Having photographed a ton of small weddings and elopements in the Pittsburgh area, I thought it would be helpful to provide some tips and tricks on planning the perfect elopement in the area. If you’re planning on tying the knot a bit more under the radar, this guide is for you! Eloping in Pennsylvania is relatively straightforward and can be a beautiful and intimate way to get married. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your elopement:
1. Obtain a Marriage License
- Application: Visit the courthouse or register of wills in the county where you want to apply for your marriage license. Both parties must appear in person to apply.
- Documents: Bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. Some counties may require a certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of divorce (if applicable).
- Waiting Period: Pennsylvania has a three-day waiting period after you apply for the license before you can use it. Make sure you account for this in your planning of events!
- License Fee: The fee varies by county, typically ranging from $40 to $90. Check with your county’s office for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
- Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days.
2. Choose a Location
Pittsburgh has stunning options for an elopement, and a few which are really popular including:
- Allegheny County Courthouse: This downtown Pittsburgh courthouse is a favorite for a lot of couples because of the grand architecture and no fee for a weekday elopement!
- Phipps Conservatory: You’ll have to pay to rent the space, but the Broderie Room is especially beautiful for intimate wedding ceremonies. It can also seat a small crowd if you’re inviting a few of your closest.
- Mt. Washington Overlooks: I’ve had a handful of couples who plan to get married on the overlook with the city skyline in the background. You just walk up and get married! Note that there could, of course, be local on-lookers during the ceremony, but that’s the tradeoff
- North Shore: Akin to the Mt. Washington Overlooks, getting married on Pittsburgh’s North Shore offers a beautiful view and then you can walk around to the Yellow Bridges for photos
3. Select an Officiant
- Traditional Officiants: Pennsylvania allows ordained ministers, priests, or other religious figures to officiate weddings.
- Self-Uniting License: Pennsylvania is one of the few states that allows couples to marry themselves without an officiant using a self-uniting marriage license. Tons of my couples do this. You may need a specific “Self Uniting” Marriage certificate, and you’ll need two witnesses! During the ceremony, you just need to declare your love and intent to marry each other and then make it as personal as you’d like. Once you sign the document with your witnesses – you’re married! Got to love that Pennsylvania offers this option!
4. Hire Vendors
- Photographer: Capture your special day with a professional photographer – me! I offer hourly packages for elopements, so you don’t need to book a ‘full wedding package’. Typically, we photograph portraits, ceremony, and then a bit of a reception dinner if you are planning to host one locally on the same day. Typical coverage is 2-4 hours, but sometimes up to 6. It all depends on how much portrait time you want and where things are taking place.
- Florist: A bouquet or floral arrangement adds a romantic touch. A few local florists in the area offer single bouquets and personal flowers – one of my favorites is The Little Flower. She’s great!
5. Plan the Ceremony
- Write personal vows if you want to – and usually my elopement and small wedding clients want this! That’s why they have a small wedding in the first place!
- Decide whether to include a few close friends or family members as wedding party. I have had some couples who may just have a 20 person ‘guest list’, but they still include a wedding party to have their friends be a part of something special.
6. File the Marriage License
- After the ceremony, ensure the officiant (or yourselves, if using a self-uniting license) signs the license and submits it to the county within the required timeframe.
Tips for Eloping in Pennsylvania:
- Weather: If planning an outdoor elopement, consider the season and potential weather conditions.
- Permits: Some public parks or historical sites may require a permit for ceremonies. Make sure to check on this!
- Celebrate After: Plan a romantic dinner or mini-reception to celebrate the day. Some of my couples will go to local restaurants, which often have a small gathering room and host a dinner with their close friends and family. Usually for these events, if included I will photograph guest photos, toasts, a cake cutting, and sometimes a first dance before heading out for the evening.
