How to Get Married in PA for a Special East Coast Celebration

Whether you grew up in Pennsylvania or met the love of your life there, it's to be expected that you're researching how to get married in PA because why wouldn't you want to start the next chapter of your life in a state that evokes such positive memories?

"Pennsylvania is an exceptional place to host a wedding, offering diverse and picturesque venues that cater to various styles and preferences," notes Sarah Klein, owner and principal planner at the Pittsburgh-based Elle Klein Events. "The state's rich history and cultural significance add a unique touch."

To learn more about getting married in PA, from how to obtain a marriage license in PA to Pennsylvania marriage laws, we tapped Klein, Lauren Gemberling, owner and lead consultant at Lauren Gemberling Events and Caitlin Fulton Kuchemba, founder and creative director at Fulton Events. Read on to learn more about how to execute a legal marriage in PA so you can start the next chapter of your love story ASAP.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Pennsylvania
• Notable Wedding Locations in Pennsylvania
• How to Plan a Wedding in Pennsylvania Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

When it comes to obtaining a marriage license in Pennsylvania, there are a couple of important things to know, as Pennsylvania honors two types of marriage licenses. Each has a distinct set of requirements and steps to be legally acquired. The two types of marriage licenses recognized by the state of Pennsylvania are the traditional marriage license and the self-uniting marriage (deriving from the Quaker tradition). "An officiant must sign a traditional marriage license, whereas, for a self-uniting marriage license, the couple and two witnesses must sign the license for it to be valid the day of the wedding, and a legal officiant is not required," Kuchemba explains.

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Although the process of getting a wedding license in PA is carried out at the county level (at the Clerk of Orphans' Court or Register of Wills) and is typically similar regardless of the county within which you apply (some counties include Philadelphia County and Allegheny County), it is a best practice to begin your application process sooner rather than later. However, it is important to keep in mind that a marriage license is only valid in Pennsylvania for 60 days following its issue date (which is typically three business days after you apply).

As far as what you need to obtain a marriage license, you and your partner (who must both be 18 years of age or older) need a valid form of identification as well as your Social Security card. Furthermore, the full names of both to-be-weds' parents need to be documented in addition to other pertinent information, including their address, birthday and occupation. Regarding fees for Pennsylvania marriage licenses, you should expect to pay between $50 and $90.

Notable Wedding Locations in Pennsylvania

Whether you want an urban or rural setting for your wedding day, Pennsylvania has it all. We've compiled a list of cities (including some ideas of Pennsylvania wedding venues and vendors) you can consider for your wedding festivities.

Philadelphia

If you want to tie the knot in a Pennsylvania city with lots of history and eye-catching architecture, Philadelphia is a solid pick. Although a Philadelphia wedding may be accompanied by a higher price tag, "Philadelphia appeals to couples looking for a sophisticated urban wedding steeped in history and culture," Klein says. She adds that some Philadelphia wedding venues include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Crystal Tea Room and The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.

Pittsburgh

Whether or not you and your partner are Steelers fans, Pittsburgh, aka "Steel City," is a solid choice for tying the knot. In addition to housing esteemed wedding venues, including the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh South, Heinz History Center, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and The Pennsylvanian, "Pittsburgh combines industrial chic with breathtaking views of its three rivers and skyline," Klein says.

Hershey

Many couples exchange vows in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for its quaint feel and aesthetic. In addition to being located only about 20 minutes (by car) from Harrisburg International Airport, "The Sweetest Place on Earth" is home to some sweet attractions such as Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World, which can be fun for both locals and out-of-town guests, to experience before or after celebrating with you. Some vendors in Hershey you can utilize for your wedding include Historic Acres of Hershey and The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey.

How to Plan a Wedding in Pennsylvania Step-by-Step

After you've selected which Pennsylvania city you want to serve as the backdrop for your special day, planning a wedding is the next logical step. To save you time (and lots of research), we've provided the steps to get married in PA that you can refer to when planning your Pennsylvania wedding.

1. Establish a Budget

To most effectively plan a Pennsylvania wedding, you want to ensure you have created a fairly concrete budget before you move ahead with reserving your wedding venue, hiring additional vendors and purchasing any other decor and attire for your celebration. If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a budget, or maybe it's your first time budgeting for a wedding, The Knot Budget Advisor is a resource you can use to compare and contrast wedding costs across the state (as submitted by real couples).

2. Consider the Weather

Unlike some other states across the country, Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, each providing a different feel, temperature and weather conditions that need to be considered when planning a wedding. Although spring and summer are favorable times to host weddings as the area experiences warmer temperatures and fresh blooms, the fall and winter months can be special as the foliage changes color and the area is filled with barns and farms to match the scene, Gemberling notes.

3. Choose Your Venue

Once you've decided on the season during which you plan to celebrate the start of the next chapter of your love story, you'll need to decide where you'll host your wedding ceremony and reception (whether at the same or a different venue). Regardless of where you and your partner decide, The Knot Vendor Marketplace lists a wide array of venues. From hotels to breweries, you can use the platform to search for venues that fit within your allotted budget and those with your preferred attributes. Opting for a hybrid venue or one that can be adapted to transform into a backup plan in case you experience any inclement weather is key.

4. Use Scenery

Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful scenery, which includes trees and mountains. How you want to use scenery will vary depending on the backdrop. If you're hosting a wedding in the spring or summer, outdoor venues or those with patios and/or outdoor spaces that you (and your guests) can use to take in views and take wedding photos are favorable. On the other hand, if you're hosting your wedding during a cooler month or season, opt for venues with large windows or patio spaces containing doors that can be opened and closed as needed.

5. Book Transportation

Pennsylvania is a large state and factoring in transportation is crucial, especially if any of your guests are traveling to celebrate with you. Although there are airports in several cities, including Philadelphia and Harrisburg, the state spans more than 46,000 square miles. That said, you'll want to consider arranging transportation via a local vendor to mitigate any potential travel obstacles for your guests. Some local wedding transportation vendors in Pennsylvania include Ace Limousine & Airport Service and Krapf Coaches.

6. Hire Vendors

Pennsylvania is home to many local vendors you can research and contact on The Knot Vendor Marketplace. "Check reviews and always ask your other vendors who they recommend since they often work with these other vendors often," Gemberling adds. The Knot Vendor Marketplace provides a section where previous customers or couples can leave and read reviews and look at star ratings. Klein recommends vendors, including Bramble & Blossom and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.