How to get married at the courthouse in Pennsylvania is a question often asked by couples looking for a straightforward, affordable, and legally recognized way to say “I do.” Pennsylvania provides an accessible process for courthouse marriages across its diverse counties, ranging from bustling urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller communities like Lancaster and Erie. Courthouse weddings offer a practical alternative to traditional ceremonies, eliminating the need for expensive venues, elaborate decorations, or lengthy planning. Whether you are a resident or visiting the Keystone State, you can obtain your marriage license and have a civil ceremony performed by an authorized official in the county courthouse. This detailed guide will walk you through everything involved in getting married at the court in Pennsylvania, including all legal requirements, step-by-step procedures, and essential considerations to help you prepare for your courthouse wedding day.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Pennsylvania
Before planning your courthouse wedding in Pennsylvania, you must ensure you meet the following legal requirements:
1. Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Minors aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and a court order issued by the judge. Individuals under 16 generally cannot marry in Pennsylvania. This law protects young individuals from premature marriages.
2. Residency: Pennsylvania does not require residency to apply for a marriage license or hold a marriage ceremony within the state. Couples from other states or countries can apply for a marriage license and get married in any Pennsylvania county courthouse.
3. Marriage License Application: To start the process, both parties must appear together in person at the County Clerk’s office or Register of Wills office in the county where you plan to marry. You will fill out an application for a marriage license, providing personal information such as full names, birthdates, social security numbers, and previous marriage details if applicable.
4. Identification: Valid, government-issued photo identification is required for both applicants. This can include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. These IDs verify your age and identity.
5. Marriage License Fee: The marriage license fee varies by county but typically ranges between \$30 and \$45. Payment is required at the time of application, with accepted forms often including cash, credit/debit cards, or checks.
6. No Blood Tests or Medical Exams: Pennsylvania does not require blood tests or medical examinations to obtain a marriage license.
7. Waiting Period: There is a three-day waiting period after the marriage license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This waiting period is mandatory unless waived by a judge in certain circumstances such as military deployment or medical emergencies.
8. License Validity Period: The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Your ceremony must be conducted within this timeframe or the license will expire.
9. Previous Marriages: If either party was previously married, you must provide the date the prior marriage ended and may need to provide proof of divorce or death of a former spouse.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Pennsylvania
1. Apply for Your Marriage License at the County Clerk or Register of Wills Office
To begin getting married at the courthouse in Pennsylvania, both parties need to visit the County Clerk or Register of Wills office in the county where you plan to marry. For example, if you want to marry in Philadelphia County, you will apply there. Bring valid government-issued photo IDs such as driver’s licenses or passports to prove your identity and age. You will complete a detailed application, including your full legal names, birth dates, social security numbers, and information about any previous marriages. The clerk will collect the marriage license fee, usually between \$30 and \$45. Once your application is submitted and fee paid, you will receive your marriage license, but remember the three-day waiting period before you can marry.
2. Understand and Observe the Three-Day Waiting Period
Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding ceremony. This waiting period is intended to give couples a reflection time and to prevent impulsive marriages. However, in certain urgent situations such as military deployment, serious illness, or other hardships, you may petition a judge to waive this waiting period. The waiver is granted on a case-by-case basis, so be prepared to provide documentation or explanation. Keep in mind weekends and holidays can affect when your waiting period ends, so plan your ceremony accordingly.
3. Schedule Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
After the waiting period ends, you can schedule your courthouse wedding ceremony. Most Pennsylvania counties offer civil ceremonies conducted by judges, magisterial district judges, or other authorized officials. In larger counties like Allegheny (Pittsburgh) or Philadelphia, it’s common to schedule an appointment in advance due to high demand. Smaller counties may offer walk-in ceremonies or more flexible scheduling. Contact your county’s Register of Wills or Clerk’s office to find out about available times, fees, and any specific requirements for your ceremony day.
4. Prepare for Your Wedding Day at the Courthouse
On the day of your wedding, bring your valid marriage license and government-issued photo IDs for both parties. Pennsylvania requires at least two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present at the ceremony to sign the license. If you do not have witnesses, some counties may be able to provide them for a small fee—check with your county ahead of time. Courthouse weddings are typically brief, often lasting 15 to 30 minutes, and the officiant will guide you through your vows and legal declarations.
5. Complete and Return the Signed Marriage License for Filing
Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant and witnesses will sign the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the County Clerk or Register of Wills office for official recording. This is an important step to make your marriage legally recognized by the state. You or your spouse can also follow up to ensure the license was filed correctly.
6. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
After your marriage license has been officially recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county office. Certified copies are necessary for legal name changes, insurance updates, tax filings, and other official matters. Fees for certified copies usually range from \$5 to \$15 per copy. It’s advisable to order multiple copies at once to avoid extra fees later.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Pennsylvania
1. The Three-Day Waiting Period Requires Advance Planning
The mandatory three-day waiting period means you cannot have an immediate courthouse wedding after receiving your license. Couples should plan this waiting period into their timeline to avoid scheduling conflicts or stress. If you have urgent circumstances, petitioning a waiver from a judge is possible but requires paperwork and approval, so do not rely on last-minute requests.
2. County Differences in Procedures and Ceremony Scheduling
While marriage license applications are similar throughout Pennsylvania, ceremony scheduling and fees can vary by county. Larger counties like Philadelphia and Allegheny often require appointments, have limited walk-in options, and may charge small ceremony fees. Smaller counties may offer more flexible walk-in weddings but might have fewer available times or staff. Always check with the local Register of Wills office for the specific county where you intend to marry.
3. Witness Requirements Must Be Met
Pennsylvania requires at least two adult witnesses to be present at your courthouse ceremony and sign your marriage license. Without witnesses, your marriage cannot be legally completed. If you cannot bring your own witnesses, some courthouses may provide witnesses for a small fee, but it’s best to plan ahead and bring friends or family members.
4. Cost-Effective Option Compared to Traditional Weddings
Courthouse weddings in Pennsylvania are an affordable alternative to large traditional weddings. Aside from the marriage license fee and any small courthouse ceremony fees, you avoid venue, catering, decoration, and entertainment expenses. This makes courthouse weddings especially appealing to couples on a budget or those seeking a no-frills, legally binding marriage.
5. Personalizing Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
Although courthouse weddings tend to be short and simple, many couples personalize their ceremony by exchanging their own vows, dressing in formal attire, or inviting close family and friends as witnesses. Some counties allow you to bring small bouquets or photos. You can also plan to celebrate afterward at a favorite restaurant or nearby park to make your day special.
6. Obtaining Certified Marriage Certificates Is Essential
After the ceremony, obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate is crucial for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance coverage, and tax filing. Waiting too long to get certified copies can cause delays in processing these important changes, so order multiple copies at the same time to avoid repeated fees and extra trips to the county office.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in Pennsylvania helps couples navigate the legal process with ease, saving time and money while ensuring their marriage is officially recognized. With clear requirements, a reasonable three-day waiting period, and accessible courthouse ceremonies across Pennsylvania’s many counties—from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller towns—getting married at the courthouse in Pennsylvania is a practical, affordable, and meaningful way to begin your married life together. By carefully preparing and familiarizing yourself with county-specific rules, witness requirements, and license validity, your courthouse wedding can be a smooth, stress-free, and memorable occasion.
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