turned away if the clerk needs to retain a copy.

Best practice: Bring two copies of every document. Keep one for yourself and give the other to the clerk. This avoids delays and ensures you have backups if needed later for name changes or immigration.

Plan for Weather and Accessibility

Outdoor weddings are popular in Pennsylvania—from the Amish countryside to the shores of Lake Erie. But Pennsylvania weather is unpredictable. Rain, snow, or extreme heat can disrupt outdoor plans.

Best practice: Always have a backup indoor location lined up, even if it’s just a nearby community center or rented tent. Also, ensure your venue is ADA-compliant if any guests have mobility needs. Many historic venues lack elevators or ramps—confirm accessibility in advance.

Double-Check Name Spellings

One of the most common errors on marriage licenses is misspelled names. This includes middle names, hyphenated names, and maiden names. If your license says “Jeniffer” instead of “Jennifer,” you may face delays when changing your name with the DMV or Social Security Administration.

Best practice: Spell every name aloud to your partner and the clerk. Verify that your birth certificate, passport, and license all match exactly. If you plan to change your name, decide on the full legal name you want to use before applying—don’t leave it ambiguous.

Keep the License Safe

The marriage license is a legal document that must be returned by the officiant. If it’s lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate—often requiring a court order and additional fees.

Best practice: After the ceremony, immediately hand the signed license to your officiant and confirm they will return it within 10 days. Follow up with the county office 14 days after the wedding to ensure it was received. If not, act quickly to resolve it.

Tools and Resources

Official County Websites

Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties has its own Register of Wills office with specific rules. Use these official portals for accurate, up-to-date information:

• Philadelphia County
• Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
• Lancaster County
• Bucks County
• Delaware County
• Cumberland County

These sites provide fee schedules, appointment booking, downloadable forms, and contact details. Avoid third-party sites—they often charge extra fees or provide outdated information.

Online Officiant Registration Platforms

If you’re using an online-ordained officiant, register them through a recognized platform:

• American Marriage Ministries – Free ordination, PA-compliant, provides certificate templates
• Universal Life Church – Widely accepted, but check with your county first
• Open Ministry – Offers free ordination and PA-specific guidance

These platforms often provide downloadable ordination certificates and step-by-step guides for Pennsylvania couples.

Marriage License Checklists

Downloadable checklists are invaluable for staying organized:

• Pennsylvania Department of Health Marriage Checklist
• WeddingWire’s Pennsylvania License Checklist
• The Knot’s PA Marriage Guide

Print these and tick off items as you complete them. They cover documents, timelines, witnesses, and post-ceremony steps.

Wedding Venue Directories

Use these curated directories to find Pennsylvania venues that comply with state law and have experience with out-of-state couples:

• Visit Pennsylvania Weddings – Official state tourism site with vetted venues
• WeddingWire Pennsylvania – Filter by license-friendly, all-inclusive, or outdoor venues
• The Knot PA Venue Directory – Includes reviews from couples who’ve married in the state

Look for venues with tags like “handles license paperwork” or “provides witnesses” to reduce your workload.

Legal Name Change Resources

After your marriage, you’ll need to update your name on official documents. Use these tools:

• Social Security Administration – Required for employment and tax records
• PennDOT – For driver’s license and ID updates
• USA.gov Name Change Guide – Federal and state checklist

Keep your certified marriage certificate in a fireproof safe or digital cloud backup. You’ll need it for every name change request.

Real Examples

Example 1: Out-of-State Couple in Lancaster County

Jessica and Marcus live in New York and planned a rustic barn wedding in Lancaster County. They applied for their license at the Lancaster Register of Wills on a Tuesday. They brought their passports, SSN cards, and a certified copy of Jessica’s divorce decree. The clerk confirmed they could use an online-ordained officiant without prior registration. They paid $85 and received their license valid in three days.

They booked a barn with a built-in officiant and two witnesses. The ceremony was held on a Saturday afternoon, and the officiant returned the license the following Monday. Jessica received her certified certificate via email in 12 days. She used it to update her name on her bank account and passport within two weeks.

Example 2: Local Couple with a Judicial Waiver

Tyler and Aisha, residents of Pittsburgh, wanted to marry on a Friday to coincide with Tyler’s military deployment. They applied for their license on a Monday and immediately requested a waiver from the Allegheny County Court. They submitted a letter from Tyler’s commanding officer confirming his deployment date. A judge granted the waiver the next day.

