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Philadelphia exact answer

Are witnesses required for a marriage in Philadelphia?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In Philadelphia, two witnesses must sign a Quaker or self-uniting license, along with the couple. For a regular license the Bureau publishes no witness count; the officiant signs the license. The published wording ties this to the license type: "arrange for an officiant or witnesses, if required by your license type".

Published rule and conditions

Marriage ceremony witness rule
Two witnesses must sign a Quaker or self-uniting license, along with the couple. For a regular license the Bureau publishes no witness count; the officiant signs the license.

The published wording ties this to the license type: "arrange for an officiant or witnesses, if required by your license type".

Applies in some cases

Afterward the couple and two witnesses sign the license, the couple must return the license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days.

Issuing office

Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau, Office of the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court

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Official sources for this answer

  • Get a marriage licenseCity of Philadelphia, Register of Wills (Marriage License Department) - checked July 26, 2026

    Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills and provide the required documents, including identification. You can use your marriage license in any county in Pennsylvania. You cannot use it in another state or country. A regular marriage license costs $90. Quaker or self-uniting licenses cost $100. You will receive your license at the end of your visit. It will be valid on the third day after you apply, and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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