So You Wanna Tie the Knot in Philly? How Long Does that Marriage License Take, Anyway?
Getting hitched in the City of Brotherly Love? Congratulations! Now, before you get swept away in a whirlwind of cake tastings and guest-list drama, there's a little administrative hurdle to jump: the marriage license. But fear not, lovebirds, because unlike planning your bachelor(ette) party (we all know someone who ended up in a questionable tattoo parlor after a tequila flight), this process is pretty straightforward. But the question lingers: just how long does it take to snag that official stamp of approval on your love story?
The Not-So-Long Wait
The good news is, you won't be waiting for weeks like some kind of medieval jousting tournament contestant waiting for your princess's hand (or, more accurately, in this case, their signature on the application). The actual application process itself is pretty quick, clocking in at around 15 minutes, assuming there's no epic love story unfolding ahead of you in line (seriously, some proposals at the courthouse are tearjerkers).
The Three-Day Rule: A Brief Separation for Eternal Union
Here's the thing: there's a mandatory three-day waiting period after you apply before you can officially be declared Mr. & Mrs. or Ms. & Ms. (or whatever delightful title you choose). This isn't some kind of cosmic test of your love's endurance (although, if your fiancé uses this waiting period to disappear with the wedding money, that might be a sign...). It's more like a cooling-off period to make sure you haven't been swept away in a whirlwind romance fueled by too many cheesesteaks (they are delicious, though).
In total, you're looking at about three business days to get your marriage license in Philadelphia. Not bad, right? That leaves you plenty of time to perfect your first dance moves and figure out who gets your crazy Uncle Larry at the reception.
How to Avoid Last-Minute Jitters (Besides Cold Feet)
Let's be honest, nobody wants to be scrambling for a marriage license the day before the wedding. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience:
- Don't wait! Aim to get your license at least a few weeks before your ceremony, just in case of any unforeseen hiccups.
- Gather your documents beforehand. You'll need valid ID for both lovebirds, and any necessary paperwork if you've been married before.
- Check the city website. The City of Philadelphia offers a wealth of information on the marriage license process https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/marriage-and-divorce/get-a-marriage-license/.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can opt for a Quaker or self-uniting marriage license, which allows you to have a friend officiate the ceremony (because who doesn't love a good friend-officiated wedding?). Just be prepared to shell out a few extra bucks for the privilege.
Marriage License FAQs:
- How much does a marriage license cost in Philadelphia? Regular licenses are $90, while Quaker or self-uniting licenses are $100.
- What kind of ID do I need? Bring two forms of valid ID for each applicant.
- What if I've been married before? You'll need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree (or death certificate if your spouse is deceased).
- Can I pay by cash? Nope, they only accept Visa, Mastercard, or money orders.
- Where do I go to get a marriage license? Head to the Marriage License Unit at City Hall.
