How to Officiate a Wedding in Pennsylvania

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is one of the most complicated states for online-ordained ministers. Whether your ordination is accepted varies county by county, and there’s active legal controversy — a 2007 York County case (Heyer v. Hollerbush) invalidated a ULC marriage, and a 2021 federal discrimination suit was filed against Bucks County. There’s no statewide appellate ruling yet. But here’s the good news: you can always perform the wedding ceremony, and Pennsylvania offers a unique self-uniting marriage option (from the Quaker tradition) that requires no officiant at all.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

The Paperwork Situation in Pennsylvania

This is where Pennsylvania gets complicated. Here’s the honest picture.

Statute: 23 Pa.C.S. § 1503 — “minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation” may solemnize marriages.

The Problem

Pennsylvania’s acceptance of online ordination varies county by county. Some counties (Philadelphia, Montgomery) routinely accept online-ordained ministers. Others reject them. In 2007, a York County case (Heyer v. Hollerbush) invalidated a marriage performed by a ULC minister. In 2021, a federal discrimination suit (ULCM v. Bucks County) was filed. There’s no statewide appellate ruling, so each county interprets the law differently.

Your Options

Option 1: Self-Uniting Marriage (Safest) Pennsylvania’s self-uniting marriage (from the Quaker tradition) requires no officiant at all. The couple and two witnesses sign the license — that’s it. You still perform the full ceremony — the speech, the vows, the pronouncement, the celebration — but the legal paperwork doesn’t depend on your officiant status. This is the safest path in Pennsylvania and works in every county.

Option 2: Try the County Call the Register of Wills/Orphans Court in the county where the ceremony will take place. Ask about their stance on online ordinations. Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are known to accept them. If the county is receptive, great — proceed as the signing officiant.

Option 3: Purely Ceremonial You perform the wedding ceremony. The couple handles the paperwork separately through a judge, magistrate, or other authorized officiant. You lead the celebration — the part that actually matters to everyone in the room.

If You’re Handling Paperwork (Options 1 or 2)

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? County-dependent (or use self-uniting marriage)
Registration required? None formal, but varies by county
Marriage license cost $45–$85 (varies by county)
Waiting period 3 days (72 hours)
License valid for 60 days
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2 (especially for self-uniting marriage)

Before the Wedding

  • Call the Register of Wills/Orphans Court — Ask about their stance on online ordinations AND about the self-uniting marriage option. This one call will determine your path.
  • If using self-uniting marriage — Make sure the couple requests a self-uniting marriage license specifically. It’s available in all counties.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Register of Wills/Orphans Court. 3-day (72-hour) waiting period. Valid for 60 days. Cost: $45–$85 depending on the county.

Right After the Ceremony

If you’re signing as officiant: sign the license — you, the couple, and witnesses. If using a self-uniting marriage: the couple and two witnesses sign. Black pen. Do this immediately.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Register of Wills/Orphans Court within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Pennsylvania Tips

  • Self-uniting marriage is your safest option — works in every county, no officiant status questions
  • County-by-county variation is real — always call the Register of Wills first
  • Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are known to accept online ordinations
  • York and Bucks counties have been problematic — check before proceeding
  • 3-day waiting period on the license
  • 2 witnesses recommended (required for self-uniting)
  • The ceremony is yours regardless — the paperwork path is a separate question

County-Specific Info

Questions?

Contact us. Pennsylvania is complicated, but the self-uniting marriage option makes it very navigable. And as always — call your local Register of Wills before the ceremony.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Register of Wills/Orphans Court.