Self uniting marriage license pa legal problems. Instead, you and your partner can marry each other with just the signatures of two witnesses. The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act and the Commonwealth of PA Act 98-127 require the Social Security number of an individual who has one on any application for a marriage license. Licenses for self-uniting or Quaker organizations cost $100. Apr 28, 2016 · As far as I am aware, a self-uniting marriage is legal in PA as long as you follow the required procedure. Understanding the implications for estate planning and potential impacts on spousal benefits is crucial when considering a Pennsylvania self uniting marriage. Customer: second opinion] Is an out of state self uniting marriage license valid in PA? They got a Quaker type self uniting license in NJ to have the brides grandfather marry them. A. Problems have occurred with people using the standard marriage license and then, for example, internet 'ordained" officiants, but a self-uniting marriage doesn't require an officiant. Jan 25, 2023 · A self-uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania costs Cost. Self-Uniting Marriage Ceremony The self-uniting marriage--one conducted with no officiant--has been legal in Pennsylvania since 1681, when it was made available for Quakers, whose faith provided no wedding officiants. While rules vary county to county, this license tends to be a little more expensive than a regular marriage license and requires completion of different documentation. Q: If people can self unite, why do so many people have big weddings? Apr 13, 2024 · Pennsylvania has legally welcomed self-uniting marriage since 1682, and there are typically two types of ceremonies where you can marry without an officiant: a civil wedding and a self-uniting marriage. However, tons of counties in Pennsylvania do. Is this going to cause problems if I move to another state? But, while looking online for wedding ideas, the newlyweds learned that self-uniting marriages, in which couples essentially marry themselves without a member of the clergy or other officiant present, are legal in Pennsylvania. They got married in PA. We applied for our license in Philadelphia county and had no problems though it did cost more than a traditional license (I think by 10 dollars). After the ceremony, the license is signed by the officiant, who must return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. Our wedding was fairly large. If you choose a self-uniting marriage license (for a Quaker wedding or a wedding with no officiant), please ask your clerk for the most up-to-date instructions when purchasing your license. The opinion from that case is that the judge in York county misinterpreted PA state law, and applied it too narrowly in his decision. Apparently you don't have to be Quaker to do this. The couple and two witnesses (who must be at least 18 years old) sign the marriage license during the ceremony. Even just googling “self uniting marriage in STATE” will give you some information. Jul 4, 2024 · Pennsylvania offers a unique and personal way for couples to be married without a third-party officiant. ) After that, you'll require a self-unification certificate stating your intention to wed. For personalized legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances, it's advisable to consult with an attorney. The self-uniting marriage remains a compelling option for couples to unite in love and marriage. Notably, both parties need to be at least 18 years of age and must provide valid identification Jul 4, 2024 · Learn about the requirements and process for getting a self uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania, including application, ceremony, and fees. Is it a legal marriage? Apr 21, 2022 · Pennsylvania Since Pennsylvania abolished common-law marriage in 2005, a valid Pennsylvania marriage requires a license and a solemnizing ceremony with witnesses. They offer a level of flexibility that a traditional marriage license lacks – allowing a friend to officiate your wedding day without asking them to take on the responsibility of being ordained online or allowing you to lead In Pennsylvania (and Colorado I believe) there’s this thing called a self-uniting marriage license. Jan 24, 2026 · Pennsylvania also offers a self-uniting marriage license, which allows the couple to solemnize their own marriage without an officiant. Jul 6, 2017 · LAWRENCE COUNTY, Pa. Jun 10, 2023 · A clause in the Marriage Act of Pennsylvania recognizes marriages performed without religious ceremony. Aug 29, 2019 · Is a self-uniting marriage license legal in PA when performed by someone who is NOT ordained? We are getting married in Mercer County, PA and want to have our aunt marry us. Such a ceremony is legal if the In Pennsylvania, a self-uniting marriage license offers a unique alternative for couples who desire to forgo the traditional officiant requirements. Oct 25, 2023 · A: Yes, a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage is legally recognized in all 50 states. The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U. A self-uniting marriage license, allowed in Pennsylvania, permits couples to marry without an officiant, often requiring witnesses. Getting the license was the same cost and process as a regular license in Monroe County PA (we are from NJ). The cost of a Pennsylvania marriage license varies by county, but in Philadelphia, a self-uniting marriage is legal. Which is required by Pennsylvania law. Dec 29, 2025 · Note: These tips refer to traditional