In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is legal for couples to unite themselves in marriage, in front of witnesses, without an officiant needing to sign the marriage license. Blasphemous? Exactly the opposite. Self-uniting marriages have been an accepted means of getting married for Quakers in Pennsylvania since 1682. Quakers believe that marriage should be between the couple and God, without needing an intermediary. So, what is the difference between a self-uniting marriage license and a regular marriage license?
When you go to the marriage bureau to get a license, tell them that you want a Self-Uniting license. These licenses sometimes cost a little more than the type that requires an officiant.
A Self-Uniting License requires both members of the couple plus two witnesses to sign the license on the day of your wedding.
Some couples self-unite by creating and conducting their own ceremonies. Other couples ask a friend or relative to create and conduct the ceremony as the couple self-unites. (A caution: Not all friends or family members are good at conducting ceremonies.)
If you do want to self-unite, consider asking Celebrant Robin to create your ceremony or guide you through the writing. Then, you can use that ceremony as you unite each other wherever and whenever you choose.
Celebrant Robin 