How to Plan a Seamless NJ to PA Micro Wedding Without the Stress
If you live in New Jersey and you're planning to cross the border into Pennsylvania for a micro wedding, you're not alone. In fact, more and more couples from NJ are choosing to have their small, meaningful ceremonies in PA and for good reason.
Pennsylvania offers relaxed marriage laws, quick processing, and a variety of beautiful, accessible venues. But if you're making the trip from NJ to PA, the last thing you want is a planning headache. Whether you're skipping the big wedding production or simply want a peaceful, easy day to say "I do," this guide will walk you through every step to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
And if you're looking for a place that does it all without fuss, Truehart Wedding Chapel in Glenside, PA stands out as the perfect spot for NJ couples looking for something simple, beautiful, and heartfelt.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Side First
Before you even look at dresses, rings, or venues, you’ll want to make sure you understand the legal requirements for getting married in Pennsylvania.
Good News for NJ Couples: You do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident to get legally married there. You just need to apply for a marriage license at any PA county courthouse.
Here’s how it works:
Apply in person at a courthouse (you can choose any county).
Bring valid photo IDs and, if previously married, divorce papers.
Wait three days for the license to become valid.
The license is good for 60 days.
Some counties allow you to start the application online and then finalize it in person. Be sure to double-check with the county you’re applying through.
Step 2: Choose a Venue That Feels Right (And Isn't a Hassle)
This is where the magic happens—literally and emotionally.
For NJ couples coming into PA, location matters. You want something close enough to drive to, but still special enough to feel like a meaningful getaway. You want a place that can handle the paperwork, the ceremony, and the photos and give you peace of mind.
Enter Truehart Wedding Chapel.
Located just outside Philadelphia, in Glenside, PA, Truehart offers a warm, welcoming setting with all the charm and ease you could ask for. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with calm professionalism, a beautiful atmosphere, and a true sense of occasion. This isn't a stuffy courthouse. It's an intimate venue created for couples who want to feel seen and celebrated.
Many NJ couples choose Truehart because:
It’s less than a 2-hour drive from most NJ cities.
The venue is private, cozy, and designed specifically for micro weddings.
They handle the ceremony, legal paperwork, and even photography.
You won’t have to worry about crowds, permits, or complicated logistics.
Step 3: Decide on Guest Size and Format
Micro weddings are all about keeping it close-knit. For some, that means just the two of you. For others, it might include 10–20 of your nearest and dearest.
Ask yourselves:
Do we want anyone to witness our ceremony?
Will we include family or just keep it between us?
Are we planning a dinner or celebration afterward?
One of the reasons NJ couples love Truehart is that they’re flexible. You can book a private elopement with just the two of you or include a few loved ones. Their space comfortably accommodates small groups without ever feeling cramped.
Step 4: Pick a Date That Works for You
One of the biggest perks of doing a micro wedding is that you don’t need to plan around a huge guest list or months of vendor coordination.
In many cases, you can book a ceremony at Truehart with just a few days' notice (availability depending). That’s perfect for couples who want something meaningful and fast, especially those who have a specific date in mind or are aligning the ceremony with another life event (like moving in together or travelling soon).
Truehart even offers weekday options, which are often more relaxed and less in demand. If you’re coming from NJ, a midweek wedding might be the easiest way to avoid traffic and squeeze in a romantic day without taking too much time off work.
Step 5: Think Simple and Smart With Your Attire
This is a moment to feel good in what you're wearing—but without the pressure of a runway-ready outfit. Many NJ to PA micro wedding couples choose outfits that are:
Comfortable yet polished
Weather-appropriate
Easy to move around in (and pack, if needed)
Truehart’s chapel has a light, airy feel with neutral tones, so just about any color palette looks beautiful in their space. Whether you're going casual or semi-formal, the photos will pop.
And speaking of photos…
Step 6: Capture the Moment Without Hiring a Crew
One of the biggest surprises for couples is how good the photos turn out at a micro wedding.
At Truehart, photography is included in many packages, so you won’t need to find a separate photographer. Their space is designed for beautiful lighting and angles, and their team knows how to capture genuine moments without making you feel like you’re on a production set.
You’ll walk away with real memories: smiles, nerves, laughter, and that glowing feeling you can’t fake.
Step 7: Plan Something Relaxed Afterward
After your ceremony, keep the joy going. You’ve already done the hard part; now it’s time to enjoy.
Here are a few simple ways NJ couples celebrate post-wedding in PA:
Dinner in Philly: Whether it's a casual bite or a fine dining experience, Philly has endless options.
Picnic or stroll in a nearby park: Glenside has some lovely green spaces for a quiet moment.
Back home for a family meal: A low-key reception at home can be just as meaningful.
The best thing about micro weddings is that you’re not boxed in. You can have a big celebration later if you want or keep things small and sweet now.
Step 8: Stay Stress-Free by Letting Truehart Handle the Details
Let’s face it—planning even the simplest wedding can get overwhelming. Between paperwork, scheduling, logistics, and making sure everyone knows where to go, it’s a lot.
That’s why so many NJ couples love Truehart. From your first message to the last kiss of the day, they’re organized, kind, and genuinely invested in making your experience easy and lovely.
Here’s what they handle:
Ceremony set-up and officiating
Legal paperwork completion and guidance
Music during the ceremony
Photography (included in select packages)
Friendly communication with clear instructions
They make it clear, simple, and relaxed—exactly what you want when starting a new chapter.
Why NJ Couples Keep Choosing Truehart Wedding Chapel
Truehart isn’t just another venue. It’s a place where people feel seen, cared for, and celebrated. It’s for couples who want to be married with meaning—without the chaos.
Reasons NJ couples return again and again with glowing feedback:
The location: Close to NJ but far enough to feel like a retreat.
The vibe: Cozy, calm, and created for intimate moments.
The people: Warm, professional, and incredibly easy to work with.
The experience: Every step is clear, smooth, and memorable.
Whether you're coming from Jersey City, Trenton, Camden, or anywhere in between, it’s worth the short drive for a stress-free, love-filled day.
Final Checklist: NJ to PA Micro Wedding Plan
✔️ Apply for PA marriage license
✔️ Choose ceremony date
✔️ Book your spot at Truehart Wedding Chapel
✔️ Choose outfits
✔️ Invite guests (if any)
✔️ Plan post-wedding celebration
Contact Truehart Wedding Chapel
Truehart Wedding Chapel
2800 Limekiln Pike
Glenside, PA 19038
📞 Call or Text: (215) 394-0067
🌐 Website: www.truehartweddingchapel.com
