Reading, Pennsylvania Wedding Guide
Become a Wedding Officiant in Reading as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Pennsylvania, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Reading as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Pennsylvania, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Take a drive in Reading, Pennsylvania’s and observe its rich history, from the beautiful Centre Park Historic District to the various houses and homesteads that have been well-preserved since the 18th century. Yes, this town is full of old landmarks that make it a treasure trove for a history buff -- and for a couple-to-be. If you’re looking for a historic place to say “I do,” Pennsylvania’s Americana region is the perfect choice.
But before you get too wrapped up in planning your classic Pennsylvania wedding, let’s get the logistics of your big day squared away. Here in our guide, we have everything you need to know about how to get married in Berks County, plus, how to get your officiant-of-choice ordained.
Let’s start with the ordainment process. According to Pennsylvania state law, “every religious society, religious institution or religious organization in this Commonwealth may join persons together in marriage when at least one of the persons is a member of the society, institution or organization, according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization.”
If you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
The Pennsylvania government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you’re signed up with us, you’re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!
Now that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.
When it comes to the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain it, but just be sure to double check that they have a valid marriage license before you perform the ceremony. Then, be sure to help them complete it and notarize it correctly on the day of the wedding.
The bottom portion of the marriage license will then need to be mailed to the office or dropped off in their lobby’s drop-box at the Register of Wills, 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor. Either you or the couple can take care of this task. The office asks that you do so within 7 days of the ceremony date.
For The
Couple
Now let’s turn our attention to the couple’s responsibilities.
For the foreseeable future, couples can no longer apply for their marriage licenses in person. Instead, the county clerk’s office is scheduling video conference appointments.
To obtain your marriage license, schedule a time with the county clerk’s office within 45 days of your wedding date. After you have completed and submitted your online marriage license application, you can call the office at (610) 478-6617 Monday through Friday between 8:30am to 4:00pm, or email them at [email protected].
Note that you will need to have your wedding officiant chosen before your appointment.
Complete your online application here by clicking on the Register of Wills/Orphans’ Court Online Service. Use the “Log in as Guest” option to access the e-File Marriage Application. Enter the information for each box for each applicant.
When the application is complete and you have proofread your information to make sure it is correct, click “Submit” and make a note of your Transaction Number.
Next, click “Print Confirmation.” You must have a printed copy ready for your appointment.
Now, you’re ready for your video conference. Before the appointment, make sure you have the following ready:
Note that you and your partner will need to be in the same place at the same time when it comes time for your FaceTime or Zoom call.
After the video conference is over, you will need to mail in your completed application to Register of Wills, 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor S.C., Reading, PA 19601. To speed up the process, you can hand-deliver it to the services center’s drop box in the lobby of the previously listed address.
After the office processes your application, you will be mailed your actual marriage license, which your officiant will help you complete on the day of your wedding.
Issuance Office: Register of Wills, 633 Court Street
Fee: $65
Waiting Period: 3 days
Expiration: 60 days
Return: By mail or use of drop-box within 7 days
For The Couple
& Officiant
Now that we have the logistics out of the way, let’s get into the wedding planning tips, starting with how to choose your wedding date. It’s always a good idea to avoid picking a day of a major festival or charity run if you want to avoid traffic and parking problems. So be sure to check some local events calendars to be sure your venue of choice isn’t nextdoor to, say, the week-long Jazz Festival that takes place every April in Reading.
Speaking of venues, let's talk about some of our favorite spots in Reading.
As a historic landmark in Reading, the Inn at Centre Park is one of the area’s most sought after wedding venues. This three-story Gothic Revival mansion, built almost 150 years ago, is the perfect place to host any classy celebration. And you’ll be surprised at the reasonable rental rates!
For something a little more rustic, check out the Barn at Flying Hills in rural Berks County. Its exposed stone walls, vaulted beamed ceilings, chandeliers, and grand wall of windows overlooking the outdoor garden are just some of the charming features that make this spot one of our favorites.
If you want to get around Reading on the cheap, check out BARTA’s website for bus routes and schedules. Otherwise, Lyft and Uber are dependable options in the area.
Summers in Reading get quite hot and humid, while winters are very cold and often snowy. Generally, the city is wet and partly cloudy most of the time, so you may want to consider an indoor wedding, or wait to host your wedding until June or early July, when the weather is dry, but not too hot, or until September, when the beautiful foliage is beginning to set in. However, you’ll find that there is more competition for venues and higher hotel prices during these times.
For The Couple
& Officiant
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!