Eloping is an incredibly personal, deeply intimate way to say “I do.” It ensures that the day you get married is about you, and your story – and Pennsylvania is an underrated elopement destination. With gorgeous rolling landscapes, charming towns, and bustling cities, it offers so many options for your day. This guide will help you navigate the journey of planning your day, with everything you need to know to elope in Pennsylvania.
Why Elope in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a state with so many different landscapes and unique locations. There’s the vibrant, hustle and bustle energy of Philadelphia, contrasted with the peaceful quiet of the Pocono Mountains. There are the yellow bridges of Pittsburgh, and the colorful red and orange sunsets over Lake Erie. Whether you want to get married in the city and have an urban chic elopement, or a ceremony in the rolling hills of the countryside, Pennsylvania provides, with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and charming towns!
How to Legally Elope in Pennsylvania
One thing you’ll need to do to elope in Pennsylvania is to make sure your marriage is legal! Here’s what you need to know to officially tie the knot.
Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license, both you and your partner will need to go to the Country Clerk’s office. This can be done at any County Clerk’s office in the state, and you don’t need to be a resident – so choose one close to home, or close to your elopement location! Some offices, like Lancaster County, will let you fill out the application form online instead, but you will still need to go to the office in person to pick up the marriage license.
When you go to an office, make sure to bring an ID, and money for the marriage license fee – most offices accept cards, but some are still cash only. The fee depends on the county, but usually ranges from $30 to $90. You’ll need to wait three days before you can actually get married, and the marriage license expires after 60 days.
After the ceremony, the marriage license needs to be returned to the office within 10 days, and then you’re married!
Officiant and Witnesses
One thing that makes Pennsylvania a great state to elope in is that you can request a self uniting marriage license, which means no officiant required! This is perfect for couples who want to have a truly intimate ceremony that’s just the two of them. With a standard marriage license, you will need an ordained officiant to sign.
Witnesses are never required to elope in Pennsylvania!
Special Use Permits
A special use permit is sometimes required for weddings when you get married outdoors or in public spaces (as opposed to booking a private venue for your day). This will depend on where you decide to tie the knot, so make sure to look up requirements!
The Best Places to Elope in Pennsylvania
There are so many options amongst Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes, so here are a few ideas for places to elope.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is perfect for couples who want to elope in the city, and it has a rich history and lots of landmarks. Fairmount Park is a huge urban park that spans the banks of the Schuylkill River, with natural beauty and historic landmarks. Rittenhouse Square is another park that’s great for an elopement ceremony, located in the heart of the city.
Lancaster County
Lancaster Country is home to the Amish countryside, with rolling farmland and historic barns, and so many gorgeous elopement locations to choose from. Longwood Gardens is a popular botanical garden that is perfect for garden elopements!
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a really charming city in the west of Pennsylvania, with tons of museums, gardens, and more to explore. Mount Washington is a great place to elope, with views of the Pittsburgh skyline. There’s also Point State Park, which offers views of the river. The Phipps Conservatory is another great place to elope in Pennsylvania, with lush botanical gardens that make for a romantic backdrop.
The Poconos
If you want to get married out in nature, the Poconos are the perfect getaway! Bushkill Falls is a stunning waterfall great for a ceremony, and Lake Wallenpaupack is a quiet lake surrounded by forest that makes for a tranquil elopement location.
When to Elope
Part of planning your elopement is deciding when to elope! Pennsylvania definitely changes with the seasons, so make sure you pick a date that suits what you’re looking for.
The most popular times for elopements in Pennsylvania are summer and fall. Summers are warm, and the weather is great for outdoor ceremonies. But, it can be humid, and many outdoor locations are crowded. So, fall offers milder temperatures, gorgeous fall foliage, and often fewer crowds.
Winters are cold and snowy, but it can be a unique elopement experience to tie the knot in a winter wonderland.
Spring’s blooming flowers and mild temperatures are also gorgeous for elopements, but keep in mind that rain showers are likely during this time! If you want to get married in the Poconos or somewhere in the mountains of Pennsylvania, snow may not melt until the summer.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Pennsylvania?
Eloping tends to save money compared to a traditional wedding, but the biggest benefit is that it allows you to prioritize your spending, and invest in what’s important to you!
Budgeting is an important part of wedding planning no matter what, so here are some costs to consider:
- Marriage License: $30-$90
- Officiant: $100-$500, if you decide to have an officiant
- Photography: Pennsylvania elopement packages start at $2650!
- Travel: Do you need flights, a rental car?
- Accommodation: Where you’ll stay during your elopement
- Florist: $300 – $2000
- Hair and Makeup Artist: $300 – $1000
- Wedding Attire: $100-$1,000
Pennsylvania Elopement Packages
It’s not every day you plan a wedding, so I’m here to help! Elopements are uniquely charming – they’re intimate and sacred, reflecting the bond you share with your partner. Eloping offers you freedom – freedom from traditions, expectations, and conventions of the wedding industry.
As an elopement photographer, I’m here to foster your unique celebration of love – to help you plan your perfect day, no matter what that looks like, and to be your guide and your biggest fan as you step into the adventure of a lifetime!
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Pennsylvania, check out my Pinterest for elopement inspiration! And when you’re ready to take a deep breath and step into your biggest adventure yet, contact me to learn more about elopement packages.
