So, you've decided to skip the $30,000 floral budget and just get the thing done. Smart. Pennsylvania is actually one of the most interesting states to tie the knot in because of some quirky, centuries-old laws that still linger in the books. If you are looking at how to get married in Pennsylvania courthouse settings, you aren't just looking for a room with a flag; you're looking for a legal process that is surprisingly decentralized.
Every single county in PA—and there are 67 of them—sorta does things their own way. While the state sets the broad strokes, the "Orphans' Court" (yes, that’s actually what it's called) in each county handles the marriage licenses. It's a bit bureaucratic, but honestly, it’s one of the most efficient ways to legally bind yourself to another human being without the stress of a seating chart.
The Three-Day Waiting Game You Can't Skip
The most important thing to know about how to get married in Pennsylvania courthouse locations is the clock. Pennsylvania has a mandatory three-day waiting period.
You cannot walk into a courthouse on a Tuesday morning and be married by Tuesday afternoon. It doesn't happen. Once you apply for that license and the clerk hits "print," you have to wait 72 hours before that piece of paper becomes valid. If you are planning a Friday "elopement," you better have your application in by Tuesday.
This is non-negotiable. Don't show up with a bouquet and a photographer on day two thinking you can charm the clerk. They’ve heard it all. The license is then valid for exactly 60 days. If you wait until day 61, you’re back at square one, paying the fee all over again.
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Forget the "Justice of the Peace" Myth
People always say they want a "Justice of the Peace" to marry them. In Pennsylvania, those don't really exist anymore. They were replaced by Magisterial District Judges (MDJs).
This is where the process gets a little confusing for folks. The place where you get your license (the Register of Wills or Clerk of Orphans' Court) is often not the place where the ceremony happens. You go to the County Courthouse for the paperwork. But for the actual "I do" part, you’ll likely head to a Magisterial District Court. These are scattered throughout the county in various townships and boroughs.
Why the Venue Matters
Most MDJs will perform weddings, but they aren't required to. It’s essentially a side gig for them. You have to call around. Some judges only do ceremonies on Friday afternoons. Others might squeeze you in between a traffic court hearing and a preliminary arraignment. It's gritty. It's real. It's very PA.
If you want the classic "big courthouse" vibe with the marble pillars, you’ll need to check if the Common Pleas judges in the city center—like at City Hall in Philadelphia or the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh—are currently taking appointments. In Philly, for example, the "Wedding Room" at City Hall is legendary, but it’s popular. You’ll need to book that weeks, sometimes months, in advance.
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The Quaker Clause: PA’s Secret Weapon
Pennsylvania is famous for the "Self-Uniting" marriage license. This is a total game-changer. Born out of Quaker tradition, this license allows you to marry yourselves. No officiant. No judge. No priest. Just you, your partner, and two witnesses.
When you go to apply, you simply tell the clerk you want a "Self-Uniting" license. Legally, they cannot deny you this, thanks to a 2007 ACLU case (Kulp v. Philadelphia). Some clerks might give you a funny look or tell you it’s more expensive—it usually costs about $10 to $20 more than a standard license—but it gives you total freedom. You can "get married" in the courthouse hallway, a park, or your living room. You just sign the paper, have two friends sign as witnesses, and mail it back.
The Paperwork Rabbit Hole
Let's talk about the boring stuff that ruins wedding days: documentation. You need a government-issued photo ID. Obviously. But if you've been married before, you need the original divorce decree with the court's raised seal. A photocopy won't cut it. A digital scan on your phone? Forget about it.
If your previous spouse passed away, you need the death certificate.
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Social Security numbers are required, though you don't usually need the physical card. The fee varies wildly by county. In Lancaster, you might pay $60. In Philadelphia, it’s closer to $100 (and they only take card or money orders, no cash). Always check the specific county website before you drive down there.
Blood Tests and Other Relics
You'll still see people asking about blood tests. Good news: Pennsylvania stopped requiring those in the 1980s. You don't need to see a doctor. You don't need to prove you're healthy. You just need to be 18, sober, and not closely related to your partner.
Realities of the Courthouse Ceremony
Don't expect Mamma Mia. Most courthouse ceremonies last about five to ten minutes.
You’ll walk in, pass through a metal detector (leave the pocketknife at home), and find the judge’s chambers. The judge will ask you to exchange vows—usually the standard "do you take this person"—and you'll exchange rings if you have them. Then, they sign the license.
Some judges are incredibly sweet and will give a little speech about the sanctity of marriage. Others will move through it with the speed of a man who has a 2:00 PM burglary hearing. It’s a bit of a roll of the dice.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- The Translation Trap: If either of you doesn't speak fluent English, many counties require you to bring an independent, certified translator. No, your cousin who took two years of Spanish doesn't count.
- The Witness Requirement: For a standard (non-Quaker) license, Pennsylvania actually doesn't require witnesses to sign the license. Only the officiant signs. However, some judges like to have them there for the vibe, so ask beforehand.
- The Appointment System: Since 2020, almost every county has moved to an appointment-only system for licenses. You can't just wander in. You have to book a slot online.
Actionable Steps to Make it Happen
- Pick your county. You can get a license in any PA county and use it anywhere else in the state. If your local courthouse is booked up, drive to the next county over.
- Book the "Application Appointment." Do this at least two weeks before your intended date to ensure you get a slot and to account for that 72-hour wait.
- Gather the "Hard" Copies. Find your birth certificate (if required by that county) and your absolute-final-official divorce decree.
- Secure the Judge. If you aren't doing a Self-Uniting ceremony, call the Magisterial District Judge's office directly to schedule the ceremony. Do not assume the license clerk will do this for you.
- The Return Mailing. After the ceremony, someone (usually the officiant) has to mail the "Return of Marriage" back to the courthouse. If you're doing a Self-Uniting ceremony, that's on you. If it doesn't get mailed, you aren't legally married in the eyes of the state.
- Get the Certified Copy. About two weeks after the wedding, you’ll need to request (and pay for) a certified copy of your marriage record. The "pretty" license they give you at the ceremony is decorative. You need the certified one to change your name or update insurance.
Getting married this way is about the commitment, not the production. It's efficient, legally robust, and carries a certain "no-nonsense" Pennsylvania charm. Just remember to bring your ID, watch the clock on that three-day wait, and maybe bring some quarters for the parking meter outside the courthouse.