Your Guide to Micro Weddings in Pennsylvania
Did you know that Pennsylvania is one of the top 5 vacation destinations in the United States? With over 54,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 116 state parks it is not difficult to understand why it attracts so many visitors! In fact, for those same reasons, a growing number of engaged couples are now planning elopements and micro weddings in Pennsylvania too.
We’ve shared plenty of tips over the years for planning small weddings, but recently Lehigh Valley-based celebrant Katherine Hunter shared her take on planning elopements and micro weddings in Pennsylvania and she had some great advice! One particular statement of hers really struck a chord with the whole ethos we have here at WhereToElope.com. Katherine reminds couples, “it’s your day! So throw out the rule book and go for the flair!” Isn’t that just what eloping is all about for many couples? Having the wedding that they want without bowing to pressure from family or society as a whole! Let’s take a look at some of the other tips Katherine had to share for anyone considering a Pennsylvania elopement.
Start With The Priorities
One of the tips that Katherine shares is to start planning your micro wedding by focusing on what is most important and building everything else around that. Is there a specific place in Pennsylvania that is important to you? Is it more about a particular vibe rather than a specific place or vendor? Identify the number one priority and work from there. If you dream of a mountain elopement, start looking at The Poconos. If a romantic inn is more your style that can be your jumping-off point instead!
How Easy is Eloping in Pennsylvania?
One of the great things about choosing Pennsylvania for your micro wedding is that the legal aspect is pretty straightforward. As Katherine points out, you will need to apply for a marriage license at least four days before your wedding. Although she recommends a 2-week window just to make sure all is well! There is no residence requirement in the state. You can also apply in any county, not only the one where the wedding is going to take place. It takes 3 days for the license to ‘mature’. and then it remains valid for 60 days. Both parties do need to be over the age of 18 and you will need to show ID and a social security number when applying.
You may also be interested to know that Pennsylvania offers a ‘self-uniting’ wedding license. This does not require a recognized officiant to preside over the marriage. However, you will need to have two witnesses sign the license and you must make sure it is legally filed at the courthouse following your wedding.
Stealth Elopements & Pop-Ups
One great concept discussed in Katherine’s guide that we haven’t covered too much ourselves is the idea of a ‘stealth’ or pop-up wedding! This is a fun idea where you get married in a public place, or at a family gathering without warning! It is a great option for couples who don’t want all the fuss in the lead-up to a wedding! However, there are some warnings involved. When you hold your wedding in a public space, you have little control over what happens around you! So you will need to be pretty laid back in terms of how ‘perfect’ your moment is! Similarly, if you choose to have a stealth wedding at a family gathering it is important not to upstage the host! Avoid ambushing someone else’s birthday or graduation celebration! It’s best left to gatherings you are hosting or a generic family picnic!
Where to Have Your Micro Wedding in Pennsylvania
If you are looking for some more inspiration for Pennsylvania Elopement vendors, take a look at our listings. Bridegton House in Upper Black Eddy sits on the Delaware River and is the ideal venue for an intimate and romantic ceremony. Choose from an intimate elopement for 2 plus 2 guests in the beautiful boathouse. Alternatively, if you have a few more guests have your micro wedding at the inn as part of their New Hope Elopement package. Alternatively, head to Hummelstown, PA, and The Inn at Westwynd Farm. Romantic fairytale weddings are made easy with a range of ceremony spots on the farm from the garden waterfall to the open fireplace and everything in between.
And of course, Celebrant Katherine Hunter who inspired this blog offers her officiant services at a wide range of locations in Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, Philadelphia, and beyond, including some of the wonderful public spaces in the area.