George Boyle
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The license is valid on the third day following the oral examination. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. The time it takes to receive a marriage certificate after the wedding in PA depends on the method of application. For example, walk-in requests are processed immediately, while mail-in requests can take up to 10 working days. Couples should also consider the time it takes to update their information with the Social Security Administration and other relevant government agencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License validity | 60 days from the date of issuance |
| Time to get the license | Minimum of 3 days before the wedding |
| Time to get the marriage certificate | 7-10 working days for processing of mail-in requests |
| Officiant's responsibility | To return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of the ceremony |
| Self-uniting license | The couple must return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of the ceremony |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage licenses are valid from the third day after application
Marriage licenses are valid from the third day after the application and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date. This means that applicants have a 60-day window to get married and arrange for an officiant or witnesses if required by their license type. In Philadelphia, for instance, a regular marriage license requires an officiant to preside over the marriage ceremony, while a self-uniting license allows the couple to officiate their own ceremony.
To apply for a marriage license, applicants must bring the necessary documentation, including their photo IDs and proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). Both applicants must provide a current, valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, U.S. or international passport, military ID, or PHL City ID. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, they must provide a second form of ID, such as a birth certificate or another acceptable form of photo ID.
In some cases, additional requirements may need to be met. For example, if either applicant was previously married, they must provide proof that they are no longer married. This could include presenting a copy of a divorce decree or annulment bearing a court seal and signature. If the previous spouse is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate may be required. It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the location, so applicants should check with their local Marriage License Department for specific instructions.
After the wedding ceremony, the marriage license must be signed and returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. The officiant or the couple, depending on the type of license, will sign the license and submit it. Once the signed license is received and processed, the applicants will receive a marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of their marriage. This marriage certificate can then be used to update relevant records, such as changing one's name with the Social Security Administration.
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The license is only valid for 60 days
The marriage license is only valid for 60 days from the issue date. This means that you must get married within this time frame and arrange for an officiant or witnesses if required by your license type. The license becomes valid on the third day after you apply for it.
If you do not use the license within the 60-day validity period, you must return it and reapply. You will also need to pay the fee again, as no refunds will be provided for an unused license. If you lose the license within the 60-day period, you can obtain a replacement for a small fee.
After the ceremony, the license must be signed by the officiant and returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. With a self-uniting license, the couple officiates their own ceremony, and the license must be signed by the couple and two witnesses before being returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
It is recommended that you apply for your marriage license at least six weeks before your scheduled wedding date. This will allow enough time for rejections and scheduling.
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Officiants must return the license within 10 days
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The license becomes valid on the third day following the oral examination or after the application. Couples in Philadelphia should note that walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. This is a crucial step in the process, as the marriage cannot be officially certified until the license is returned. If a couple has a self-uniting license, they officiate their own ceremony and must return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
It is important to note that the time it takes to receive the marriage certificate after the wedding may vary depending on the county in Pennsylvania. For example, in Chester County, the certification of the marriage license must be signed by the Assistant Clerk of the Orphans' Court. In some cases, such as foreign registration of the marriage, the certification must be signed by the Elected Clerk of the Orphans' Court and the Court.
To ensure a smooth and timely process, couples should be aware of the requirements and guidelines specific to their county in Pennsylvania. It is recommended to apply for the marriage license at least six weeks before the scheduled wedding date and to account for potential rejections and scheduling conflicts. By allowing sufficient time and carefully following the necessary steps, couples can obtain their marriage certificates without delay.
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Couples with a self-uniting license must return the license within 10 days
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. However, they are only valid on the third day following the oral examination. This means that couples must wait three days after receiving their license before they can legally marry. After the ceremony, the license must be signed and returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
For couples with a self-uniting license, the process is slightly different. In a self-uniting marriage, the couple officiates their own ceremony. While another person may preside over the ceremony, they do so in an unofficial capacity. After the ceremony, both spouses and two witnesses must sign the license. The couple then has 10 days to return the signed license to the Marriage License Department.
The process of obtaining a self-uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania begins with applying at the county courthouse. It is important to specify that you are applying for a self-uniting license, as there is a separate application for marriages with an officiant. The fee for a self-uniting license is typically $100, but some courthouses may charge $75. This license is valid throughout the state of Pennsylvania, so couples can obtain it from any county that suits their needs.
After receiving the self-uniting marriage license, there is a three-day waiting period before it becomes valid. Once the license is valid, the couple can hold their marriage ceremony. As with any marriage license in Pennsylvania, the self-uniting license is only valid for 60 days. Therefore, couples must ensure they hold their ceremony and sign the license with their witnesses within this timeframe.
In summary, couples with a self-uniting license in Pennsylvania must return their signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of their ceremony. This is the same timeframe as for couples with a regular marriage license. However, it is important to be mindful of the validity period of the license, as any delay could result in the need to reapply and incur additional fees.
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Marriage records are certified once the certificate is returned
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid on the third day following the oral examination and remain valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If you have a self-uniting license, the couple and two witnesses sign the license after the ceremony, and the couple must return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
If you are requesting a certified copy of your marriage license by mail, you will need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. You can download the Certified Marriage Request Form from the Lancaster County, PA website. Documents required to obtain an Apostille may not be provided on the same day.
If you lose your marriage license within the 60-day validity period, you can get a replacement for a small fee. If you don't use the license within 60 days, you must return it and reapply, paying the fee again. No refunds will be provided for an unused license.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take up to 10 working days to receive a marriage certificate in PA. The certificate is signed by the officiant, who must return it to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.
The marriage license is valid on the third day after the application or oral examination.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
It is recommended that applicants apply for the marriage license at least 6 weeks before the scheduled date of their marriage ceremony.
The cost of a marriage license in PA is $75, payable by cash or credit card.
