Detailed Pennsylvania Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Where to Apply: County Register of Wills or Orphans' Court
Pennsylvania marriage licenses are issued by county offices. Couples may apply through any Pennsylvania county, and the ceremony may occur anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Marriage License Requirements
- Waiting Period: 3 days after application
- License Validity: 60 days
- Where Valid: Pennsylvania
- License Types: Regular and self-uniting options may be available
Pennsylvania generally requires a three-day waiting period before a regular marriage license can be used. A regular license requires a qualified officiant; self-uniting licenses are handled differently.
Minister and Officiant Requirements
- Regular License: Qualified officiant must preside
- Authority: See 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 1503
- County Rules: Confirm with the issuing county
Officiants should verify they are qualified under Pennsylvania law and should ask the issuing county if there are any documentation expectations.
Ceremony Requirements
- Ceremony Location: Must occur in Pennsylvania
- Regular License: Officiant presides
- License Signing: Follow county license instructions
For a regular license, the officiant performs the ceremony and completes the license. Couples using a self-uniting license should follow the county's instructions for that license type.
Final Steps
- Return Office: Issuing county office
- Return Deadline: Within 10 days for regular licenses per Philadelphia guidance
- Responsible Party: Officiant returns regular license
The completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office so the marriage can be recorded.