{"id":376028,"date":"2018-04-19T11:37:04","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T16:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-marriage-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-04-20T00:48:56","modified_gmt":"2018-04-20T05:48:56","slug":"pennsylvania-marriage-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-marriage-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Marriage Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Marriage Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Anticipating an impending marriage is an exciting time in a person's life. However, before a legal marriage can be performed in Pennsylvania the couple must first satisfy several requirements. As in all states, a marriage is limited to two persons. These two people must demonstrate the basic marriage requirements<\/a> of consent, legal age, and capacity to enter into marriage. The couple must also receive a marriage license<\/a> from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which has its own requirements, before a marriage ceremony is performed. This article explains the basic requirements that marriage laws in Pennsylvania set out for entrance into a legally recognized union.<\/p>\r\n

Consent, Legal Age, and Capacity<\/h2>\r\n

To marry without parental consent individuals must be 18 years of age or older. For consent<\/a> to exist, both parties to the proposed marriage must enter the union without force or coercion. The individuals must also have no mistaken ideas as to the nature of the union. Additionally, a person must not be weak minded, insane, or of "unsound mind" to satisfy capacity<\/a>. The requirement does not prevent a person with any mental illness or physical inability to consummate the marriage from marrying.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage License Requirements<\/h2>\r\n

People wishing to be legally married in the state of Pennsylvania must also complete a marriage license application at their nearest Marriage License Bureau of the Register of Wills<\/a>. Both applicants must appear together and in person at the office to complete the process, show photo identification, and pay the marriage license fees, which may vary by county.<\/p>\r\n

Upon completing the process, a three-day waiting period begins before a marriage license can be issued. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania Marriage Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

While there is value in reading laws in their original statutory form, understanding their meaning is often easier when they're laid out in plain English. This chart provides you with a helpful explanation of Pennsylvania's marriage laws and licensing requirements.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 23 Pa.C.S.A Section 1301,1302,1303<\/a> (Marriage License Required,<\/i> Application for License, and Waiting Period After Application<\/i>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

General Rule of Marriage<\/b><\/td>\r\n

In Pennsylvania, a marriage license is required before being joined in marriage. The license permits the performance of a marriage ceremony in any county.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Marriage License Requirements<\/b><\/td>\r\n

The person dispensing the marriage license must be satisfied as to both applicant's identities prior to its issuance. Additionally, a written and verified application from both parties intending to marry must be completed before a license is issued. The application must contain:<\/p>\r\n

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  • The full names of both applicants;<\/li>\r\n
  • Each applicant's occupation, age, birthplace and residence;<\/li>\r\n
  • A statement of which marriage this will be for each applicant (first, second, etc.);<\/li>\r\n
  • An affirmation neither applicant has a transmissible disease;<\/li>\r\n
  • Full names (including mothers' maiden names), residences, occupation, and birthplaces of each applicant's parents; and<\/li>\r\n
  • Any other facts needed to determine if a legal impediment to the proposed marriage exists.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Once these requirements are satisfied, Pennsylvania requires a 3-day waiting period between the date the marriage license application process is completed and the date a license may be issued.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 23 Pa.C.S.A.:<\/p>\r\n