How to Apply for a Marriage License in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is different. self-solemnization / self-uniting (Quaker) marriages — no officiant required
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Wills or Marriage License Bureau in each county. Applicants must apply in person at the county office where at least one party resides. Required documents include a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number. Pennsylvania imposes a three-day waiting period; the license becomes effective on the fourth day after issuance, though a court order may waive this delay. County fees vary but typically range from $40 to $90.
Pennsylvania offers a self-uniting marriage license option, available through some counties, which allows a couple to marry without an officiant if two witnesses sign the license. The specific procedures, fees, and availability of self-uniting licenses vary by county. Applicants should contact their county's Register of Wills or Marriage License Bureau directly to confirm current requirements, fees, and whether the self-uniting option is available in their jurisdiction.
- Apply at Register of Wills / Marriage License Bureau (county-administered).
- Bring government photo ID; proof of age; SSN.
- Pay the license fee (varies by county (~$40-$90; Register of Wills / Orphans' Court Clerk)); this is county-set, so confirm the amount locally.
- Online / remote option: self-uniting (Quaker) license option lets the couple marry without an officiant (2 witnesses sign).
Confirm with the issuing office. Hours, appointment rules and accepted documents differ by county. Informational only — not legal advice.
Plan the paperwork around the ceremony
Time the license application to your wedding date: most states have a validity window and some have a short waiting period between issuing the license and the ceremony. Apply early enough that the license is valid on the day — and confirm the exact windows with the issuing county clerk before you lock in plans.
