Help!!!!

Laws vary from state to state and even from county to county. Look up the requirements for the county in PA you will be getting married in. The family member may be able to get ordained online (through something like the Universal Life Church).

You both would have to go together to get a license several days early at an office of the Marriage License Bureau of the Register of Wills. You need an officiant too who is authorized where you get married. These are pretty typical requirements. You might check how the name change process works in New York, if that is part of your plan.

Laws vary widely from one state to another. What is legal in one area is illegal in another. The only place where you will get clarification is the marriage license office. You can read laws online but the language is confusing and only they can explain what it means. If you are marrying in PA, you have to contact the office in PA where you will get your license (a license from NY will be invalid) to find out what is legal there as well as the procedures. Recommend calling today so that you can get a head start on finding an officiant you click with who has availability.

A friend or family member can get ordained on-line and can perform your ceremony. I would check out Universal Life Church if that is the route you want to go. Usually, they can get ordained in New York and cross state lines to marry you in Pennsylvania, but maybe check out Pennsylvania laws. Here in California, the law states you must obtain a Marriage License prior to the wedding and have an actual ceremony by someone authorized to perform a ceremony, for the marriage to be legal. You will have to obtain your license in Pennsylvania if you are getting married there. Not in NY.