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Who is “Licensed” to conduct weddings in Pennsylvania After recent court decisions, couples need to be very clear that their officiant is “legal” or “licensed” in Pennsylvania. Many people were getting a “quickie” license or Ordination online, then calling themselves Reverend or minister, thus being qualified to marry people in-state. However, these Ordinations were recently challenged in the court-system in Pennsylvania. The fallout of this court process is still unfolding. The wise counsel at this point is to make sure that your wedding officiant is fully qualified, credentialed and/or Ordained in an established denomination or religious society.
To be sure, Rev. Timothy Thomson-Hohl is fully Ordained and credentialed in Pennsylvania. He has been an Ordained United Methodist Minister for over 25 years. In addition, he serves as the pastor of a congregation that conducts regular worship. (www.thegardenchurch.org)
In Bucks County, as one of the stricter counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Rev. Timothy Thomson-Hohl has filed a sworn Affidavit that the following is true:
The undersigned officiant being duly sworn or affirmed according to law deposes and says that s/he is a person qualified to solemnize marriages between persons that produce a marriage license issued under the Pennsylvania Marriage Law Title 23 PA.C.S.
According to Pennsylvania Marriage Laws, 23 Pa.C.S §1503. Persons qualified to solemnize marriages. (6) A minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation.
As stated previously, Rev. Timothy Thomson-Hohl is a fully Ordained, United Methodist minister. He is therefore licensed and qualified to conduct weddings in Pennsylvania and; indeed, in every state in the country.
One final note! Despite Rev. Tim’s ordination in a major Protestant Christian denomination (UMC), he is open and understanding about different ceremony styles. This means that non-denominational and civil ceremonies are an equally valid and acceptable ceremony option for any couple.
In order to get an updated passport and possible other documents after your wedding, it may be desirable for couples to get what is called a “Legal Record”. After your wedding, a portion of your marriage license is filled out by Rev. Tim and sent to the county (PA) where the marriage took place. The copy that he leaves with you is not universally accepted as evidence of marriage. Sometimes a “Legal Record” is required, (which means a document that has a raised seal on it and can only be obtained after your marriage and after he has returned the appropriate documentation to the issuing office. There will be a fee for a Legal Record of your license. You can obtain that from the issuing office after the ceremony has been registered with that agency by Rev. Tim.
Pennsylvania - you may obtain your marriage license at any issuing office in the state and take it to any other locality within the state for the marriage ceremony. There is a 3-day waiting period after the application is complete. The license is valid for 60 days.
New Jersey - you may obtain your marriage license at any issuing office in the state and take it to any other locality within the state for the marriage ceremony. However, if you live in anywhere outside of New Jersey and are getting married in New Jersey, you must apply for your license at the same locality where the ceremony will take place.
Delaware- Delaware residents can get married 24 hours after they apply, while out-of-state residents must wait 96 hours. The license is valid for 30 days.
Both parties must be present in person in order to apply for your license. In no case can you be married outside of the state from which you obtained the license. In all cases, provide a Social Security Card along with a government-issued photo ID (such as valid drivers license) for identification. When you apply for your marriage license, you both must appear in person. Bring cash or check. If there was a prior marriage, applicants must present proof of death or divorce. The offices are open from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM weekdays only. Non-citizens must present proof of legal entry into the United States.
Bucks County (215)348-6000 – Main and Court Streets, 3rd Floor, Doylestown, PA Chester County (610)344-6335 – High and Market Streets, West Chester, PA Delaware County (610)891-4548 – Front and Veteran Square, Media, PA Montgomery County (610)292-4965 – Main, Airy and Swede Streets, Norristown, PA Philadelphia County (215)686-2233 – City Hall, Broad and Market Sts., Room 413, Philadelphia, PA
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