A Marriage License in Pennsylvania is Good for 60 days. It’s also important to note that a marriage license although issued is not valid until 3 days after its issuance. If your license expires you’ll need to start your process almost all over again.

Marriage Licensing in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a marriage license is a legal document that permits individuals to get married within the state. Like many states in the United States, Pennsylvania has specific regulations regarding the validity period of a marriage license. Understanding the duration for which a marriage license is valid is crucial for couples planning to tie the knot within the state.

Validity Period of Marriage Licenses

A marriage license is typically valid for a specific period from the date of issuance. This period can vary from state to state, but in Pennsylvania, the validity period is 60 days. This means that once a couple obtains a marriage license, they must solemnize their marriage ceremony within 60 days of the date of issuance.

Application Process and Requirements

The issuance of a marriage license involves certain procedures and requirements that must be met by both parties. In Pennsylvania, individuals seeking a marriage license must appear together at the clerk of Orphans' Court office in any county within the state. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. If either party is under 18 years old, additional requirements and parental consent may be necessary.

Issuance of Marriage License

When applying for a marriage license in Pennsylvania, couples are typically required to provide certain documents and information, including identification such as a driver's license or passport, social security numbers, and possibly birth certificates. There may also be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which varies by county.

Solemnization of Marriage Ceremony

Once the necessary documentation is submitted and any required waiting period has passed, the marriage license is issued by the clerk of the Orphans' Court office. It's essential to remember that the issuance of a marriage license does not mean the couple is married; it simply permits them permission to marry within the specified timeframe.

After obtaining the marriage license, the couple must arrange for a marriage ceremony to be solemnized by an authorized officiant, such as a judge, religious leader, or ordained minister. The ceremony must take place within the 60-day validity period of the marriage license.

Recording the Completed Marriage License

Once the marriage ceremony has been performed and the marriage license has been signed by the officiant and witnesses, the completed license must be returned to the clerk of The Orphans' Court office for recording. This step finalizes the legal process of getting married in Pennsylvania.

Special Circumstances and Renewal

In some cases, couples may encounter circumstances that prevent them from marrying within the 60-day validity period of their marriage license. If this happens, they will need to reapply for a new license and start the process over again, including paying any associated fees and meeting all requirements.

Understanding the Process

Understanding the validity period and requirements associated with a marriage license is essential for couples planning to get married in Pennsylvania. It's crucial to ensure all necessary steps are followed to obtain and utilize the marriage license within the specified timeframe, ultimately solidifying the legal union between partners.

If you think you are ready in getting a license and need guidance, Truehart is your specialist every step of the way. To know how and requirements to submit, continue reading > Getting A Marriage License.