George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and understanding the legal requirements can help couples focus on celebrating their love. Marriage laws vary by location, and in the US, individual states have their own rules. Some states, like New Jersey and New York, require at least one witness, while others, like Georgia, do not. In Pennsylvania, couples have the option of a traditional marriage license or a self-uniting license. With a traditional marriage license, witnesses are not required, but an officiant must preside over the ceremony. On the other hand, a self-uniting license allows couples to officiate their own ceremony, but it does require two witnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Witnesses required | No, not required with a traditional marriage license |
| Self-uniting license | Requires 2 witnesses |
| Officiant required | Not with a self-uniting license |
| Marriage license validity | 60 days |
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What You'll Learn
- Self-uniting licenses in PA require two witnesses
- PA is one of the few states that allow self-solemnization
- Witnesses are not always required in PA with a traditional marriage license
- Witnesses must be 18 or older and have valid identification
- The couple must return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days
Self-uniting licenses in PA require two witnesses
In Pennsylvania, couples have the option of obtaining a self-uniting marriage license, which does not require an officiant or third-party official to solemnize the marriage. This type of license is rooted in the Quaker faith and allows couples to officiate their own ceremony. While a self-uniting license eliminates the need for an officiant, it does require the signatures of two witnesses. The witnesses must meet the age and identification criteria set by local laws, typically requiring them to be 18 years or older and possess valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
The process of obtaining a self-uniting license in Pennsylvania involves both applicants appearing in person at the Register of Wills or the Marriage License Department. They must provide the required documents, including two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID. Applicants must also provide their Social Security Number and, if applicable, present original divorce decrees or death certificates. It is important to note that the self-uniting license is not restricted to those of the Quaker faith, as a court ruling confirmed that the license cannot be denied to anyone.
After the self-uniting ceremony, the couple and the two witnesses sign the license. The couple is then responsible for returning the signed license to the Marriage License Department within a specified timeframe, typically around 10 days. There may be an additional fee for this type of license, and it is valid for use within Pennsylvania only. The license cannot be used in another state or country.
By opting for a self-uniting license, couples can personalize their wedding ceremony while still fulfilling the legal requirements for a valid marriage. This option provides flexibility and allows couples to focus on the personal significance of their union, blending legal obligations with their cultural and personal values. It is important for couples to be aware of the specific procedures and fees associated with this type of license, which may vary across different counties in Pennsylvania.
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PA is one of the few states that allow self-solemnization
In Pennsylvania, couples do not need a third-party officiant or witness to get married. This is because Pennsylvania is one of the few US states that allow self-solemnization, also known as a self-uniting marriage. This means that couples can legally marry without a judge or officiant to sign the papers, and they do not need witnesses.
Self-solemnization gives couples the freedom to do things exactly as they want, using the words and language that are most meaningful to them, surrounded only by the people they feel supported by. For example, couples who want to elope outdoors or in a remote location may find it difficult to find an officiant whose abilities and schedule align with theirs. By self-solemnizing, they can avoid this complication and the cost of hiring an officiant.
Couples who want to self-solemnize their marriage in Pennsylvania will need to obtain a self-uniting marriage license. This is different from a traditional marriage license, which requires an officiant to preside over the marriage ceremony. With a self-uniting license, the couple officiates their own ceremony. While a third person may preside over the ceremony, they do so in an unofficial capacity. After the ceremony, the couple signs the license and returns it to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
It is important to note that the laws and requirements for marriage may vary by location, and it is the couple's responsibility to ensure they are complying with the regulations of the state and county in which they are getting married. For example, while Pennsylvania does not require witnesses for self-solemnization, other states such as New Jersey and New York mandate the presence of at least one witness for a marriage to be legally valid.
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Witnesses are not always required in PA with a traditional marriage license
Marriage laws vary by location, and in the US, individual states set rules on prerequisites such as age, consent, and documentation. For instance, California requires a marriage license and age verification, while New York mandates a 24-hour waiting period post-license issuance.
In Pennsylvania, a traditional marriage license does not require witnesses. However, if you opt for a self-uniting license, you will need two witnesses to be present, although an officiant is not required. With a self-uniting license, the couple is responsible for filing and recording their marriage with the county, and there is usually an additional fee.
Self-solemnization is a process where two individuals can legally marry without a third-party officiant or witness, and Pennsylvania is one of the states that allow this. This means that couples can choose to solemnize their own marriage without an officiant by completing the certificate portion of their marriage license and sending it to the issuing clerk for recording.
It is important to note that marriage licenses in Pennsylvania expire 60 days after issuance, and there is a waiting period of three days to receive the license after filing.
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Witnesses must be 18 or older and have valid identification
In Pennsylvania, couples have the option to solemnize their own marriage without an officiant or witnesses through a self-uniting license. This means that a couple can officiate their own ceremony, but it comes with the requirement of two witnesses. The couple is then responsible for filing and recording their marriage with the county.
Witnesses play a vital role in many religious traditions. For instance, in Islam, two Muslim male witnesses are required for the marriage to be considered valid. In Jewish weddings, two witness signatures on the ketubah are customary, demonstrating acceptance and support of the marriage under Jewish law. In Pennsylvania, if a couple chooses to have a self-uniting marriage, the witnesses they select must meet specific age and identification criteria. Witnesses must be 18 or older and have valid identification. This could include a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, passport, or military ID.
The specific requirements for witnesses and their identification can vary across different states and jurisdictions. For example, in New Jersey and New York, at least one witness is mandated by law, while in Georgia, no witnesses are required. It is important for couples to be aware of the local regulations in their state or county to ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding ceremony. By understanding the legal requirements, couples can focus on the personal significance of their union while also fulfilling their legal obligations.
In addition to witness requirements, couples in Pennsylvania must also consider other important factors when planning their wedding. For instance, they must obtain a marriage license and ensure that their chosen officiant is qualified under 23 PA CSA §1503. The marriage license must be obtained from the Register of Wills or the Orphans Court's office, and it is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
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The couple must return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days
In Pennsylvania, couples have the option to obtain either a traditional marriage license or a self-uniting license. A self-uniting license requires two witnesses and does not require an officiant or minister, whereas a traditional marriage license does not require witnesses but does require an officiant.
Regardless of the type of license, it is the couple's responsibility to return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of the ceremony. This is a crucial step to ensure the legality of the marriage. The license is signed by the officiant in the case of a traditional marriage license, while for a self-uniting license, the couple and two witnesses sign the license.
The Marriage License Department in Philadelphia is located at:
> City Hall
1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Room 413
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Both applicants must be present when applying for the license, and they must bring the required forms of identification and payment. The license is valid on the third day after the application and remains valid for 60 days. If the license is not used within this period, it must be returned, and the couple must reapply and pay the fee again. No refunds are provided for unused licenses.
In Lancaster County, the Marriage License Office is located at:
> Lancaster County Courthouse
Second Floor
50 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
Here, the license becomes valid on the third day following the oral examination. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID. Social Security cards or printouts are also accepted as identification.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Pennsylvania allows self-solemnization, meaning couples can marry without a third-party officiant or witness.
Self-solemnization is the process by which two individuals can legally marry without a third-party officiant or witness. With a self-uniting license, the couple officiates their own ceremony.
A self-uniting license requires two witnesses but does not require an officiant or minister. The couple is then responsible for filing and recording their marriage with the county.
You can get a self-uniting license by visiting the Marriage License Department and applying for your license. Both applicants must be present and provide the required forms of identification and payment.
