Pennsylvania marriage law allows for weddings with no officiant whatsoever. Go to the county courthouse, or whatever the local agency is in that county. Ask for a self-uniting marriage license. Then, on the day, your friend can say whatever (s)he wants over you, having precisely zero legal effect.
Legislation banned the contracting of new common-law marriages in Pennsylvania after January 1, 2005. 23 Pa. C. S. A. § 1103, Common-law marriage, reads as follows: No common-law marriage contracted after January 1, 2005, shall be valid.
Pennsylvania, along with five other states, enacted legislation that eliminated the right to enter into a common-law marriage, but also still recognized marriages formed before a specified date.
Common law marriage does not exist in California. No documentation is required to create a common law marriage. Simply living together and having a mutual understanding or agreement between the partners that they are husband and wife may enough to create this marriage.
Individuals who are or were in valid common law marriages may be eligible for Social Security benefits (spousal, survivor, and death benefits) based on their spouses' or former spouses' earnings record, as long as they met the requirements to establish a common law marriage in their states.
Pennsylvania is one of those five states. A couple no longer can enter into a common law marriage in Pennsylvania, but if you were common law married on or before Jan. 1, 2005, your marriage is still valid and recognized by the state. New Jersey does not recognize common law marriages.
There you'll ask for a self-uniting marriage license. This form May differ from the standard licenseMoreThere you'll ask for a self-uniting marriage license. This form May differ from the standard license. So it's important to specify.
Self solemnization means that you can get married, legally and all, without having an officiant or any witnesses present at your ceremony! This is great for couples who want to have a ``just us'' elopement experience, and allows you to celebrate your wedding day exactly the way you want to.
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.
Pennsylvania marriage law allows for weddings with no officiant whatsoever. Go to the county courthouse, or whatever the local agency is in that county. Ask for a self-uniting marriage license. Then, on the day, your friend can say whatever (s)he wants over you, having precisely zero legal effect.