What Is a Self-Uniting Marriage License in Pennsylvania?

A self-uniting marriage license is a Pennsylvania license that lets a couple marry each other with no officiant, minister, or judge. The two of you solemnize your own marriage, two witnesses sign the certificate, and the marriage is fully legal across Pennsylvania. The tradition traces back to the state's Quaker roots, and only a handful of states offer it.

For couples marrying at a venue, this is worth knowing. A self-uniting license means no officiant is required, so you are free to marry anywhere, including out under the orchard on the estate. Here is how it works, and the one piece of legal history every couple should know before they apply.

How a self-uniting marriage works

With a self-uniting license there is no third party pronouncing you married. You exchange your vows, you and your two witnesses sign the marriage certificate, and the certificate goes back to the county that issued the license for recording. Pennsylvania sets this out in its marriage law at 23 Pa.C.S. sections 1502 to 1504.

Traditional license versus self-uniting license

Both are equally legal. The difference is simply whether someone else pronounces you married or you do it yourselves.

Do you need witnesses?

Yes. A self-uniting marriage in Pennsylvania must be witnessed. Two witnesses sign the certificate along with the two of you. Pick people who will be at the ceremony and are willing to sign.

Do you have to be Quaker to get one?

No, and this is the part worth knowing. The self-uniting license began with religious groups like the Quakers, and years ago some county offices would only issue one to members of those faiths. That practice was challenged. In the 2007 case Knelly v. Huggins-Daines, brought by the ACLU of Pennsylvania after a couple in Allegheny County was refused a self-uniting license over their religion, a federal judge ordered the license issued and made clear these licenses go to couples regardless of religious affiliation. You do not have to state a religion, or belong to one, to get a self-uniting license in Pennsylvania today.

Common self-uniting problems, and how to avoid them

• Being asked about your religion. You are not required to be Quaker or to name a faith. If a clerk pushes back, the Knelly ruling settled this: the license is issued regardless of religion.
• Forgetting the witnesses. The marriage needs two witnesses to sign. Line them up in advance.
• Missing the recording step. After the ceremony, the signed certificate must go back to the issuing county so the marriage is on record. Do not skip it.
• Assuming it works out of state. Like any Pennsylvania license, a self-uniting license is only valid in Pennsylvania.

Where to get a self-uniting license in Montgomery County

You request a self-uniting license from the same office that issues any marriage license: the Register of Wills at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Tell them you want the self-uniting option when you apply. For the general steps and what to bring, see our Montgomery County marriage license guide.

A self-uniting ceremony at the estate

Because a self-uniting license needs no officiant, you can marry yourselves anywhere on the grounds: in the orchard, on the porch of the Cottage, or in the Bank Barn. It is a natural fit for an elopement or a very small wedding. See our elopement venue, stay the weekend in the Cottage, or schedule a tour to walk the grounds.