Complete Wedding Guide
Plan Your Wedding in Pennsylvania: Everything You Need
Everything you need to know about marriage licenses, requirements, costs, and planning your wedding in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania spans from Philadelphia's historic grandeur to Pittsburgh's riverfront renaissance, with the Pocono Mountains, Lancaster County farmland, and Brandywine Valley estates in between.
Pennsylvania has two very different wedding markets: Philadelphia's historic district and Main Line estates in the south, and Pittsburgh's riverside and incline views in the west, with the Pocono Mountains serving as a destination option in between. The Logan Inn in New Hope and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort near Farmington offer distinct Pennsylvania luxury experiences. Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that allows self-uniting marriages, meaning a licensed officiant is entirely optional, a tradition rooted in the state's Quaker history.
Pennsylvania Marriage License Requirements
A standard Pennsylvania marriage license requires no witnesses; only a self-uniting license requires two adult witnesses to sign in place of an officiant, with the completed license returned to the Register of Wills within 10 days. Pennsylvania self-uniting licenses are available to any couple, not just Quakers, following the federal court injunction in Knelly v. Wagner (W.D. Pa., 2007), which the ACLU of Pennsylvania secured after counties initially limited the option to religious objectors. The 3-day waiting period between application and a valid license remains current law, waivable only by an Orphans' Court judge for extraordinary circumstances. Common law marriage was abolished for relationships created after January 1, 2005, but those established before that date are still recognized.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Pennsylvania?
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges of any court, mayors, and justices of the peace. Pennsylvania also allows self-uniting marriages, where no officiant is required.
Wedding Costs in Pennsylvania
Average Wedding Cost
$36,000
This includes venue, catering, photography, attire, and other typical wedding expenses in Pennsylvania.
Average Guest Count
150
The typical Pennsylvania wedding hosts 150 guests. Plan your seating, catering, and photo sharing accordingly.
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
The most popular seasons to get married in Pennsylvania. Book venues early during peak season.
First dance
You guys!!
Every Pennsylvania wedding leaves photos scattered on a dozen phones
One free QR album pulls them all together. Guests scan, upload, done. No app to install.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
No app, no account
UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
Emma & Jack
June 21, 2026
647 photos · 95 guests
SCAN TO TRY
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Popular Wedding Regions in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
America's birthplace offers historic landmarks, world-class museums, and an incredible restaurant scene.
Pittsburgh
The Steel City's three rivers, bridges, and revitalized neighborhoods create a uniquely scenic urban setting.
Pocono Mountains
Mountain resorts, lakeside lodges, and forested retreats in the scenic northeastern mountains.
Lancaster & Brandywine
Amish Country farms, Longwood Gardens, and rolling Chester County horse country.
Top Wedding Venues in Pennsylvania
First dance
You guys!!
Planning a Pennsylvania wedding? Collect every guest photo in one album
Free QR photo album your guests use without an app. 20 uploads free, no card.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
No app, no account
UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
Emma & Jack
June 21, 2026
647 photos · 95 guests
SCAN TO TRY
pix.wedding/
your-wedding
How to Get Married in Pennsylvania: Step by Step
Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk in Pennsylvania with your partner. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of age, and the license fee of $60 to $100, varies by county (Philadelphia and Allegheny County $90 for a standard license, $100 for a self-uniting license in Philadelphia; lower in counties like Butler and Centre at $60). Both partners must appear in person.
Wait 3 days
After receiving your license, you must wait 3 days before the ceremony. Your license is valid for 60 days after issuance, so plan your ceremony date within that window.
Choose Your Officiant
In Pennsylvania, your wedding can be officiated by ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Pennsylvania also allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is needed.
Hold Your Ceremony
Have your ceremony at your chosen Pennsylvania venue. Pennsylvania does not require witnesses, though many couples still choose to have them.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license and return it to the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk. Once filed, you will receive your official marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage.
Pennsylvania Wedding Planning Tips
Lancaster County offers some of the most picturesque barn venues in the entire country
Philadelphia's BYOB restaurant culture can save significant money on rehearsal dinners
Fall foliage in the Poconos and Brandywine Valley peaks in mid to late October
Pennsylvania allows self-uniting marriages available to any couple regardless of religious affiliation, where the couple signs their own license without any external officiant.
Explore Pennsylvania Wedding Venues
Browse our guide to the best wedding venues across Pennsylvania.
Wedding Photo Sharing in Pennsylvania
Learn how to collect every guest photo at your Pennsylvania wedding.