They married on Friday with a magistrate officiating at City Hall. Two friends served as witnesses. The license was returned on time, and they received their certificate in the mail two weeks later. The waiver saved them from missing their deadline and allowed them to marry before Tyler left.

Example 3: Same-Day Ceremony in Philadelphia

Alex and Jordan, a same-sex couple from California, wanted to marry on a whim during a weekend trip to Philadelphia. They arrived at the Register of Wills office at 9 a.m. on Saturday, brought their IDs and SSN cards, and applied. The clerk processed them immediately. The three-day wait meant they couldn’t marry that day.

They rescheduled for the following Tuesday. They booked a small chapel in Old City that provided an officiant and witnesses. They married on Tuesday, and the license was returned on Wednesday. Their certificate arrived in 10 days. They later used it to update their health insurance and joint bank account.

Example 4: Outdoor Wedding in the Poconos with a Weather Backup

Chloe and Ryan planned a lakeside wedding in Monroe County for late October. They applied for their license two months in advance and chose an officiant through a local wedding planner. The planner provided a backup tent and indoor space at a nearby lodge.

On the wedding day, heavy rain forced the ceremony indoors. The officiant had already filed his credentials with the county, so there were no issues. The license was signed and returned on time. Chloe later shared that the backup plan saved their day—and their marriage certificate.

FAQs

Can I get married the same day I apply for the license in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania requires a mandatory three-day waiting period after applying for the license. The only exception is if you obtain a judicial waiver from a county judge due to an emergency such as military deployment or serious illness.

Do I need to be a Pennsylvania resident to get married here?

No. Pennsylvania does not require residency. You can apply for a license in any county where the ceremony will take place, regardless of where you live.

Can I use an online-ordained minister to officiate my wedding?

Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes ministers ordained through online ministries such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. However, some counties require you to submit proof of ordination in advance. Always confirm with your county’s Register of Wills office.

What if I lose my marriage license before the ceremony?

If the license is lost, stolen, or destroyed before the ceremony, you must return to the Register of Wills office where you applied and request a duplicate. You may need to file an affidavit and pay a small fee. If the license has already been signed and returned, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate instead.

Can I get married in a national park in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but you must obtain a special use permit from the National Park Service if your ceremony is in a park like the Delaware Water Gap or the Allegheny National Forest. You still need a Pennsylvania marriage license. Contact the park’s visitor center for details.

Do witnesses need to be residents of Pennsylvania?

No. Witnesses can be anyone 18 or older, regardless of state residency. They must be physically present at the ceremony and able to sign the license.

How long does it take to get a certified marriage certificate after the wedding?

Processing time varies by county. Most issue certificates within 2–6 weeks. Some offer expedited service for an extra fee. You can request copies online, by mail, or in person.

Can I change my name on my driver’s license without a marriage certificate?

No. Pennsylvania’s PennDOT requires a certified copy of your marriage certificate to change your name on your driver’s license or state ID. A copy of the license or a wedding invitation is not sufficient.

What if my partner is in the military and can’t be present?

One party must be present to apply for the license. If the other is deployed, they may be able to apply by mail using a special form (Form 1011) if they’re stationed out of state. Contact the county office for details. The deployed party must sign the application before a notary or military notary.

Is a blood test required to get married in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania abolished the blood test requirement in 2005. No medical exams or tests are needed.

Can I have a destination wedding in Pennsylvania if I’m from another country?

Yes. Foreign nationals may marry in Pennsylvania with a valid passport and visa. You must still meet all other requirements, including providing proof of termination of any prior marriages. If your documents are not in English, you must provide a certified translation.

Conclusion

Getting married in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process when you plan ahead and follow the legal requirements. From selecting the right county for your license to securing an authorized officiant and choosing a venue that aligns with your vision, each step plays a critical role in ensuring your wedding is not only beautiful but legally binding.

By applying early, verifying officiant credentials, preparing your documents meticulously, and confirming venue logistics, you eliminate the risk of last-minute surprises. Pennsylvania’s flexibility in venue choice and its welcoming stance toward out-of-state couples make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a blend of convenience and charm.

Remember: the marriage license is your legal foundation. Treat it with care. Keep copies. Follow up. And celebrate the moment—you’ve done the work to make it official. Whether you marry in a historic courthouse, under a canopy of fall leaves, or beside a mountain stream, your union is valid, recognized, and yours to cherish.