Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of weddings from intimate Philly ceremonies torolling Lancaster County farmsteads. If you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding here, oryou’re thinking about building a career as a wedding officiant, you’re in the right place.
This guide walks you through how to get ordained in Pennsylvania, what the law requires, andhow to make sure every ceremony you perform is 100% legal.
Who Is Authorized to Perform a Wedding in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law (23 Pa. C.S. § 1503) allows marriages to be performed by:
- A minister, priest, or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation
- An individual who has a commission or authorization from any religious organization
- A judge of a court of record
- A district justice or judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court
- A mayor of any city in Pennsylvania
The important takeaway: ordained ministers including those ordained online arelegally recognized officiants in Pennsylvania. The state does not require church affiliationor in-person ordination.
Step 1: Get Ordained Through a Recognized Religious Organization
The most accessible path to becoming a Pennsylvania wedding officiant is online ordination.All Faith Ministry provides legal ordination that meets Pennsylvania’s statutory requirementsfor ministers performing marriages.
Ordination through AFM:
- Is completed entirely online
- Takes just a few minutes
- Is legally recognized across all 50 states, including Pennsylvania
- Gives you the ministerial credentials to officiate weddings immediately
Apply for Ordination at All Faith Ministry
Step 2: Know Pennsylvania’s Marriage License Rules
The couple getting married must obtain a Pennsylvania marriage license before theceremony. As their officiant, here’s what you need to know:
- Where: Any county Register of Wills (or Orphans’ Court) office in Pennsylvania
- Waiting period: 3 days after application (unless a waiver is granted by a judge)
- Valid for: 60 days from the date of issuance
- Both parties must appear in person to apply
- Age: Both must be 18+ (16–17 requires parental consent)
Tip: Remind the couple to apply at least a week before the wedding to ensure the 3-daywaiting period is satisfied.
Step 3: Perform the Ceremony
Pennsylvania does not mandate a specific script, vows, or ceremony format. You have fullflexibility to create a meaningful, personalized experience. Legally, the ceremony requires:
- Both parties verbally consenting to marry each other (the exchange of vows)
- At least two adult witnesses present
- The officiant performing the ceremony in the name of a religious society or civil authority
Whether the ceremony is religious, secular, or a blend of both you’re covered as an AFMordained minister.
Step 4: Complete and Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony, you have specific responsibilities as the officiant:
- Sign the marriage license in the designated officiant section
- Print your name, title (Ordained Minister), and the name of your religious organization (AllFaith Ministry)
- Return the completed license to the Register of Wills in the county where it was issued
Deadline: Pennsylvania law requires the license to be returned within 10 days of theceremony. Don’t wait, send or deliver it promptly.
Do You Need to File or Register as an Officiant in Pennsylvania?
Generally, no pre-registration is required. However, Philadelphia has historically enforcedstricter requirements for officiants specifically around registering with the City beforeperforming ceremonies there.
If you’re officiating in Philadelphia:
- Contact the Philadelphia Register of Wills or City Clerk to confirm current registrationrequirements
- Some couples and venues in Philadelphia request proof of officiant registration
- AFM can provide documentation of your ordination to satisfy these requests
For all other Pennsylvania counties, your ordination credentials are sufficient.
Pennsylvania Wedding Officiant Tips
- Bring your ordination certificate — some venues and couples will ask for it
- Honor the 3-day waiting period — make sure the couple applied for their license well inadvance
- Return the license within 10 days — this is a legal requirement, not a courtesy
- Know the venue’s expectations — destination weddings in PA (Poconos, Lancaster,Gettysburg) may have specific ceremony formats or rehearsal requirements
- Consider AFM’s training — especially if you want to offer personalized ceremony writingor expand into a paid officiating career
Turn Your Ordination Into a Pennsylvania Officiant Business
Pennsylvania’s wedding market is robust — Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster County, andthe Pocono Mountains draw thousands of couples each year. There’s strong, steady demandfor qualified officiants who can deliver a professional, personalized ceremony.
Experienced Pennsylvania wedding officiants typically charge $200–$600 per ceremony. WithAFM’s training and community behind you, you’ll have everything you need to build a reputation and grow your client base.
Explore Wedding Officiant Training at All Faith Ministry
Start Your Pennsylvania Ordination Today
Getting ordained in Pennsylvania is simple, fast, and legal. All Faith Ministry makes it easy toget your credentials, understand your responsibilities, and step into your role with confidence.
