Marriage Laws in Pennsylvania (2026): What You Need to Know
Getting married in Pennsylvania requires following specific laws and procedures. These laws protect couples and ensure marriages are legally valid. This guide explains everything you need to know about Pennsylvania marriage requirements.
Pennsylvania has clear rules about who can marry, how to get a license, and what makes a marriage legal. Understanding these laws helps you plan your wedding properly and avoid legal problems later.
What Is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a legal document you need before getting married. Pennsylvania requires all couples to have this license. The license proves you meet all legal requirements to marry.
The license is different from a marriage certificate. You get the license before your wedding. The certificate comes after your ceremony and proves you are married.
Basic Marriage License Requirements
Age Requirements
Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without permission. Pennsylvania law requires that all applicants be eighteen years of age or older to apply for a marriage license. There are no exceptions for younger people, even with parental consent.
This age requirement is the same in every Pennsylvania county. You cannot get married in Pennsylvania if either person is under 18.
Mental Capacity
Both people must have the mental ability to understand marriage. A person must not be weak minded, insane, or of “unsound mind” to satisfy capacity requirements. This does not prevent people with mental illness from marrying. It only applies to severe cases where someone cannot understand what marriage means.
Family Relationships
Pennsylvania prohibits marriage between first cousins and closer blood relatives. You cannot marry your:
- Parents or grandparents
- Children or grandchildren
- Brothers or sisters (including half-siblings)
- Aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews
- First cousins
Second cousins and more distant relatives can legally marry in Pennsylvania. This includes first cousins once removed (your parent’s cousins or your cousin’s children).
Previous Marriages
If either person was married before, that marriage must be legally ended. If either applicant is divorced, you must bring your latest divorce decree. The divorce must be final before you can get a new marriage license.
If your previous spouse died, you must provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
Application Process
Required Documents
Both people must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. Both applicants must provide a current, valid photo ID and proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID.
Acceptable photo IDs include:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued photo ID
- Passport (US or international)
- Military ID
For Social Security proof, you can use:
- Social Security card
- Social Security printout
- Tax returns
- ITIN documents from the IRS
Information Required
The application asks for personal details about both people. The application must contain the full name, occupation, birthplace, residence and age of both applicants and their parents.
You must also state whether this is your first, second, or later marriage. If you were married before, you need details about how that marriage ended.
Fees
Marriage license fees vary by county. In Erie County, the fee is $65 as of March 2025. In Lancaster County, the fee is $60. In Dauphin County, the fee is $80 plus processor fees. In Philadelphia, a regular license costs $90, and self-uniting licenses cost $100.
Most counties accept cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Some counties charge extra fees for card processing. Check with your local county office for exact fees and payment methods.
Waiting Periods and License Validity
Three-Day Waiting Period
Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after getting your license before you can marry. The waiting period starts after your application is complete, not when you submit it.
This means you cannot get married immediately after getting your license. Plan your wedding date at least three days after your license appointment.
License Expiration
Marriage licenses expire 60 days after they are issued. If you do not get married within 60 days, your license becomes invalid. You would need to apply for a new license and pay the fee again.
No refunds are provided for unused licenses. Make sure to plan your wedding date carefully.
Who Can Perform Marriages
Authorized Officials
Pennsylvania law specifies who can legally perform marriages. Authorized officials include:
- Judges and justices of Pennsylvania courts
- Former or retired judges meeting specific requirements
- Federal judges for Pennsylvania districts who live in Pennsylvania
- Mayors of Pennsylvania cities and boroughs
- Former mayors who served full terms and meet other requirements
Religious Officials
Ministers, priests, or rabbis of any regularly established church or congregation can perform marriages. Every religious society, institution, or organization can join people in marriage when at least one person is a member.
The officiant does not need to register with the state in most counties. However, some counties have their own registration requirements.
Important Warning
If you choose someone not authorized by Pennsylvania law to perform your marriage, you must prove the marriage’s legality if questions arise later. Online ordinations are not automatically recognized in Pennsylvania.
Self-Uniting Marriage Licenses
What Are Self-Uniting Licenses?
Pennsylvania allows couples to marry themselves with a special self-uniting license. This is also called a Quaker marriage license. No officiant, judge, or ordained person is required.
Only nine states allow self-uniting marriages: Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Washington DC.
Requirements for Self-Uniting
Self-uniting marriages require two witnesses over 18 years old to sign the license. The couple and witnesses must all sign the marriage license during or after the ceremony.
You must specifically request a self-uniting license when applying. The process is the same as a regular license, but you pay a higher fee in some counties.
Religious Background
Self-uniting marriage comes from Quaker religious traditions, but you do not need to be Quaker to get this license. In 2007, the ACLU won a lawsuit ensuring any couple can get self-uniting licenses regardless of religion.
Common Law Marriage
No New Common Law Marriages
Pennsylvania stopped recognizing new common law marriages on January 1, 2005. You cannot become common law married in Pennsylvania anymore.
