Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Pennsylvania
Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes
Minister Registration Required: Yes (varies by county)
Minister’s Residency: Not Required
Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
Marriage License Waiting Period: 3 Days
Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
Marriage License Return Within: 10 Days After the Ceremony
Steps to Perform a Wedding in Pennsylvania
1. Minister Eligibility
To officiate weddings in Pennsylvania, ministers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Represent the beliefs of at least one member of the couple.
- Register with the Office of the Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. Documentation requirements vary by county.
Ministers ordained through Ministries of Love meet these requirements. Carrying ordination credentials, such as those included in the Classic Wedding Package, is strongly recommended.
2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
- Minister Presence: Required.
- Witnesses: Not required.
- Consent and Pronouncement:
- The couple must formally consent to marry.
- The officiating minister must pronounce the couple married.
The ceremony can be customized to the couple’s preferences, as long as these legal components are included.
3. Marriage License Requirements
What the Couple Needs to Know:
- Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
- Where It’s Valid: Any county in Pennsylvania.
- Pick-Up: In person only.
- Cost: Ranges from $40–$85, depending on the county.
- Identification: Photo ID and proof of Social Security number required.
- Proof of Divorce: Required if applicable.
- Blood Test: Not required.
Couples must present themselves before a county clerk with a signed application containing their personal information and any relevant divorce documentation.
4. Marriage License Facts
- Waiting Period: A 3-day waiting period applies after the license is issued.
- Validity: The license is valid for 60 days.
- Return Deadline: The completed license must be returned to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant must ensure the ceremony includes:
- Both parties physically present and consenting to marry.
- A pronouncement by the officiant declaring the couple as married.
No witnesses are legally required for the ceremony in Pennsylvania, which allows for intimate weddings.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- The officiant must sign the original marriage license and provide it to the couple.
- The officiant must fill out and sign the duplicate license, including:
- Their title (e.g., “Minister”).
- “Ministries of Love” as the church/ordaining body.
- Their home address (if required).
- Return the duplicate license to the issuing county clerk within 10 days.
Failure to return the license on time may invalidate the marriage registration.
Additional Notes
- Eligibility: Only individuals aged 18 and older can legally marry.
- Prohibited Marriages: Pennsylvania does not allow marriages between first cousins or closer relatives.
- Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.