What Makes Getting Married in Pennsylvania Unique
Pennsylvania has two very different wedding markets. Philadelphia's historic district and Main Line estates in the south anchor one cluster. Pittsburgh's riverside and incline-view venues in the west anchor the other. The Pocono Mountains serve as a destination option in between. The Logan Inn in New Hope, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort near Farmington, and the Curtis Center Atrium in Philadelphia represent distinct Pennsylvania luxury experiences. Pennsylvania is one of the few states allowing self-uniting marriages, a tradition rooted in the state's Quaker history. The license fee runs $60 to $100 by county. The Brandywine Valley around Chadds Ford adds a vineyard and estate option.
Pennsylvania Marriage Law: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the country that allows self-uniting marriages, a tradition rooted in the colonial-era Quaker practice of couples marrying each other before their religious community with no external officiant. In a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage, the couple signs their own marriage license and serves as their own officiants. Two adult witnesses must also sign. The license fee runs $60 to $100 by county and there is a 3-day waiting period. Pennsylvania does not recognize common-law marriage for relationships formed after January 1, 2005, though older common-law marriages may still be valid. The register of wills or orphans' court clerk is the issuing office, which is an unusual designation among states.
Signature Pennsylvania Wedding Angles
Pennsylvania Wedding Season: What Locals Know
Pennsylvania weddings peak May through October with strong September and October Saturday demand for fall foliage. The Pocono Mountains add a winter wedding window December through March at ski-resort properties. Summer humidity in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is real from late June through August. Mid-October Saturdays in the Brandywine Valley and Pocono region book 14 to 18 months ahead.
Pennsylvania-Specific Wedding Questions
What is a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage?
Pennsylvania allows couples to marry themselves without an officiant. The two parties sign their marriage license and serve as their own officiants, with two adult witnesses. The tradition dates to colonial Quaker meetings and is now used by couples of any background who prefer to omit a third party from the legal ceremony. The license fee varies by county from $60 to $100 with a 3 day waiting period.
How does the Pennsylvania 3 day waiting period actually work?
Pennsylvania requires a 3 day waiting period after the license application is filed before the license is issued. The license is then valid for 60 days. The waiting period can be waived by a judge for hardship including military deployment or medical emergency. Couples flying in for a tight wedding weekend often request the waiver in advance or apply at the start of a planning trip.
What is Nemacolin Woodlands for Pennsylvania weddings?
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands near Farmington is one of the few destination-resort wedding properties in Pennsylvania. The 2,000 acre property includes multiple venues across five star and four star lodging, a casino, equestrian center, and golf courses. Saturday peak season dates are typically locked 18 to 24 months out. The property delivers a multi-day destination format that few Pennsylvania venues match.
Who can use a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage license and how does it work?
Pennsylvania's self-uniting marriage is available to any couple, not only Quakers or members of specific religious societies. The couple applies for a self-uniting marriage license at the register of wills or orphans' court clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. The $60 to $100 fee and 3-day waiting period apply the same as a standard license. At the ceremony, the couple exchanges their vows and each signs the license in front of two adult witnesses who also sign. No external officiant is needed. The signed license is then filed with the issuing court. This is the only US state, along with Wisconsin and Colorado, that broadly permits self-solemnizing marriage.
Popular Wedding Searches in Pennsylvania
Wedding Guides for Other States
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage laws and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your local Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk in Pennsylvania before making plans. Last reviewed: 2026.
Pennsylvania Marriage & Wedding FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A marriage license in Pennsylvania costs $60 to $100, varies by county (Philadelphia and Allegheny County $90 for a standard license, $100 for a self-uniting license in Philadelphia; lower in counties like Butler and Centre at $60). You can apply at the Register of Wills or Orphans' Court Clerk. No residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can apply as well.
Pennsylvania has a 3 days waiting period after the marriage license is issued before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges of any court, mayors, and justices of the peace. Pennsylvania also allows self-uniting marriages, where no officiant is required.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent in Pennsylvania is 18. Pennsylvania does not allow minors to marry.
The most popular wedding seasons in Pennsylvania are Summer and Fall. During these windows, top venues in regions like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh book out months in advance. Summer weddings offer long daylight hours but can bring heat, so make sure your venue has adequate shade or climate control.
The average wedding in Pennsylvania costs $36,000 with an average guest count of 150. Summer and Fall are the most popular seasons for weddings in Pennsylvania. Popular wedding regions include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Pocono Mountains.
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