outside wedding

xomallory

hey all!

Im getting married in September and we want a former teacher of ours to marry us. Has anyone done this before and could give us guidance? How do you recommend he get ordained? What else do we have to do? Im new to this whole thing and I want to make sure we do everything right!

I was thinking about getting married in Grand View Park on Mount Washington, has anyone been there? Or any other suggestions on pretty place to get married?

Thank you!

emilyb213

In Pennsylvania, you do not need an ordained minister to marry you. There is a specific license, called a self-uniting license, that allows you, your fiance, and two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. You have to ask for it specifically when you apply for your marriage license. That would be an option for you; that way, your former teacher can "officiate" the ceremony, he or she just won't sign the marriage license.

As far as ceremony locations, I highly suggest looking into Mellon Park. They have a gorgeous walled garden there that I believe rents for about $150 for a ceremony. We did our engagement pictures there in May and I loved the way they turned out. 

Here's a link to the park's website & pictures: http://www.pittsburghparks.org/mellonparkphotos