If you're hoping to apply for a marriage license in the morning and get married that afternoon, Pennsylvania unfortunately makes things a little more complicated.
In most cases, you cannot apply for a Pennsylvania marriage license and get married the same day.
Pennsylvania has a mandatory three-day waiting period between your marriage license application and when the license can be issued.
But there is one possible exception: couples may be able to request a waiver of the waiting period through the court.
Here's what Pennsylvania couples should know.
Does Pennsylvania Have a Waiting Period for Marriage Licenses?
Yes.
Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period after you apply for your marriage license. Your wedding cannot take place until your license is valid.
Now remember, we are talking business days, most county offices operate Monday through Friday, so don't count on anything happen on the weekend. Think of the timeline this way: if you apply on Monday, your license is generally ready Thursday. If you apply on a Friday, your license is ready Wednesday.
Keep in mind that counties may handle appointments, applications and delivery of the actual license differently, so don't wait until three days before your wedding to start the process.
Can You Get a Same-Day Marriage License in Pennsylvania?
Potentially, but only if the normal waiting period is waived.
Pennsylvania law allows the Orphans' Court to authorize a waiver of the three-day waiting period. It isn't the standard marriage license process, so couples who need a waiver should contact the county where they're applying and ask about that county's procedure.
What If Our Wedding Is in a Few Days?
Contact the county's marriage license office as soon as possible and be sure to ask:
- When the three-day waiting period begins
- When your license will actually become valid
- Whether a waiting-period waiver is available
- What documentation or court filing would be required
- Whether you will need an appointment
Don't assume that complete the online application starts the clock.
York County specifically says its three-day waiting period does not begin until after the couple's video appointment, even though the application itself is filed electronically. This may be the case for other counties as well.
Be sure to gather everything you need to bring before meeting with the county's marriage license office using my Pennsylvania Marriage License Checklist.
Can I Apply in a Different Pennsylvania County?
Yes.
You don't have to apply in the same county where you're getting married.
A Pennsylvania marriage license obtained from one county can be used for a wedding anywhere within Pennsylvania.
That also means it's worth comparing the application process in nearby counties if one county's appointment availability doesn't work for your schedule.
How Long Is A Pennsylvania Marriage License Valid?
A Pennsylvania marriage license is generally valid for 60 days once issued.
I would give yourself plenty of time before the wedding, especially if you need to schedule an appointment, submit documents from previous marriage, or coordinate around county office hours.
What About a Self-Uniting Marriage License?
Choosing a self-uniting marriage license doesn't eliminate Pennsylvania's marriage license waiting period.
A self-uniting marriage license allows you to get married without an officiant. The couple performs their own ceremony and signs the marriage certificate with witnesses, but the same Pennsylvania marriage license rules and waiting period still apply.
If you're considering this option, read my Pennsylvania Self-Uniting Marriage License Guide next.
The Bottom Line
You generally cannot get married the same day you submit your marriage license application in Pennsylvania. A three-day waiting period is required.
A court may waive that waiting period in certain circumstances, but you should contact the county where you plan to apply before assuming a same-day license will be possible.
Once your license is valid, you can use it to get married anywhere in Pennsylvania.
And if your wedding is coming up quickly, start the marriage-license process sooner rather than later. The rules are statewide, but the actual application process can look surprisingly different from county to county.
It is safest to give yourself 3 to 6 weeks before your wedding to complete the marriage license process. Be sure to read my Marriage License & Certificate Timeline for a stress-free process.
Still have more questions?
My Pennsylvania Marriage License FAQ covers everything you need to know!
