How To Get Married In Pennsylvania Marriage License, Courthouse, And Wedding Chapel Options
Getting Married In Pennsylvania Is Exciting, But Many Couples Feel Overwhelmed When They First Start Researching The Process. Do You Need A License? Who Can Officiate? Can You Just Show Up At The Courthouse? What If You Want Something More Personal Than Standing In A Courtroom?
This Guide Breaks Everything Down Step By Step. You’ll Learn Exactly How To Get Married In Pennsylvania, From Applying For Your Marriage License To Choosing The Right Ceremony Option. And If You’re Looking For An Affordable, Stress-Free Alternative To The Courthouse, You’ll Discover Why Truehart Wedding Chapel In Philadelphia Has Become The Perfect Solution.
Marriage License Requirements In Pennsylvania
Before You Can Legally Marry In Pennsylvania, You Need A Marriage License. This License Must Be Obtained In Advance From The Clerk Of The Orphans’ Court In The County Where You Plan To Apply. Here’s What You Need To Know:
Where To Apply: Any County Courthouse In Pennsylvania. You Don’t Have To Apply In The Same County Where You’re Getting Married.
Waiting Period: Three (3) Business Days From Application To Issuance. Some Counties May Grant An Emergency Waiver.
Validity: A Marriage License Is Valid For 60 Days From The Date It’s Issued.
Cost: Typically $50–$100, Depending On The County.
What You’ll Need To Apply
A Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Or Passport).
Social Security Number (If Applicable).
Divorce Decree Or Death Certificate (If Either Applicant Was Previously Married).
Payment (Check With Your County For Accepted Forms).
📌 Pro Tip: Apply At Least A Week Before Your Ceremony Date To Avoid Last-Minute Stress.
Who Can Officiate A Wedding In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania Law Is Flexible When It Comes To Who Can Officiate Your Wedding. Options Include:
Judges Or Justices Of The Peace
Ordained Ministers, Priests, Rabbis, Or Clergy
Self-Uniting Marriage License: Unique To Pennsylvania, This Allows A Couple To Marry Themselves With Two Witnesses (Popular With Quaker Traditions).
Online Ordinations: Friends Or Family Members Who Have Been Ordained Online Can Also Officiate, Though Acceptance Varies By County.
This Flexibility Means You Can Choose An Officiant That Reflects Your Relationship And Values — Whether Spiritual, Religious, Or Purely Civil.
Courthouse Weddings In Pennsylvania
One Of The Most Common Ways Couples Marry In PA Is Through A Courthouse Wedding. These Ceremonies Are Quick, Simple, And Legally Binding.
How They Work:
You Schedule A Date And Time With The County Courthouse.
A Judge Or Magistrate Performs The Ceremony.
You May Bring A Small Number Of Guests (Rules Vary By County).
Pros:
Affordable.
Fast And Straightforward.
Minimal Planning Required.
Cons:
Limited Guest Options.
No Décor, Customization, Or Photography Support.
Not The Most Romantic Or Memorable Atmosphere.
For Some Couples, This Is All They Want. But Many Others Look For An Alternative That’s Still Affordable But More Personal.
The Best Alternative: Truehart Wedding Chapel
If You Don’t Want The Rushed Feel Of A Courthouse Wedding But Still Want Something Simple, Affordable, And Legally Binding, Truehart Wedding Chapel In Philadelphia Is The Perfect Solution.
At Truehart Wedding Chapel, Couples Enjoy:
Packages Starting At Just $299.
Options For Couple-Only Or Micro Weddings With Guests.
A Private Chapel Designed For Romance, Simplicity, And Style.
Special Touches Like A Champagne Toast, Hidden Entrance, And Curated Décor.
Flexible Scheduling Compared To Courthouse Hours.
Easy Booking Process — No Confusion, No Chaos, Just “I Do.”
Truehart Wedding Chapel Combines The Convenience Of A Courthouse Wedding With The Intimacy And Beauty Of A Private Venue. It’s The Ideal Choice For Couples Who Want Their Marriage To Feel Special Without The Cost Or Stress Of A Large Traditional Wedding.
Step-By-Step Checklist For Getting Married In Pennsylvania
Here’s A Simple Roadmap To Help You Stay On Track:
Apply For Your Marriage License At Least Three Days Before Your Planned Ceremony.
Choose Your Officiant (Judge, Minister, Or Chapel Minister At Truehart Wedding Chapel).
Select Your Ceremony Location — Courthouse Or Chapel.
Bring Your License To The Ceremony So Your Officiant Can Sign It.
Return The License To The County Courthouse For Official Filing.
📌 Remember: Your Marriage Isn’t Legally Recognized Until The License Is Returned And Filed.
FAQs About Getting Married In Pennsylvania
Can You Get Married The Same Day In PA?
No, There’s A Mandatory Three-Day Waiting Period After Applying For A License. Some Counties Allow An Emergency Waiver.
Do You Need A Ceremony To Be Legally Married?
Yes, Except With A Self-Uniting License, Which Allows Couples To Declare Their Marriage Without An Officiant.
Is A Pennsylvania Marriage Valid In Other States?
Yes. Once Your License Is Filed, Your Marriage Is Legally Recognized Nationwide.
Conclusion: Simple, Stress-Free, And Stylish
Getting Married In Pennsylvania Is A Straightforward Process Once You Understand The Steps. You Need A Marriage License, An Officiant, And A Place To Say “I Do.” While Courthouse Weddings Are The Default Option, They Aren’t The Only Choice.
At Truehart Wedding Chapel In Philadelphia, We Make Small Weddings Simple, Stylish, And Stress-Free. Whether You Want A Couple-Only Ceremony Or A Micro Wedding With A Champagne Toast, Our Packages Give You A Beautiful Alternative To The Courthouse.
✨ Ready To Get Married In Pennsylvania? Explore Our Micro Wedding Packages Today And Start Planning Your Perfect Day.
