There are two ways to complete a marriage license application, filed either online or in person. Online filing requires a valid email address, and applicants will receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted for processing.
Applicants must be at least 18-years-old in order to apply for the license. Each person must present photo identification, Social Security card (or passport if you do not have a Social Security Number), and a divorce decree, if previously married.
Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period between the date applicants apply for a Marriage License and when the license may be issued. If applying on Monday, the license will be ready on Thursday. If applying on Tuesday, the license will be ready on Friday.
Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. Two witnesses are required.
Once the application is processed, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period required by Pennsylvania law. After this period ends, the marriage license will be mailed to the address provided by the applicants. A completed marriage license can also be picked up in person at the Marriage License office.
"It typically takes 3-6 days from filing your application to getting your license approved. In general, a couple should apply about one week before their ceremony," recommends Micaela Beltran, Co-Founder and CEO of Courtly, which helps couples get their marriage licenses online.
A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You should apply for a marriage license at least 2 to 3 weeks before the scheduled date of your marriage ceremony.
While self-solemnization is not legally recognized in all jurisdictions, certain locations, such as Colorado, California, and Illinois, allow couples to legally marry themselves without the need for an officiant.
Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. Two witnesses are required.