Who Can Officiate My Wedding In Pennsylvania?

Many couples are opting for a close friend or family member to officiate their wedding. In Pennsylvania, this is possible, and it is a straightforward process. The friend or family member does not need to be ordained online, but the couple must obtain a self-uniting marriage license. This type of license is legally binding and valid in all Pennsylvania counties, but it may cost more than a traditional license in some counties. The license requires the signature of both parties and two adult witnesses, who can include the friend officiating the ceremony.

Self-uniting marriage licenses

To obtain a self-uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania, you must apply for a marriage license at the Department of Court Records, specifically requesting a self-uniting marriage license. This type of license may cost more than a traditional license in some counties, but it is legally binding and valid in all Pennsylvania counties. The license will require the signatures of both parties entering into the contract and the two adult witnesses, one of whom can be the friend acting as the officiant.

After the wedding, it is important to remember that the work is not over. Within 10 days of the ceremony, the license must be filed with the office from which it was obtained. A marriage record does not exist, and technically, the couple is not legally married until this is done. Typically, an officiant would handle this, but with a self-uniting marriage license, the responsibility falls on the couple.

It is also important to note that the burden of proof of the validity of the marriage will fall on the couple if any issues arise in the future. To be prepared for such a situation, it is recommended to request a triple-seal copy of the marriage record after the wedding. This will allow the couple to prove the legality of their marriage if needed.

Overall, a self-uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania provides a flexible and personalized option for couples looking to have a friend or family member officiate their wedding. By obtaining the correct license and fulfilling the necessary requirements, couples can ensure their wedding is legally recognized.

Online ordination

In Pennsylvania, a friend can officiate a wedding without needing to get ordained online. However, if you wish to get ordained online, it is a simple and legal process.

Legal Status of Online Ordination in Pennsylvania

Registration Requirements for Wedding Officiants in Pennsylvania

Wedding officiants in Pennsylvania do not need to register with any government office before or after officiating a wedding. There are no laws in Pennsylvania that require officiant registration, and there is no government office responsible for officiant registration.

Minimum Age for Wedding Officiants in Pennsylvania

To be a wedding officiant in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old.

Understanding "Solemnization of Marriage"

"Solemnization of Marriage" is a legal term that simply means "performing," "conducting," or "officiating" a wedding. The Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes specify who is authorized to solemnize marriages in the state.

Relevant Law: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1503

This law states that the following individuals are authorized to solemnize marriages:

> "... (6) A minister, priest, or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation."

This law grants people of any religious faith the right to officiate weddings, as long as they are members of a religious institution that authorizes them to solemnize marriages.

Constitutional Right to Officiate Weddings

The right to officiate weddings is also protected by the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution, which states:

> "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Recommended Steps for Online Ordination

While not required by law, it is recommended that you keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. You may be asked to present proof of your ordination to the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

You can order an official ordination certificate, as well as a Letter of Good Standing, which is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized. These documents will provide proof of your ordination if needed.

Additionally, you can refer to online resources and guides to help you prepare for officiating a wedding ceremony, including how to write a wedding script and fulfill your legal duties as an officiant.

Legal Duties of a Wedding Officiant in Pennsylvania

As a wedding officiant in Pennsylvania, your primary legal responsibility is to sign the marriage license for the couple. This involves a few simple steps:

• Ask the couple to present their marriage license, typically after the ceremony.
• Confirm that the marriage license is valid by checking the relevant laws and requirements.
• Complete and sign the marriage license, along with the couple and two adult witnesses.
• Return the completed marriage license to the issuing office, which is usually the responsibility of the couple.

Marriage License Requirements in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office and are valid for 60 days. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after the couple receives the license before the ceremony can be legally performed. The signed marriage license must be returned within 10 days after the wedding.

Officiant Title and Ceremony Type

When filling out the marriage license, the officiant's title should be "Minister." For the ceremony type, enter "Religious," even if the ceremony is non-religious. This is because the designation "Religious" is for all ceremonies performed by non-government officials, while "Civil" is for government officials.

Church Name and Denomination

For the church name, enter the name of the organization through which you were ordained, or use your personal ministry or home address if applicable. For religious denomination, enter "Non-Denominational" unless you are officiating according to a specific religious tradition.

Additional Considerations

While online ordination can grant you the legal ability to officiate weddings in Pennsylvania, it is important to remember that creating and performing a wedding ceremony is a significant responsibility. It requires careful preparation, including understanding the legal and ceremonial aspects of your role.

The role of witnesses

Firstly, witnesses are the guardians of tradition, entrusted with upholding and facilitating the symbolic rituals that make the marriage ceremony unique and meaningful. They are involved in the passing of the rings and the symbolic toast, ensuring the essence and emotion of the day are kept alive.

Secondly, they provide indispensable emotional support to the couple. Wedding witnesses are there to offer a shoulder to cry on, words of encouragement, and a sense of calm and reassurance throughout the day. They are trusted allies who ensure everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

Additionally, witnesses are also responsible for capturing the precious moments of the wedding through photographs and videos. They immortalize every smile, tear, and laughter, becoming the guardians of these memories.

