We continue our journey across the Eastern seaboard with a visit to Pennsylvania. The state founded by the Quakers and named for William Penn is a must visit for history buffs who want to see Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Liberty Bell that once rang out. Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love and with all that in mind, let’s take a look at the marriage laws governing getting married in the state of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania
As with most other states, you need to present a type of photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport or state identification card. You will also need to provide your social security numbers when filling out the application. You do not need to be a resident of Pennsylvania to get married there (good news for destination planners), but check with the county you are planning to get married in as they may require that you speak English or that you bring someone with you can translate for you.
For individuals who were previously married, you need to bring with you the original or certified copies of your divorce decree or certificate of death. It’s also important to provide the specific documents regarding whether any legal name changes whether it’s resuming a maiden name or otherwise. Also, if any of your documents are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation of them for the clerks.
Waiting Periods & Other Information
There is a three-day waiting period from the application for your marriage license to being able to get married. You can, however, speed that up by writing to the Clerk as far ahead of time as possible and providing them with proof of the wedding date such as a wedding invitation or location reservation. There is a $15 additional fee required for the waiver portion of the application.
Pennsylvania does not require blood tests. They also do not allow for proxy, cousin or common law marriage. Same-sex marriage is also not legal in Pennsylvania. Individuals under the age of 18 will have to pay an additional fee as well as show their birth certificates along with notes of permission from their parents. If under the age of 16, applicants will need parental permission and the Judge of the Orphans Court’s approval.
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days after application and you can get a copy of your marriage certificate by contacting the Marriage License Clerk in the county where you received your license.
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans
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