So You Wanna Tie the Knot Philly-Style? A Hitchhiker's Guide to Getting Married in the City of Brotherly Love
Congrats! You've found your lobster (or cheesesteak, as the case may be) and you're ready to make it official. But before you can waltz down the aisle (or the Rocky steps, #touristwedding), there's a little hurdle called the marriage license. Fear not, lovebirds, for this guide will be your compass through the bureaucratic jungle.
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| How To Get Legally Married In Philadelphia |
Applying for Your License: Quest for the Magic Paper
First things first, you and your partner-in-crime (or partner-in-cheesesteak-eating contests) need to venture to the Marriage License Bureau at City Hall. Think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but with less snakes and more paperwork.
Here's what you'll need in your adventurer's backpack:
- Two forms of ID, each more impressive than the last. Driver's license? Yawn. Passport with a stamp from a mysterious foreign land? Now you're talking!
- Social Security number (or proof you don't have one). Don't worry, it's not for joining a secret spy agency (although that would be pretty cool).
- The ability to speak English. Unless you're planning a ceremony in Klingon, this shouldn't be a problem.
- A cool $90. Cash? Forget about it. This is a credit card, money order, or certified check kind of mission.
Top Tip: Feeling peckish after your bureaucratic conquest? Head to Reading Terminal Market for some post-license celebratory treats. Trust us, a cheesesteak hangover is way better than a wedding planning one.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Ceremony Time: Let's Get This Party Started (Legally)
Now that you've got your golden ticket to wedded bliss, you can find yourself an officiant to officiate. Your options are wide open: judge, friend with a knack for public speaking, that creepy guy who dresses up as Ben Franklin for a living (just kidding... unless?).
Here's the skinny on the ceremony itself:
- It can happen anywhere in Pennsylvania – on top of the Liberty Bell, in a cheesesteak shop, heck, even a Flyers game (just don't block the mascot).
- Your officiant needs to file the paperwork with the Register of Wills within 60 days. Don't let that romance fizzle out with a bureaucratic blunder!
Bonus Round: Quaker Power!
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Feeling fancy? You can request a Quaker (or Self-Uniting) marriage license for a slightly higher fee. Basically, you and your partner get to marry yourselves – very on-brand for the independent spirit of Philadelphia.
How to Get Married in Philly: FAQ for the Forgetful Lovebirds
Q: How much does a marriage license cost?
A: $90, unless you're feeling fancy and go the Quaker route (then it's $100).
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
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Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Nope, walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are a good idea if you need a translator or are short on patience.
Q: Can I use my out-of-state ID?
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
A: Sure, as long as it's a government-issued photo ID.
Q: Where can I get married?
A: Anywhere in Pennsylvania! Just make sure your officiant knows the drill for filing the paperwork.
Q: This all sounds easy. Is there anything else I need to worry about?
**A: **Mostly just the cold feet. But hey, that's what your partner is there for – to hold your hand (and maybe bribe the best man to hide any runaway pigeons). Now go forth and conquer wedded bliss, Philly-style!
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