If you’re planning on tying the knot in the Keystone State, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license first. A PA wedding license is a legal document that allows you to get married within the state.
One of the most common questions people have when it comes to obtaining a marriage license is, “How much does it cost?” In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide more information about PA wedding licenses.
What Is a Marriage License?
First, let’s define what a marriage license is. A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to get married. It’s only valid within the state where it was issued.
In Pennsylvania, the license is obtained from the Register of Wills and is issued by the County Clerk of Orphans’ Court. The license is only valid for 60 days after its issuance.
How Much Is a PA Wedding License?
Now, to answer the burning question: how much does a PA wedding license cost? In Pennsylvania, the fee to obtain a marriage license is $50 cash, a money order (less than nine months old), or a cashier’s check from a bank.
This fee is non-refundable and covers the issuance of the license and a certified copy of the marriage certificate after the ceremony. If you require additional copies of the marriage certificate, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the fee mentioned above, there are additional requirements you’ll need to meet in order to obtain a marriage license in PA. You must:
- Be 18 years of age or older (16 with parental consent)
- Not be closely related to your partner (closely related means parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or first cousins)
- Be able to provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
You’ll also be asked to provide basic information about yourself and your partner, such as your full names, dates of birth, occupations, and places of birth.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in PA, you’ll need to visit the Register of Wills or the Clerk of Orphans’ Court in the county where you plan to get married. Each county may have slightly different requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific office ahead of time.
Some counties allow you to begin the application process online, but you’ll still need to visit the office in person to complete the process and pay the fee.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process, but it does come with a fee. As of 2021, the cost to obtain a PA wedding license is $50, and the license is only valid for 60 days after issuance.
Keep in mind that there are additional requirements you’ll need to meet to obtain a PA wedding license, such as being 18 years of age or older and providing valid identification.
Overall, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure you have all the necessary documents and information before visiting the Register of Wills or the Clerk of Orphans’ Court in the county where you plan to marry.
FAQ
What do I need to get a marriage license in PA?
To obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania, you and your partner need to meet the following requirements:
1. Identification: You need to show proof of your identity with a government-issued ID. Accepted IDs include your driver’s license, state ID, international driver’s license, passport (U.S. or foreign), military ID, resident alien card, consulate card.
2. Age Limit: You need to be at least 18 years old to get married in Pennsylvania without consent from a parent or legal guardian.
3. Waiting Period: Pennsylvania has a three-day waiting period before you can use your marriage license. Keep this in mind when planning your wedding date.
4. Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements for obtaining a license in Pennsylvania. You and your partner can come from different states or even countries.
5. Application Process: You can obtain a marriage license by visiting the Clerk of Orphans’ Court office in the county where you plan to get married. You’ll both need to appear in person to sign the application, and there is a fee to obtain the license.
6. Blood Tests: Pennsylvania does not require premarital blood tests.
7. Expiration Date: Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days after it is issued. If you do not use it during that time, you will need to apply for a new one.
To get a marriage license in Pennsylvania, you need to provide identification, have proof of being 18 years old, wait three days after obtaining it, have no residency requirements, apply in person, pay a fee, and obtain a new license if it expires.
Can you get your marriage license and get married the same day in PA?
In Pennsylvania, it is not possible to get your marriage license and get married on the same day. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, couples must obtain their marriage license at least three days before their marriage ceremony. This waiting period is designed to allow time for the processing and verification of the marriage license application before the couple can officially tie the knot.
It is important to note that the three-day waiting period starts after the couple applies for the marriage license, which can be done by appointment at a local Marriage License Bureau. Additionally, the license is only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Therefore, couples must ensure that they have their license in hand and that the waiting period has passed before scheduling their wedding ceremony.
To obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania, both parties must be at least 18 years old and have valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Couples must also provide their Social Security numbers and any previous marriage or divorce records. The cost of a marriage license in Pennsylvania varies by county, but it typically ranges from $30 to $50.
Getting a marriage license and getting married on the same day is not possible in Pennsylvania. Couples must obtain their license at least three days before their ceremony, and the waiting period starts after the application is submitted. By following these guidelines and completing the necessary steps, couples can ensure that their marriage is legal and valid in the state of Pennsylvania.
Do you need witnesses to get married in PA?
In Pennsylvania, there are two ways you can go about getting married- the traditional way, where an officiant performs the ceremony and the couple signs the marriage license, or the self-uniting way, which does not require an officiant. While it may sound unconventional, Pennsylvania recognizes a self-uniting license as a legal way to get married. This option is popular among couples who want to create a more personal and intimate wedding ceremony without the presence of an officiant.
However, even with a self-uniting license, witnesses are required to validate the marriage. The Marriage Act in Pennsylvania requires two witnesses to be present during the ceremony, who are responsible for signing the license as witnesses. The witnesses must be at least 18 years of age and have legal identification on their person at the time of the ceremony.
There are many ways to choose witnesses for your self-uniting wedding. You can choose members of your family or close friends who will be attending the ceremony. You can also ask your photographer or wedding planner to act as witnesses, or choose someone from the community where you plan to get married. It’s important to note that the witnesses do not have to be residents of Pennsylvania, but they must be present at the ceremony to sign the license.
Getting married in Pennsylvania with a self-uniting license is a legal way to get married, but it requires witnesses to be present and to sign the marriage license. The two witnesses must be present at the ceremony, be at least 18 years of age, and have legal identification. Choosing witnesses for your self-uniting wedding is a personal decision, and you can choose family members, close friends, or even members from the community.
