Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Pennsylvania.
Get Ordained NowBest months for an outdoor ceremony here: June, August & September (avg 70°F)
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Charnita Lake, Kaiser Lake & Lake Heritage
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Pennsylvania's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Pennsylvania since 2014. The story of marriage equality in Pennsylvania →
Plan ahead3 days waiting period after getting the license · 2 witnesses must sign · self-uniting licenses available (no officiant legally required — though we know where you can find one)
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
Pennsylvania is a legal gray area for online ordinations. Acceptance varies by county. Self-uniting marriage licenses are available as an alternative. Contact the county clerk before the ceremony.
Pennsylvania allows ordained ministers to perform marriages. The state also permits self-uniting marriages.
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1503Adams County Clerk's Office
117 Baltimore Street, Room 102, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Get directions →Visit website →Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the Adams County County clerk before officiating.
Confirm Requirements
Call (717) 337-9826 and confirm that Adams County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate, photo id ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the Adams County clerk within 10 days. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
No — Adams County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
The completed marriage license must be returned within 10 days. As the officiant, returning it is usually your job — don't leave it in a glovebox.
Adams County Clerk's Office — 117 Baltimore Street, Room 102, Gettysburg, PA 17325 — phone (717) 337-9826.
Get ordained with the Church of Pride. $20, instant certificate, valid for life.
Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.