How to Obtain a Marriage License in Bucks County PA

To obtain a marriage license in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the Register of Wills Office: The first step is to visit the Register of Wills office in Bucks County. This office is usually responsible for issuing marriage licenses.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents: You’ll need to bring certain documents with you, such as identification, proof of age, and possibly other documents depending on your situation. Commonly accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. Check with the Register of Wills office beforehand to confirm the specific requirements.
3. Complete Application Form: You will be required to fill out a marriage license application form. This form typically asks for basic information about both parties, such as full names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
4. Pay the Fee: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license. The fee amount can vary, so be sure to inquire about the current fee when you visit the Register of Wills office. They may accept cash, check, or credit/debit cards.
5. Wait for Processing: After you submit your application and pay the fee, there is typically a waiting period before the marriage license is issued. In Pennsylvania, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the application is submitted before the license can be issued. This waiting period can be waived under certain circumstances, such as for out-of-state residents.
6. Pick Up the License: Once the waiting period has passed and your application has been processed, you can return to the Register of Wills office to pick up your marriage license. Both parties may need to be present to receive the license.
7. Get Married: After you have obtained your marriage license, you are typically free to get married within the time frame specified by Pennsylvania law, which is usually 60 days from the date the license is issued.

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, once you have obtained your marriage license, your officiant typically plays a crucial role in the finalization of the marriage. Here’s what usually happens:

1. During the Ceremony: Your officiant will perform the marriage ceremony as planned. This ceremony is where you and your partner will exchange vows and rings.
2. Signing the Marriage License: After the ceremony, the officiant, along with two witnesses (if required by Pennsylvania law), will sign the marriage license. The officiant’s signature serves as confirmation that the marriage ceremony took place and was conducted according to state laws.
3. Return the License to the Register of Wills: Once the marriage license has been signed by the officiant and witnesses, it must be returned to the Register of Wills office in Bucks County for official recording. Typically, this must be done within a certain timeframe after the wedding ceremony. The officiant is often responsible for returning the signed license to the appropriate government office.

It’s essential to ensure that the officiant understands their responsibilities regarding the marriage license. They should be familiar with the legal requirements and deadlines for returning the license to the Register of Wills office. This helps ensure that your marriage is officially recognized by the state of Pennsylvania.

Remember to verify these steps with the Bucks County Register of Wills office, as procedures and requirements may vary slightly over time or due to specific circumstances.