PHILADELPHIA WEDDING CEREMONIES
Philadelphia Wedding Officiant for a Ceremony That Feels Like You
Personal, custom-written wedding ceremonies for couples getting married throughout Philadelphia—created around your story, your values, and the way you want the moment to feel.
PERSONAL. MEANINGFUL. YOURS.
A Wedding Ceremony That Sounds Like You
No two couples have the same story, and their ceremony shouldn’t sound the same either. Ever After Vows creates ceremonies around who you are, what matters to you, and the atmosphere you want to create for the people gathered with you.
Whether you want something romantic and heartfelt, modern and relaxed, faith-centered, completely non-religious, or somewhere in between, your ceremony is shaped around the two of you—not pulled from a one-size-fits-all script.
The goal is simple: when your ceremony ends, it should feel unmistakably like yours.
A Ceremony for the Way You Want to Get Married
Ever After Vows offers several ways to make your marriage official in Philadelphia, from fully personalized wedding ceremonies to intimate elopements, simple license signings, and vow renewals.
Custom Wedding Ceremonies
Personalized, custom-written ceremonies built around your story, values, and the way you want the moment to feel.
Elopements & Micro-Weddings
Intimate, meaningful ceremonies for couples planning something smaller, simpler, and still completely personal.
Marriage License Signings
A simple, professional option when you want to make your marriage official without planning a full wedding ceremony.
Vow Renewals
A warm, personal ceremony honoring the life you’ve built together and the promises you still choose to make.
A Few Things to Know Before the Ceremony
Getting married in Philadelphia is straightforward, but a few local details are worth knowing before your wedding day.
01
Your Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at Philadelphia City Hall, Room 413, to apply for a marriage license. Walk-ins are currently accepted until 3:15 PM on weekdays, or couples may make an appointment. A regular license costs $90, becomes valid on the third day after you apply, and remains valid for 60 days.
02
After the Ceremony
For a regular Pennsylvania marriage license, your officiant signs the completed license and returns it to Philadelphia’s Marriage License Department within 10 days.
03
Planning a Park Ceremony?
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation requires a permit for wedding ceremonies and professional wedding photography on Parks & Rec property. The city requires the application at least 14 days in advance. Its 2026 guidance also says Rittenhouse Square is not approved for wedding ceremonies or wedding photography, and the Azalea Garden is not approved for wedding ceremonies.
From Center City to the Waterfront
Philadelphia gives couples an unusually wide range of ceremony settings—from Center City architecture and neighborhood restaurants to the Delaware River waterfront, Fairmount Park, Wissahickon Valley, gardens, historic properties, and intimate city venues. Ever After Vows has recent firsthand experience at Valley Green Inn in the Wissahickon.
Center City
City architecture, hotels, rooftops, restaurants, and landmark settings in the heart of Philadelphia.
Old City & Historic Philadelphia
Historic buildings, intimate venues, and streets filled with unmistakable Philadelphia character.
Delaware River Waterfront
Riverfront settings with bridge, skyline, and waterfront views for ceremonies with a distinctly Philadelphia backdrop.
Parks & Gardens
For an outdoor ceremony in Philadelphia, choose an approved park or garden location and confirm the required permits before making plans. Garden inspiration pictured: a Pennsylvania wedding.
Recent Philadelphia Ceremonies
On September 11, 2026, Ever After Vows officiated Sabrina and Nate’s personalized wedding at Valley Green Inn beside Wissahickon Creek. Read their real wedding story to see how the ceremony came together.
WHY COUPLES CHOOSE EVER AFTER VOWS
Professional Guidance. A Personal Ceremony.
Your ceremony deserves the same care and preparation as every other part of your wedding day. Ever After Vows combines a personal approach with professional preparation, clear communication, and a calm presence when the moment arrives.
Personal, Custom-Written Ceremonies
Your ceremony is created around your story, priorities, and the way you want the moment to feel.
Ordained Minister & Professional Wedding Officiant
Experienced guidance from planning through the ceremony itself, with a calm, prepared presence on your wedding day.
Veteran-Owned & Fully Insured
A professional business built around preparation, reliability, and taking the responsibility of your ceremony seriously.
Member of IAPWO
Professional member of the International Association of Professional Wedding Officiants.
What Our Couples Say
“We LOVED that he had included a questionnaire that allowed us to tell him more about ourselves which he weaved into our ceremony as if he knew us for years! … We had so many wonderful compliments and guests telling us how moving the ceremony was—exactly the vibe that we wanted!”
Sabrina & Nathan
Valley Green Inn, Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA WEDDING OFFICIANT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a marriage license in Philadelphia?
Both applicants apply through Philadelphia’s Marriage License Department. The license becomes valid on the third day after you apply and remains valid for 60 days from the issue date. For the full process, see our Pennsylvania Marriage License Guide.
Can I use a Philadelphia marriage license anywhere in Pennsylvania?
Yes. A marriage license issued in Philadelphia may be used for a ceremony anywhere in Pennsylvania. A Pennsylvania marriage license cannot be used for a ceremony outside the state.
Who can officiate a wedding in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia follows Pennsylvania law on who may solemnize a marriage. Pennsylvania law identifies several categories of authorized officiants, including certain judges and religious officials. We cover the subject in more detail in Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Pennsylvania?
What happens to our marriage license after the ceremony?
With a regular marriage license, the officiant completes and signs the appropriate marriage certificate and returns the duplicate for recording to the court that issued the license within 10 days. If Philadelphia County issued the license, contact that county for certified marriage records once the marriage is recorded; otherwise, request records from the county that issued the license. For optional post-wedding updates, see our Pennsylvania Name-Change Guide.
Do we need a permit for an outdoor wedding in a Philadelphia park?
If your ceremony is on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation property, a wedding ceremony permit is required. The city requires applications at least 14 days in advance. Current 2026 guidance specifically excludes Rittenhouse Square from wedding ceremonies and wedding photography and excludes the Azalea Garden from wedding ceremonies.
Can we have a small or simple wedding ceremony in Philadelphia?
Absolutely. Ever After Vows offers everything from personalized wedding ceremonies to intimate elopements and micro-weddings, and simple marriage-license signings, so the ceremony can be shaped around the kind of day you actually want.
READY TO PLAN YOUR PHILADELPHIA CEREMONY?
Let’s Make Your Ceremony Feel Like You
Tell me a little about your wedding and I’ll help you choose the ceremony option that fits your plans, your style, and the kind of moment you want to create.
Also serving couples in Montgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, Berks County, and Lancaster County. Explore all areas we serve.