Finally, wedding witnesses are companions on the couple's journey, sharing in the joy and happiness of the marriage. They are often involved in the planning and organizing of bachelor and bachelorette parties and are intimate reflections of married life.

In the state of Pennsylvania, a self-uniting marriage license requires the signatures of both parties entering the marriage contract and two adult witnesses, who can include a friend officiating the ceremony. This unique approach has gained popularity, especially with couples seeking smaller, more intimate weddings with more choice in outdoor locations.

The ceremony script

Welcome, friends and family, to the wedding of [Name] and [Name]. We are gathered here today to celebrate their love and to witness their commitment to each other as they join together in marriage.

About the Couple

In the number of months or years that they’ve known each other, these two have had countless adventures, made joyful memories, and supported each other through difficult times. They’ve ______________, ______________, and ______________.

For the couple: What are three of your favourite memories together? What is something that you have overcome together that you could never have done alone? Include your most important moments here to share with your guests.

And with patience, understanding, laughter, and honesty, they’ve grown into the couple you see before you today.

Declaration of Intent

Declaration of Intent

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your [wife/husband/spouse], to love, honour, and cherish, through all life’s ups and downs, sharing days of joy and comfort, from this day forward?

[Name], respond with "I do" or another affirmative statement.

Repeat the above for the other partner.

Exchange of Vows and Rings

Exchange of Vows and Rings

[Name] and [Name] will now exchange rings as a symbol of their promises and devotion.

[Name], when you are ready, please repeat after me as you place the ring on [Name]'s finger:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. I promise to ______________, ______________, and ______________. I will never ______________, and I will always ______________. I love you always.

For [Name]: What are three promises you want to make to your partner? What are the three things you value most about being someone’s spouse? What is one thing you promise never to do? And what is something you promise to do every day of your married life?

Repeat the above for the other partner.

Pronouncement

Pronouncement

By the power vested in me by the State of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife/wife and wife/partners for life/etc. ].

Closing

Family and friends, I present to you for the first time, the newlyweds! Let’s celebrate!

Recessional

End of the wedding ceremony.

Post-Wedding Paperwork

Within 10 days of the ceremony, the couple must file the marriage license with the office in which it was obtained. A marriage record does not exist until this is done, so it is important not to let this fall through the cracks. Typically, the officiant would handle this, but if a friend or family member is officiating, the responsibility falls on the couple.

Notes for the Officiant

• Ask the couple about their favourite memories of the couple and their best qualities as a team.
• Be sure to include an unplugged announcement in the welcome, so that photographers are not battling with guests' iPads for a clear shot.
• Check in with the venue coordinator upon arrival.
• Include a three-sentence personal introduction.
• Tell people to be seated after the bride enters.
• Take the mic and move slightly to the side to ensure good photos of the first kiss.
• Before cocktails, fill in the remaining details on the license and, on the next business day, return it to the issuing courthouse by mail.

Legal recognition of the marriage

In Pennsylvania, it is possible to have a friend or family member officiate your wedding. This is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples who want to make their wedding ceremony more personal and intimate.

Self-Uniting Marriage Licenses

To have a friend officiate your wedding in Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a self-uniting marriage license. This type of license is available to couples who wish to be married by someone who is not recognised by the state as a religious or state official. When applying for a marriage license at the Department of Court Records, simply request a self-uniting marriage license. This type of license may cost more than a traditional license in certain counties, but it is just as legally binding and valid across all counties in Pennsylvania.

The self-uniting marriage license does not require a signature from an officiant. Instead, it requires the signatures of both parties entering into the marriage contract and two adult witnesses, one of whom can be the friend officiating the ceremony.

After the Wedding

It is important to note that the work is not over after the wedding day. Within 10 days of the ceremony, the couple must file the license with the office from which it was obtained. A marriage record does not exist, and the couple is not legally married until this is done. Typically, the officiant would handle this, but when a friend officiates, the responsibility falls on the couple. If the couple is going on their honeymoon right after the wedding, they must ensure that the paperwork is mailed before they leave to avoid missing the 10-day window.

Burden of Proof

It is important to be aware that if there is ever a question about the validity of the marriage, the burden of proof will fall on the couple. While this is unlikely to happen, it is crucial to have a triple-seal copy of the marriage record to prove the legality of the marriage if needed.

Officiant Requirements

In Pennsylvania, officiants are not required to register to solemnize a marriage. However, they must be at least 18 years old. If the friend wishes to get ordained, they can do so for free through the American Marriage Ministries, which is recognised by Pennsylvania law.

Ceremony Preparation

The American Marriage Ministries also provides resources to help officiants plan for the wedding ceremony, including information on the format, names of each part of the ceremony, and how to write a wedding ceremony. It is helpful for the officiant to discuss with the couple how they would like the ceremony to go and any personal touches they would like to include.

Frequently asked questions