Wedding Costs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two major wedding markets with distinct personalities — Philadelphia's historic elegance and Pittsburgh's revitalized industrial charm. The Pittsburgh cookie table tradition, where guests bring homemade cookies, is one of the most unique regional wedding customs. Pennsylvania Dutch country adds a third dimension of rustic charm.

$35,000

Average Wedding Cost

$10,500

Average Venue Cost

160

Average Guest Count

+6%

vs National Average

Cost Index: 1.06x

A cost index of 1.06x means weddings in Pennsylvania cost approximately 6% more than the national average.

Popular Wedding Venues in Pennsylvania

  • The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Philadelphia)
  • Phipps Conservatory (Pittsburgh)
  • Tyler Arboretum (Media)
  • The Hotel Hershey (Hershey)

Marriage License Requirements in Pennsylvania

License Fee

$60-$90 (varies by county)

Waiting Period

3 days

Blood Test Required

No

Minimum Age

18 (under 18 prohibited since 2020)

License Valid For

60 days

Pennsylvania banned marriage under 18 in 2020. Self-uniting marriages (Quaker tradition) are legal.

Local Wedding Traditions

  • Cookie table tradition (Pittsburgh)
  • Philadelphia cheesesteak late-night snack
  • Quaker self-uniting marriages
  • Pennsylvania Dutch hex sign decor

Best Seasons to Marry

  • Late Spring (May-June)
  • Fall (September-October)

Off-season weddings can save 20-40% on venue and vendor costs.