[PA] [PA] Can someone ordained online perform my wedding?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that you’re looking for clarity on who can officiate your wedding in Pennsylvania. Have you already chosen a specific date for your wedding?

Lexi, Chatbot

Are you aware of any specific requirements or regulations in Pennsylvania regarding wedding officiants?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the family lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they’ll be able to help with wedding officiant options in Pennsylvania.

Benjamin

Hey there! I’m Benjamin, an attorney with many years of experience. Just so you’re aware, the information provided here is for general legal information purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation.

I understand you’re looking for clarity on who can officiate your wedding in Pennsylvania. Is the officiant you’re considering affiliated with a religion, or are they strictly an online registrant?

Benjamin

Who Is Legally Authorized to Officiate in Pennsylvania:

1. Mayors of Cities or Boroughs – A mayor within Pennsylvania can legally officiate weddings.
2. Religious Clergy of Regularly Established Churches or Congregations – This includes ministers, priests, rabbis, or any clergy who belong to a regularly established church or congregation and have an active role in that community.
3. Self-Uniting (“Quaker-Style”) Marriages – Pennsylvania allows self-uniting marriage licenses, which enable couples to marry without a formal officiant (often called “Quaker marriages”). Couples must sign with two witnesses, but no officiant is required. This option is not limited to any specific religion and is available regardless of religious affiliation.

Online-only ordained ministers (e.g., via Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries) may not be accepted under Pennsylvania law unless they also:

• Preach regularly; and
• Belong to a regularly established congregation.

Benjamin

• Judges: Judges, magisterial district judges, and retired judges.
• Mayors: Mayors of any city or borough in Pennsylvania.
• Ministers & Clergy: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, or other religious clergy who are authorized by their church or denomination to perform marriages.
• Religious Societies: Pennsylvania recognizes self-uniting marriages (sometimes called “Quaker marriages”), where the couple can marry themselves without an officiant if their faith or practice allows it. Some counties may require a special self-uniting license for this.

Special Note – Online Ordination:
There has been litigation in Pennsylvania about ministers ordained online (such as through Universal Life Church). Some counties accept them, while others have challenged their validity. To be safe, couples should check with the county Register of Wills before the ceremony to confirm that the officiant will be recognized.

Benjamin

That is correct.

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