Living together, even for many years, does not create a legal marriage in Pennsylvania. There is no time requirement that makes you automatically married.
Pre-2005 Common Law Marriages
If you had a valid common law marriage before January 1, 2005, Pennsylvania still recognizes it. These marriages have the same legal rights as licensed marriages.
Proving a pre-2005 common law marriage requires clear and convincing evidence that you exchanged marriage vows.
Special Circumstances
Out-of-State Residents
Non-Pennsylvania residents can get marriage licenses in Pennsylvania. However, licenses can only be used for weddings in Pennsylvania, not in other states or countries.
If you live in another state, check that state’s laws about recognizing Pennsylvania marriages.
Military Service Exception
If an applicant cannot appear in person due to active military service, they may submit an affidavit instead. Contact your county marriage office for specific procedures.
Address Confidentiality Program
People in Pennsylvania’s Address Confidentiality Program for domestic violence victims can use substitute addresses on marriage applications. This protects their safety while allowing them to marry legally.
Penalties for Violations
Invalid Marriages
Marriages that violate Pennsylvania law are void from the beginning. This includes:
- Marriages between close relatives
- Bigamous marriages (marrying when already married)
- Marriages by people under 18
- Marriages without proper licenses
Invalid marriages have no legal effect. The people are not considered married under Pennsylvania law.
Officiant Violations
No person or religious organization qualified to perform marriages can officiate without the couple having a proper marriage license. Officiants who perform marriages without valid licenses may face legal consequences.
False Information
Giving false information on a marriage application is a criminal offense. This includes lying about age, previous marriages, or family relationships.
How to Get Your Marriage License
Step 1: Choose Your County
You can apply for a marriage license in any Pennsylvania county. The ceremony does not need to be in the same county where you get the license. Licenses are valid anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Choose a county based on convenience, fees, or service quality. Some counties offer online applications or video conferences.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect required documents before your appointment:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- Social Security cards or other SS number proof
- Divorce decrees if previously married
- Death certificates if widowed
Step 3: Make an Appointment
Many counties require appointments for marriage licenses. Some counties offer video conference appointments. Call or check the county website to schedule.
Walk-ins may be available in some counties during specific hours.
Step 4: Complete Application
Both people must appear together and complete the application under oath. The clerk will review your documents and verify your information.
Be prepared to pay the license fee. Ask about payment methods when you schedule your appointment.
Step 5: Wait Three Days
After your application is approved, wait the required three days. Some counties mail licenses to you, while others require pickup.
Step 6: Get Married
Use your license for your wedding ceremony within 60 days. Give the license to your officiant or keep it for self-uniting ceremonies.
The officiant must return the completed certificate to the county within 10 days.
After Your Marriage
Getting Certified Copies
You can get certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county where you applied for the license. Certified copies typically cost $5 to $10 each.
You need certified copies for name changes, Social Security updates, and insurance changes.
Name Changes
Marriage certificates serve as legal proof for name changes. Contact the Social Security Administration first, then update your driver’s license and other documents.
Recognition in Other States
All US states recognize valid Pennsylvania marriages. If you move to another state, your Pennsylvania marriage remains legal.
County Contact Information
Each county has its own marriage license office. Contact information varies, but most are located in the courthouse or register of wills office.
For specific requirements and current fees, contact the county where you plan to apply. County websites often have current forms and detailed instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married the same day we apply for our license?
No, Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after your license application before you can marry.
Do we need witnesses for our wedding?
Regular marriage licenses do not require witnesses, but self-uniting licenses require two witnesses over 18 to sign the license.
Can we get married anywhere in Pennsylvania with our license?
Yes, marriage licenses issued in any Pennsylvania county can be used anywhere in the state.
What if we’re from different states?
Out-of-state residents can get Pennsylvania marriage licenses, but the wedding must take place in Pennsylvania.
How long is our marriage license valid?
Marriage licenses expire 60 days after the three-day waiting period ends.
Can first cousins marry in Pennsylvania?
No, first cousins cannot marry in Pennsylvania. Second cousins and more distant relatives can marry.
Do we need blood tests?
No, Pennsylvania does not require blood tests for marriage licenses. You must state that neither person has a transmissible disease, but no testing is required.
Can we have a friend officiate our wedding?
Only people authorized by Pennsylvania law can legally perform marriages. Online ordinations are not automatically recognized. Consider a self-uniting license if you want a friend to lead your ceremony.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania marriage laws protect couples and ensure marriages are legally valid. Following these requirements prevents legal problems and ensures your marriage is recognized everywhere.
Start the license process early to account for waiting periods and appointment availability. Gather all required documents before your appointment to avoid delays.
Remember that marriage is both a personal commitment and a legal contract. Understanding Pennsylvania’s requirements helps you start your marriage on solid legal ground.