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Section 1 – Marriage Requests & Obtainment of License A. General Marriage Principles 1. The Department will review inmate marriage requests provided: a. the inmate is able to satisfy all requirements for the issuance of a marriage license by the county to include interview in person or by video by a
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- Overview
- Deciding to Marry
- Arranging the Wedding
- Getting Married
Getting married can be exciting and stressful for anyone, but what if the person you love is behind bars? If so, don’t fret: many prisons allow inmates to get married. But the process will be unique since most prisons have strict rules surrounding what inmates and their guests are allowed to do. This article breaks down the most common rules and covers everything you need to know about marrying someone in prison. Keep reading to learn how weddings in prisons work, what extra paperwork might be required, and what steps to take to make your ceremony a joyful one—regardless of the circumstances.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the emotional and practical challenges of being married to an inmate, such as limited visitations and restrictions on physical contact.
Most prisons have strict rules surrounding marriages, weddings, and visitations. Talk to the warden or read the facility’s rules online before planning a ceremony.
On your wedding day, make sure to follow the prison’s dress code and obey directions from the staff. Most prisons don’t allow conjugal visits.
Make sure you’re ready to commit to someone who’s behind bars.
Love makes marriage possible, but it doesn’t make it easy—especially if the one you love is incarcerated. Before you commit, make sure you’re able to handle being separated from your partner for days or weeks at a time, if not longer. Consider your children (if you have any) and their needs, plus the emotional costs of maintaining a relationship with an inmate.
If your loved one is serving a long sentence—or a life sentence—it’s possible that you’ll spend many more years apart than you will together.
If the release date is soon, you and your spouse will have to adjust to their newfound freedom and being newly married—at the same time.
Research the prison’s rules for marriages and wedding ceremonies.
Depending on the facility, you may need to submit a written request or other paperwork before the marriage is approved. There may also be rules regarding where the ceremony is performed, if family members can be present, and whether photographs, flowers, or other traditional wedding elements are allowed.
Complete all paperwork required by the prison.
Many state and federal prisons require a
to be completed by both potential spouses before granting permission for the wedding to take place. The specific paperwork and procedures vary between facilities, so check with the warden or other appropriate prison officials to confirm what you’ll need to submit. Once your paperwork is submitted, a prison official may approve the marriage and you’ll be able to choose a date for your ceremony.
Some common paperwork requirements include proof that both potential spouses are of legal age to marry and a statement explaining why the wedding is being requested while one potential spouse is incarcerated
Your incarcerated partner may be interviewed by prison officials before the marriage is approved. This is done to confirm that the marriage will not cause safety issues for the prison or interfere with their rehabilitation.
In some cases, prison officials may request to interview you as well.
Choose wedding outfits that conform to the facility’s dress code.
As with guests and the officiant, there will likely be clothing restrictions for the marrying couple. The inmate might be required to wear their prison uniform, while the spouse coming in may not be allowed to wear a formal tuxedo or gown. Talk to the warden or check the facility’s dress code for specific guidance on wedding ceremonies.
such as low-cut necklines, spaghetti (or no) straps, exposed waistlines, etc.
Clothing with multiple places for storing contraband, such as cummerbunds and flowing skirts, might not be allowed or could result in being patted down.
Metal objects like belts, jewelry, and clothing decorations are likely to set off the metal detector.
Leave cell phones, cameras, and other contraband at home.
People also ask
Do I need a marriage license in Pennsylvania?
How do I get married in Pennsylvania?
How long does a marriage license last in Pennsylvania?
How do I get a marriage license if I am an inmate?
Employment. Department of Corrections > Inmates > Frequently Asked Questions. Frequently Asked Questions. If a loved one or friend is incarcerated at one of the 25 Department of Corrections' (DOC) state correctional institutions (SCI), his or her incarceration generates a lot of questions from family members and friends on the outside of the SCI.
Feb 9, 2024 · You need a marriage license before you can legally get married. Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills and provide the required documents, including identification. You can use your marriage license in any county in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Marriage License. If you're getting married in Pennsylvania, you must first apply for a marriage license. It'll cost you $30.50 to $90.00, and you'll have to use it within 60 days. See FAQ Offices.
Who Must Apply. 18 years of age for male and female. Who May Not Marry. Blood relatives down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of Pennsylvania. Anyone under the age of 18. For other prohibitions, check with the Clerk of Orphans' Court at 724-770-4550. When to Apply.
A marriage license may be obtained from the Clerk of Orphans' Court in any county in Pennsylvania. The ceremony need not be performed in the county in which the license was issued but must be performed in the state of Pennsylvania.