Pennsylvania marriage licenses. The clerk was not very helpful and gave a very stern warning to fill out the license correctly, saying that it's more complicated than a normal license. Feb 1, 2024 · Pennsylvania is one of four states where you can self-unite, making it extremely easy for couple’s to elope here! In 2021, over 1,500 couples in the state of Pennsylvania chose to self-unite, and this new method of getting married is becoming increasingly popular among people who aren’t interested in a traditional big wedding. However, for a self-uniting marriage, the certificate must be signed by two witnesses. May 11, 2024 · In the District of Columbia and the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, and California, self-uniting marriage licenses are available, which require only the couple to check with each state regarding its specific requirements. Everyone loved it. Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in so in my ongoing research online, i stumble across in PA you can get a self uniting marriage license. However, recognition varies by state; some may not accept such licenses for legal or governmental purposes like Social Security benefits. §§1502-1504. This custom is rooted in the Quaker faith and is part of a formal wedding ceremony. In 2007, the Pennsylvania courts recognized the rights of all heterosexual couples to marry in self-uniting ceremonies regardless of their faith. In Pennsylvania, there are several types of officiants: civil, professional, ordained, or religious. After performing the wedding, the officiant must sign the marriage license (along with the couple) and obtain a self-uniting marriage license. Regular marriage licenses are $90 each. PA/Philly couples--Anyone do a self uniting marriage? So in PA you aren't allowed to have someone ordained online and perform the marriage, and one thing that we really don't want is to be married by some random person who we don't really know (and we're not religious), so we're considering a self uniting marriage. May 24, 2019 · I’m planning to get a self-uniting marriage license to do my own wedding. How Do You Get a Self-uniting Marriage License in Philadelphia There are a number of steps you have to go through to get your marriage license in Philadelphia so planning ahead is a good idea. Jul 7, 2022 · Is self-uniting marriage legal? Self-uniting marriage licenses can be legally obtained in eight U. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers couples the option of a self-uniting marriage license. Friends, rather than clergy, sometimes serve as celebrants. A Quaker marriage - assuming you mean getting married in PA using the Quaker (aka Self Uniting) form of the marriage license (regardless of whether or not you hold a ceremony and regardless of any religious affiliation you may or may not have) - is absolutely a regular legal marriage. For example, the Marriage License Bureau at Philadelphia’s City Hall issued 1,500 self-uniting licenses in 2019. A self-uniting license is what is used for this. You can get a self-uniting license in any county, and you don't have to prove you're Quaker or Bahai, though you may face less opposition in Philadelphia County or Chester County, where they're more common. RELATED: Heartfelt Self Uniting Marriage Ceremony Script Become a minister today! My fiance and I aren't religious and wanted a simple marriage ceremony with the minimum fuss here in Allegheny County. Apr 10, 2024 · Self-uniting marriage licenses have been legally valid since 1861 in Pennsylvania, according to the ACLU. Title pretty much says it all. Unlike traditional marriage licenses, which require an officiant to preside over the ceremony, self-uniting licenses allow couples to perform the marriage ceremony themselves. Before you can officially wed, you need to obtain a marriage license. Our experience today was we went to the City County building, asked to apply for a self-uniting license (we pre-filled the online application so they already had all our info in the Aug 4, 2024 · The process generally works by visiting an online ordination page, which is free and easy. A self-uniting marriage also requires a marriage license and gets you a marriage certificate; the only difference is there is no officiant required. A self-uniting marriage license is a legal document that allows couples to marry themselves without an officiant. This option resonates particularly with couples who prefer a more intimate setting or those who desire to marry outside a traditional religious or civil ceremony. Does this marriage license carry the same legalities as a regular marriage license? Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in front of at least two witnesses, who are required to sign the document. states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania) and in the District of Columbia. ) You, your future spouse, and then two witnesses sign it- eliminating need for an officiant. Two witnesses are required. Fellow PA bride here, Hi! We're also hoping to do a self-uniting marriage license. Self-uniting unions are occasionally referred to as “Quaker” unions because the Religious Society of Friends was where the practice as we know it today largely originated. My fiancé and I have two people who we would like to be our witnesses, one of whom is international. Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in A self-uniting marriage is one in which the couple are married without the presence of a third-party officiant. Apr 14, 2016 · Since Quakers were so influential in the state, Pennsylvania created a loophole for non-officiated marriages, sometimes either called Quaker marriages or self-uniting marriages, which has existed Aug 28, 2019 · The source of the confusion over Pennsylvania’s rules for marriage started in the mid-2000s when, in separate cases, county clerks questioned self-uniting licenses and the use of officiants ordained online. Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in Self Uniting Marriage License - Witness qualification question I’m getting married this summer and plan on getting a self uniting marriage license. It is absolutely public record. That changed when Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage in January 2005. Self-union marriages, often called self-uniting or quaker marriages, are a fascinating aspect of the legal landscape regarding marriage in various states. To obtain a self-uniting marriage license, couples must still meet certain eligibility requirements, such as age and identification regulations. This means you can say your vows to each other without a third party’s involvement, which is both Jan 28, 2023 · A clause in the Marriage Act of Pennsylvania recognizes marriages performed without religious ceremony. Self uniting marriages are legal if you are in a state that allows them and issues the appropriate marriage license paperwork. The provision Application Process for Self-Uniting Marriage To embark on the journey of a self-uniting marriage in Pennsylvania, couples are required to obtain a marriage license from their local court or county office. While the freedom and Explore pros and cons lists for debated issues presented in a non-partisan format with supporting background information, statistics, and resources. (Originally due to the Quaker roots of this state but you don’t have to be a Quaker to get one. These ceremonies can be civil or self-uniting, with some states allowing couples to perform a self-solemnizing marriage without an officiant. Is it oficial to apply for a GC afterwards? I know it’s legal in PA, but not in every state, so I’m confused if ICE would accept a marriage certificate that came from a ser-uniting/Quaker license. You only need 2 witnesses and the ceremony can be whatever you want. In Pennsylvania, couples must apply in person at the county courthouse and may need affidavits or letters of support. Marriage licenses acquired from a county clerk remain a prerequisite for legal validation. To obtain a self-uniting license, couples must inform the clerk that they want a license at the time of application. Jun 21, 2017 · According to Philadelphia’s Marriage License Office, between 2009 (the earliest date available) and 2016, self-uniting marriage applications have gone up 166 percent, with 956 licenses issued in In conclusion, a self-uniting marriage license is a legal document that allows a couple to be married without the presence of an officiant or witnesses. The concept of self-uniting marriage licenses emerged as an alternative to conventional marriage laws that typically require an officiant to validate the union. Jan 26, 2026 · The parties to the marriage are authorized to solemnize the union, but the license must be returned to the clerk’s office within 10 days or a $50 penalty may apply. May 16, 2023 · A self-uniting marriage license is just a legal document that allows a couple to be married in the absence of a third-party officiant. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. PA State Law says that "any ordained minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation, Judges, and Justices of Peace may perform wedding ceremonies. We got our license in Chester County and they didn't bat an eye. Feb 20, 2024 · Pennsylvania marriage law requires couples to obtain a self-uniting license, which differs from the traditional form in wording and requires a ceremony in front of at least two witnesses. There are also specific rules about how many witnesses you need, how long the license is valid for, etc. Quaker weddings are spiritual ceremonies allowing couple-led vows, with Pennsylvania law permits couples to obtain self-uniting marriage licenses, which allow parties to marry each other without a third-party officiant. For reference, in PA you need to specifically apply for the self-uniting marriage license as there is a different one for a marriage with an officiant. Processor Fees Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in front of at least two witnesses, who are required to sign the document. You first have to go in person and apply for your license. My fiancé and I are getting married soon, and we’re planning on using a self-uniting license and performing the ceremony ourselves. Applicants choosing to solemnize their marriage themselves must alert the Clerk of the Orphans' Court at the time of their marriage license application appointment so that the Clerk may issue a Self-Uniting Marriage License. Mar 21, 2018 · Historically, most county officials in Pennsylvania didn’t even require proof of membership in the Quaker religion before issuing a self-uniting license. Aug 9, 2015 · We just picked up our self-uniting marriage license yesterday. C. This unique option is primarily available to Quakers and other religious sects but is increasingly recognized as an inclusive choice for couples who wish to self-solemnize their marriage. But when Mary Jo Knelly and David Huggins-Daines, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed today, went to the Office of the Register of Wills to apply for a self-uniting license, they were turned down Oct 11, 2015 · In Pennsylvania, with its roots in Quaker tradition, some couples "self-unite" under a special marriage license. While Pennsylvania law requires a marriage license for legal recognition, Quakers often obtain a self-uniting marriage license, also known as a Quaker license, which allows the couple to marry without an officiant. Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy, known as a self-uniting license. Nov 24, 2024 · The process of acquiring a self-uniting marriage license varies by jurisdiction. She is not ordained and is not a priest, rabbi, judge, justice, or minister. Just like you can have a typical marriage with a secular officiant like a justice of the peace, there is no need for a self-uniting marriage to be religious in nature. Nov 16, 2025 · A self-uniting marriage license allows you to marry without an officiant, enhancing personal and legal freedom. Once you have appeared in person at the Marriage License Bureau and the application has been submitted, you will have a 3-day waiting period. Constitution requires all states to recognize valid marriages performed in other states. In Philly, couples must make an appointment for a marriage license through the Marriage License Bureau at the Register of Wills. You file through the courthouse and get a marriage certificate. By law, you do not have to be a Quaker to obtain a Self-Uniting Marriage License! There may be confusion in due to a lack of education and proper training, but The Pennsylvania Human Relations Department has process several complaints and has promised to intercede should difficulties arise. With a traditional marriage license, witnesses are not required, but an officiant must preside over the ceremony. Pennsylvania: A self-uniting marriage is valid if the certificate is signed by the couple, attested by two witnesses, and returned to the court for recording within 10 days. Aug 28, 2019 · And when might you choose a self-uniting license? The source of the confusion over Pennsylvania’s rules for marriage started in the mid-2000s when, in separate cases, county clerks questioned self-uniting licenses and the use of officiants ordained online. Our wedding is next Friday. We've been married a little less than a year now. What is the difference between a traditional marriage license and a self-uniting license? A traditional license requires an officiant to perform the ceremony, while a self-uniting license allows the couple to solemnize their marriage without an officiant, in accordance with Pennsylvania law. In my research about self-uniting marriage licenses, I keep coming across this language: “the burden of proof regarding the legality of your marriage will be on you should future issues arise regarding the I had a self uniting ceremony in PA! We live in NY but were both raised in PA, you absolutely don't need to be a resident. Understand Legal Requirements: In Pennsylvania, couples choosing a self-uniting marriage must sign a declaration on the marriage license attesting to their intent to marry each other without the presence of an officiant. A self-uniting marriage license is a unique aspect of marriage in Pennsylvania that brings with it a sense of autonomy for couples wishing to tie the knot. Discover more advices and tips at BrideFeed. However, in this case, the parties planned a secular, rather than a religious Jan 23, 2023 · $100 is the price of a self-unifying marriage license. Although non-denominational, this method of getting married is sometimes referred to as a "Quaker marriage", after the marriage practice of the Religious Society of Friends, for which see Quaker wedding. Sep 1, 2025 · For couples in Pennsylvania who wish to formalize their union privately, the self-uniting marriage license is the primary and most direct legal method available. This type of license can be granted without being asked what religion you are. Feb 11, 2015 · But in Pennsylvania, getting married doesn’t even have to be that formal. It takes two witnesses. Self-uniting A self-uniting marriage license does not require an officiant to solemnize the marriage. 00 plus a processor fee. Feb 10, 2025 · A self-uniting marriage license is a unique option available in Pennsylvania, which allows couples to marry without the need for an officiant. Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in front of at least two witnesses, who are required to sign the document. Pennsylvania courts have ruled that Common Law marriages after January 1, 2005 are invalid in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Title 23 § 1502 In all cases in which the parties intend to solemnize their marriage by religious ceremony without officiating clergy, please notify the clerk at the beginning of your appointment that you require a Self-Uniting Marriage License. The license just has to be signed by the couple and two witnesses of their choosing. The legal framework surrounding self-uniting marriage licenses in Pennsylvania serves to protect the rights of couples while allowing for this autonomy. Some states, like California, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, allow self-solemnization for Why do you need my social security number to apply for a marriage license? The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act and the Commonwealth of PA Act 98-127 require the Social Security number of an individual, who has one, on any application for a marriage license. The second case, in Bucks county, and in response to the York county ruling, found that the ULC IS a recognized church and those with in ordination from the ULC may perform