who can marry you in pa

2 min read 02-02-2025

Getting married in Pennsylvania is exciting! But before you say "I do," you need to understand who's legally authorized to perform your wedding ceremony. Pennsylvania law is specific about this, so let's clarify who can and cannot officiate your marriage.

Individuals Authorized to Perform Marriages in PA

Pennsylvania law outlines several individuals who are legally empowered to solemnize marriages within the state. These include:

1. Judges and Justices of the Peace

Judges of the Pennsylvania courts, as well as justices of the peace, are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. This is a widely understood and readily accessible option for many couples. Their availability may vary depending on their court schedule and location.

2. Ministers, Priests, Rabbis, and Other Religious Officials

Officiants from various religious denominations are authorized to perform marriages, provided they are ordained or commissioned within their respective religious organizations. This covers a broad spectrum of faith traditions, ensuring diverse couples can find a suitable officiant aligned with their beliefs. It is crucial, however, to verify the officiant's credentials and their legal authorization within their religious body.

3. Members of the Armed Forces

Chaplains and other authorized members of the U.S. Armed Forces are also permitted to perform marriages in Pennsylvania, often catering specifically to military personnel and their families. The specific authorization within the armed forces should be verified.

Individuals NOT Authorized to Perform Marriages in PA

It's equally important to know who cannot legally officiate your marriage in Pennsylvania. This list helps avoid potential legal issues and ensures the validity of your marriage certificate:

Friends and Family Members (unless otherwise authorized): While a deeply personal touch, simply being a friend or family member does not grant the legal authority to officiate a marriage in Pennsylvania.
Notaries Public: Notaries primarily handle the attestation of signatures and documents; they lack the legal standing to perform marriages.
Unordained Individuals (Generally): While some exceptions might exist under specific circumstances involving religious affiliations, generally, an individual must hold a recognized ordination or commission to officiate.

Verifying Your Officiant's Credentials

Before your wedding date, it's crucial to verify your chosen officiant's credentials. This helps ensure the legality and validity of your marriage. You can often verify this through:

Contacting the officiant's religious organization: For ministers, priests, rabbis, etc., contacting their place of worship or religious governing body is a reliable method of confirmation.
Checking with the court: If your officiant is a judge or justice of the peace, you can confirm their appointment and current status through the appropriate court.
Reviewing their documentation: Reputable officiants will provide evidence of their authorization and credentials upon request.

The Marriage Certificate

Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant will complete and file the marriage certificate with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This certificate is the official record of your marriage. Ensure your officiant understands their responsibilities in this process.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of who can legally marry you in Pennsylvania. Always confirm your officiant's credentials to ensure a legally binding and joyous celebration of your wedding day! Remember, while finding the right person to officiate your wedding is crucial, ensuring the legal aspects are in order is paramount for the validity of your union.