Legal Steps to Marry in Philadelphia – License and Ceremony Rules

Want to get married in Philadelphia without legal headaches? You need a marriage license from the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau and a qualified officiant. This guide shows the steps, required documents, and fees. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and plan a smooth ceremony. We make the process clear and simple for you.

Philadelphia Marriage License Requirements

Getting a marriage license in Philadelphia is a simple step you must take before your wedding day. Both partners need to go to the Marriage License Bureau and fill out a form to get the paper that makes your marriage legal.

To meet the Philadelphia marriage license requirements, you must be 18 or older, or have a parent’s okay if you are 16 or 17. You also need a valid photo ID and the correct fee, which is $90 for most couples. The license is ready the same day and works for 60 days in Pennsylvania.

What to Bring to the Bureau

Here is a quick list of items you should take with you:

• Valid driver’s license or passport
• Social Security number for both people
• $90 fee (cash, credit, or money order)
• Prior divorce papers if you were married before

If you cannot visit together, one person may apply alone with a notarized form from the other. This helps busy couples stay on track.

The Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Planning ahead saves stress. In 2023, over 5,000 couples got licenses in the city, showing how common and easy the process is. Bring your papers, pay the fee, and you are set to marry.

Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Philadelphia

Getting married in Philadelphia starts with a marriage license. You must apply in person at the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau. The office is inside City Hall at 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Room 413.

Both people getting married need to go together. Bring a valid photo ID and know your social security numbers. The fee is $90, and you can pay with cash, card, or money order.

What to Bring and Office Hours

Here is a simple list of what you need before you visit:

• Valid driver license or passport
• Social security number for each person
• $90 fee
• Previous divorce papers if married before

The bureau is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Try to arrive early so you have time to finish the form.

The Marriage License Bureau at City Hall is the only place in Philadelphia to get your license in person.

After you get the license, you must wait 3 days before the wedding. The license works for 60 days in Pennsylvania.

If you plan a courthouse wedding, the same license is used. Keep it safe and bring it to the ceremony so the officiant can sign it.

Philadelphia Marriage License Fees

Getting married in Philadelphia starts with a marriage license, and the fee is something every couple should know before they go. In Philadelphia, the standard cost for a marriage license is $90 if you apply in person at the Marriage License Bureau. If you apply online and then pick it up, the fee stays the same, but you save a trip and some waiting time.

Couples often ask if the price changes for residents and non-residents. The good news is that Philadelphia charges the same $90 fee for everyone, whether you live in the city or come from another state. You can pay with cash, credit card, or money order, but checks are not accepted at the bureau.

What You Pay and How to Save

Here is a simple table that shows the current Philadelphia marriage license fees and extra details:

If you want to keep costs low, apply together and bring all papers the first time. A missed document means a second trip but no extra fee for the license itself. Plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid long lines and get your license faster.

The $90 Philadelphia marriage license fee is flat and never changes for couples.

To sum up, the Philadelphia marriage license fee is easy to plan for at $90. Bring ID, know your fee, and you will be ready to legally marry in the city without surprise costs.

Waiting Period and License Validity

Getting married in Philadelphia is easy once you know the rules for your marriage license. In Philadelphia County, there is no waiting period, so you can get your license and have your ceremony on the same day. Your license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, and you must marry before it expires.

If you do not use the license within those 60 days, you will need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. Below is a simple table that shows the key facts for couples planning a wedding in the city.

What This Means for Your Wedding Day

Because there is no waiting period, many couples like to apply in the morning and say their vows in the afternoon. This works great for small, last-minute weddings. Just remember to bring valid ID and the application fee when you go to the Clerk of the Marriage License Division.

If you are planning a big event, it is smart to apply about two weeks before the date. That way you will not feel rushed, and you will have time to fix any small mistakes on the paperwork.

Philadelphia lets you marry the same day you get your license, with no wait time required.

Here is a quick checklist to keep your license valid:

• Apply together in person at the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau.
• Marry within 60 days of getting the license.
• Keep the license safe until the officiant signs it.

Following these steps helps you stay legal and stress-free. A clear plan means more time to enjoy your big day with family and friends.

Officiants Allowed in Philadelphia

Getting married in Philadelphia means you need someone who can legally sign your marriage license. The city allows many kinds of officiants, so you can pick the one that fits your ceremony best. Knowing who can marry you helps you avoid surprises on your big day.

Philadelphia accepts ministers, rabbis, priests, and other religious leaders who are registered with the city. Judges, magisterial district judges, and some public officials can also perform weddings. If you want a friend to marry you, they must get a one-time temporary officiant license from the city clerk.

Who Can Marry You in Philadelphia

Here is a simple list of people allowed to officiate a wedding in Philadelphia:

• Ordained ministers or religious leaders registered with the city
• Active or retired judges and magistrates
• City council members and the mayor
• Temporary officiants with a one-time license

To use a religious officiant, they must file their credentials with the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau before the ceremony. A temporary officiant is a good choice if you want a loved one to speak at your wedding. The license costs a small fee and is valid for one specific date.

Philadelphia lets a friend become a temporary officiant for just one wedding day.

The table below shows the main officiant types and what they need:

Plan early so your officiant has time to meet the rules. This keeps your Philadelphia wedding smooth and legal from start to finish.

Steps to File Marriage Paperwork

After completing the marriage license application online, both applicants must appear together at the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau to sign the final paperwork and receive the license. The license is issued immediately and is valid for 60 days within Pennsylvania.

Once the ceremony is performed by an authorized officiant, the signed marriage certificate must be returned to the Register of Wills for official recording. Timely filing ensures your marriage is legally recognized by the state and federal government.

Helpful Resources

• City of Philadelphia
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• USA.gov