weddings in PA. This process is relatively straightforward but does require both individuals to be present to fill out the application. Aug 7, 2025 · Thanks to the state’s Quaker roots, Pennsylvania allows for self-uniting marriages, which means you don’t need an officiant, judge, or even someone ordained online (which, notably, the commonwealth doesn’t officially recognize). Feb 6, 2025 · According to the Allegheny County website, the license will run you $80, the same as a traditional marriage license (may vary county to county). FEES The fee in Dauphin County is $80. No. Dec 10, 2017 · Hi! Is anyone familiar with self-uniting marriage licenses, also known as a Quaker wedding license? I'm a PA bride so this license is common in my area because of our our large Quaker population. My husband and I did a self uniting marriage. The statute that provides for self-uniting marriages requires that the parties to the marriage sign the original marriage certificate, that two witnesses attest to it, and that the parties retain the certificate. 23 Pa. it seems interesting. Jul 6, 2017 · Under Pennsylvania marriage law, couples wishing to nix an officiant must obtain a self-uniting licenses, which varies from the traditional form only in wording, and perform their ceremony in May 2, 2024 · A self-uniting marriage license is a type of marriage where the couple are married without an officiant, typically in a civil wedding or self-uniting ceremony. Apr 1, 2025 · The idea of a self-uniting marriage appeals to couples who want a personal, non-traditional wedding without a formal officiant. Aug 4, 2024 · In Philadelphia, the process involves making an appointment for a marriage license through the Marriage License Bureau at the Register of Wills. Oct 29, 2007 · According to Pennsylvania law, parties can solemnize their own marriage in a religious ceremony, without officiating clergy, provided they obtain a self-uniting marriage license and the marriage is witnessed by at least two witnesses. This type of license allows couples to marry without a minister or judge present during the ceremony. — When Norman and Emmalie Lohr announced their plans for a self-uniting wedding, the Pennsylvania couple faced questions. Like the "self uniting" marriage license, it varies from county to county. Our self-uniting ceremony was beautiful. With a self-uniting license, a couple officiates their own ceremony. Aug 18, 2006 · PA self-uniting marriages My fiancee and I in preparation for a September 30 wedding have obtained a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage license (see 23 Pa CSA 1502), because of our particular moral and religious beliefs. In Pennsylvania, a self-uniting marriage license allows couples to marry without the need for an officiant. Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. Here are the answers you need to plan your wedding. (A regular license is $90 in price. Short answer: You should contact your county's register of wills far in advance of the wedding to find out if you qualify for a self-uniting license. By allowing couples to take charge of their own ceremony, self-uniting May 11, 2024 · Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia are the states that permit self-solemnizing wedding ceremonies. It grants couples the freedom to solemnize their own marriage ceremony in a way that is meaningful and personal to them. 9 Traditional ceremonies performed by an officiant generally do not require witnesses. Apr 3, 2024 · Pennsylvania offers couples the option of a self-uniting marriage license, which does not require an officiant to solemnize the marriage. I was happy to read about self-uniting (aka "quaker") marriage licenses which are legal in PA. . We wrote our own ceremony and then had a friend "marry" us by serving as the officiant. No questions or problems before or after getting my name changed, house title, etc it's accepted as a regular marriage license. A self-uniting license is what it is known as. In PA you are allowed to get a self uniting marriage license because of an old Quaker tradition around here. We are facing a large amount of opposition from family - including my fiancee's father, who is a lawyer - who are telling us that this form of marriage has absolutely no legal Apr 23, 2025 · In Pennsylvania, couples have the option of a traditional marriage license or a self-uniting license. We were worried that we would have issues but had no problems at all. Are there any restrictions or requirements for witnesses? Self-uniting marriages are legal in Pennsylvania, in any county. Unfortunately, a lot of these county clerks are not aware of this information when they ask your religious background and deny this license to people. Some of these county clerks could be downright nasty and assume you don’t The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. On the other hand, a self-uniting license allows couples to officiate their own ceremony, but it does require two witnesses. S. May 15, 2020 · A self-uniting marriage license is a legal document that allows a couple to be married in the absence of an officiant. In a traditional marriage, an officiant—such as a religious leader, judge, or wedding officiant—performs the ceremony and signs the marriage certificate. Jun 10, 2023 · In the absence of a third-party officiant, a couple may legally get married with the help of a self-uniting marriage license. Jan 14, 2019 · Here's what you need to know about a having self-uniting marriage without an officiant. jplv xzmug vqpfpp vxl aflq dpw ashaeud idiju drpk wqsxs