Congratulations y'all! I'm so hyped that y'all are getting married!
How do I get married in Philadelphia?
Here's your checklist.
- Fill out a Marriage License Form
- Get an Appointment at the Register of Wills Office
- Bring a Valid Photo ID, driver's license, or passport.
- Bring Proof of Social Security
- Bring $90 cash, check, or card for your Marriage License
- Set up an Appointment with the Courthouse or Officiant
- Attend the Ceremony with your Partner and 2 Witnesses
- Have the Officiant File the License
Congratulations, You're officially married!
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How do I get a Philadelphia County marriage license?
First, you'll need to schedule an appointment at the Register of Wills office.
Call to schedule an appointment at (215) 686-2233
REQUIREMENTS:
- Complete a Marriage License Form.
- Provide a valid photo ID, driver's license, or passport.
- Provide proof of Social Security.
- Both applicants must be present at the Register of Wills office to apply for a marriage license.
- $90 cash, card, or money order.
NOTES:
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If either of you is 16 or 17, you'll need parental consent.
- If you plan to wed in Pennsylvania, you can use your marriage license in any county within the state.
- The Register of Wills office does not perform the ceremony. You'll need an Officiant for that.
Then head to the Register of Wills office at the date and time of your appointment:
Register of Wills Office
City Hall, Room 413
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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GETTING MARRIED IN PENNSYLVANIA
Some counties may have judges or magistrates who can perform marriage ceremonies at the courthouse, but this isn’t the standard practice across the state.
In Philadelphia, for example, you would generally hire an officiant or choose to use a self-uniting license if you prefer not to have an officiant.
Hire an Officiant to perform your ceremony
GETTING MARRIED USING AN OFFICIANT
Once you get a marriage license from the Register of Wills, you can hire an officiant to elope at your desired location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get your marriage license?
If you're coming from out of state and want to get married in Pennsylvania, it’s possible to apply for an appointment, arrive at the Register of Wills, get a marriage license, and get married after the three-day waiting period.
How much does the marriage license cost?
$90 for the marriage license. You can set up an appointment and get married after the three-day waiting period.
Can you get your marriage license and get married on the same day?
No, Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after you apply for your marriage license before you can get married.
Even non-residents must wait three days after applying for their marriage license before they can legally get married in Pennsylvania.
Can we apply for a marriage license online?
No, you cannot apply for a marriage license online in Philadelphia. Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills office to apply.
What is a self-uniting marriage license?
A self-uniting marriage license allows couples to officiate their own wedding without an officiant. In Pennsylvania, this type of license is often associated with Quaker traditions but is available to anyone. The couple and two witnesses must sign the license after the ceremony.
How long is a marriage license valid in Pennsylvania?
A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. If you don’t use it within that time, you must reapply and pay the fee again.
Can we get married outside of Pennsylvania marriage licenses?
No, a marriage license issued in Pennsylvania can only be used for ceremonies within the state. You cannot use it to get married in another state or country.
Do we need a witness for our wedding?
For a traditional marriage license, witnesses are not required by Pennsylvania law, but some officiants or religious institutions may require them. For a self-uniting license, two witnesses are required to sign the license.
Can we change our wedding date after we've applied for the license?
Yes, you can change your wedding date as long as it falls within the 60-day validity period of your marriage license. However, if you don’t use the license within that time, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
What if one of us has been married before?
If either applicant has been married before, they must provide proof that the previous marriage has ended. This could be a certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate if the previous spouse is deceased.
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Hire a Philadelphia Elopement Photographer + Officiant
Hey! I’m Glenn, thanks for checking out my guide on “How to Get Married in Philadelphia.”
If you’re planning an intimate ceremony or elopement in the City of Brotherly Love, I’d be honored to be part of your special day! Whether you need a photographer to capture every moment or an officiant to lead your ceremony, I’m here to help.
Reach out below to start planning your unforgettable Philadelphia elopement!
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