Things I Need to Have to Get Married in Pennsylvania
All couples who marry in the state of Pennsylvania need to obtain a marriage license, which enables them to marry within the county of issue. They must then find an officiant to perform their marriage ceremony, ensuring that he or she is licensed to do so. Lastly, the couple must present two witnesses, usually the best man and maid of honor, to sign the marriage license.
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Proofs of Identification
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All applicants will need to present their social security card and government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or a passport) in order to obtain a marriage license. For foreign nationals wishing to marry within the state of Pennsylvania, the only requirement is a valid and active foreign passport. However, if your passport is not written in English, the state requires that they also present an accurate translation of the document.
Fees
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In Pennsylvania, each county is responsible for setting the cost of its marriage licenses. Therefore, each county has its own price, ranging from $25 to $80. Most counties accept cash payments only, although some will accept debit payments for an additional fee. To discover the cost of obtaining a marriage license in your county, visit your local County Register of Wills for detailed information. Once the license fee is paid, no refunds are issued, even if the license is never used.
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Application Requirements
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Affianced couples must apply for their marriage license together and in person. There is then a three-day waiting period between application for and issue of the marriage license. The waiting period does not include weekends or holidays. Marriage licenses remain valid for 60 days following their issue and no extensions are available. Both marrying parties must be over the age of 18 to wed without parental consent or over 16 to marry with it (16 and 17-year-olds also need to present a birth certificate and an additional $5 for administration fees). If either the bride or groom was previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate must be presented. No blood test is required.
Officiant and Witnesses
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Judges and Justices of the Peace may perform secular marriage ceremonies throughout the state of Pennsylvania. County clerks and their deputies may also marry couples, although they must remain within their appointed county to do so. Lastly, ministers, rabbis, priests and pastors may also perform marriage ceremonies within their respective houses of faith and according to their own traditions. However, in order to be eligible to do so, he or she must preside over regular religious meetings as well. Additionally, the bride and groom must have two witnesses present at the ceremony to sign the marriage license after the wedding concludes.
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References
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