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Savvy September 2017

Can a friend marry us in Wayne county PA?

Jackie, on March 15, 2017 at 10:23 AM Posted in Planning 0 15

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Hi all! We are getting married in Sept at a summer camp in Lakewood PA in Wayne county. My fiance, the intended officiant and myself are all from out of state and I am having trouble find specific details about whether a friend can marry us and the proper steps they would need to take to make the marriage legal. There are conflicting reports stating that only an elected official or ordained minister/rabbi are able to perform the ceremony and others that state no Minister registration is required. Has anyone been married by friends in PA?

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15 Comments

Latest activity by Celia Milton, on March 15, 2017 at 12:34 PM

Super July 2017
CuteNickname · on March 15, 2017 at 10:25 AM
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Can you call the county clerk who issues marriage licenses there? I'm sure that person could answer your questions.
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Master May 2017
BeachDreams · on March 15, 2017 at 10:25 AM
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The is literally the most important part of your wedding. I would hire a pro to ensure that everything is done correctly and legally.
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VIP September 2017
MTMA9917 · on March 15, 2017 at 10:26 AM
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Hire a professional officiant in PA and your problem will be solved.
Don't use a friend as an officiant.
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WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie · on March 15, 2017 at 10:33 AM
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Call the county clerk in Wayne County PA for accurate information!!
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Super August 2017
C · on March 15, 2017 at 11:27 AM
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@jackie Look into a self uniting marriage license. Look on Wayne county's website and call to make sure you have your info correct.
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Celia Milton · on March 15, 2017 at 11:31 AM
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I would not screw with PA honestly. And good luck getting a straight answer from any clerk, any place.
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Super May 2017
Rayla · on March 15, 2017 at 11:32 AM
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@ OP: Off topic, but I'm dying to know... what camp? I used to work at a summer camp in Wayne County.
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Savvy September 2017
Jackie · on March 15, 2017 at 11:43 AM
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We are having a full weekend event at Camp Weequahic. We are pretty set on not hiring someone since we want it to be personal. @SDC thanks for the self uniting suggestion! That maybe the way to go.
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Expert September 2017
JRae · on March 15, 2017 at 11:46 AM
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Umm...if your marriage wouldn't be legal would you still be "set" against hiring someone??

They are pros for a reason...
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Master September 2018
K.M. · on March 15, 2017 at 11:53 AM
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Hire a professional
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VIP September 2017
MTMA9917 · on March 15, 2017 at 12:13 PM
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That comment was ridiculous. Officiants can be just as personal as a friend.

They're professionals for a reason.
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Master January 2017
S&P · on March 15, 2017 at 12:24 PM
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Typically PA doesn't allow online ordained ministers, but you depending on the county you can get a Quaker license then you don't need an officiant to marry you. Apparently some counties will give you a hard time with it, but we had no problem getting one in Philly
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Devoted May 2017
Mrs.K · on March 15, 2017 at 12:30 PM
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It's YOUR wedding. If you want a friend as an officiant than do it! With that being said, contact whoever you're going through to get your marriage license. For example, in NY, all you need is proof that you have completed/received proper certification, which can be done online.
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Super March 2018
SwissMs · on March 15, 2017 at 12:30 PM
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Hire a pro. Seriously - just search the forums for all the stories of "oops! we aren't legally married."

If you cannot be reasoned with, then the only source of authority is the county clerk, but as @Celia said, good luck with getting a good answer from them!
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