Getting married is a big life event, and the process of planning a wedding can be both exciting and daunting. Many couples choose to tie the knot in their local courthouse, which can be a great option for those who prefer a simple and quick wedding ceremony.
If you are considering getting married at the DC Courthouse, you may be wondering what the process entails. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about getting married at the DC Courthouse, from obtaining a marriage license to the wedding ceremony itself.
Obtaining a Marriage License
Before you can get married at the DC Courthouse, you must obtain a marriage license. To do this, you will need to visit the Marriage Bureau, which is located in Room JM-690 of the Moultrie Courthouse. The Marriage Bureau is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
To apply for a marriage license, both you and your partner must appear in person at the Marriage Bureau. You will need to fill out a paper application, which includes basic information about yourselves, such as your full name, date of birth, and address.
In addition to the application, you will need to provide the following documents:
– A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
– Your social security number
– If you have been married previously, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse
Once you have completed the application and provided the necessary documents, you will need to pay a fee of $45 for the marriage license. The license is valid for 90 days, so you will need to get married within that timeframe.
The Wedding Ceremony
After you have obtained your marriage license, you can schedule your wedding ceremony at the DC Courthouse. The court offers two types of ceremonies: civil ceremonies and private ceremonies.
Civil ceremonies are held on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. These ceremonies are performed by a judge and are open to the public. Civil ceremonies are free of charge, but you must bring two witnesses with you.
Private ceremonies are held in a separate room and are performed by a court-appointed officiant. These ceremonies are not open to the public and are available by appointment. Private ceremonies cost $35 and do not require witnesses.
Regardless of which type of ceremony you choose, you will need to bring your marriage license with you to the courthouse on the day of the wedding. You should arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time to allow for check-in and security screening.
Tips for a Smooth Wedding Day
Getting married at the DC Courthouse can be a great option for couples who want to keep things simple and stress-free. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly:
– Dress appropriately: While courthouse weddings are generally more casual than traditional weddings, you should still dress nicely for the occasion. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or inappropriate for a formal setting.
– Bring your witnesses: If you are having a civil ceremony, be sure to bring two witnesses with you. They should be over the age of 18 and have a government-issued ID with them.
– Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and check-in at the courthouse. Arriving at least 30 minutes early can help ensure that you are on time for your wedding ceremony.
– Be prepared for crowds: The DC Courthouse can be a busy place, especially during peak wedding season. Be prepared to wait in line and be patient with the courthouse staff.
Conclusion
Getting married at the DC Courthouse can be a simple and stress-free way to tie the knot. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain your marriage license and schedule your wedding ceremony with ease. Whether you opt for a civil ceremony or a private ceremony, remember to dress appropriately, arrive early, and be prepared for a busy courthouse. With a little bit of planning, your wedding day at the DC Courthouse can be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
FAQ
Do I need witnesses to get married in DC?
In Washington, DC, witnesses are not required for marriages using a DC marriage license. The only thing needed for the marriage to be legal is the signature of the authorized, registered wedding officiant whose name is printed on your marriage license. The officiant must be registered with the DC courts in order to perform weddings, and their name and registration number should be printed on your marriage license.
That being said, some couples may choose to include witnesses as part of their ceremony for sentimental or traditional reasons. Having a witness sign the marriage license can also serve as an added layer of verification for legal purposes. However, if a couple chooses not to have witnesses, their marriage will still be legally recognized as long as the officiant signs and files the marriage license with the DC courts.
It is important to note that while witnesses are not mandatory for DC weddings, there may be different requirements in other locations. If you are planning to get married in another state or country, it is important to check local marriage laws and requirements to ensure that your marriage will be legally recognized. Additionally, some religious institutions may have their own requirements for witnesses or additional documentation for marriage ceremonies based on their specific traditions and beliefs. It is always best to check with your officiant or religious leader to determine what is needed for your specific situation.
How do you get married to the justice of peace in DC?
Getting married at the DC justice of peace is a relatively straightforward process. In order to get married to the justice of peace in DC, you must obtain a marriage license first. The couple can apply for a marriage license either in-person or online through the DC Marriage Bureau. The online application can be found on the DC Marriage Bureau’s website.
To apply for a marriage license online, both parties to the marriage must create a DC Marriage Bureau account. Once logged in, the online application will need to be completed followed by the submission of both parties’ government-issued identification. One thing to remember when applying for a marriage license online is that it may take up to five days to process the application before the license is issued.
If you prefer to apply for your marriage license in-person, you can visit the DC Marriage Bureau’s office at 500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 4485 Washington, DC 20001. The office is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Once the marriage license is issued, the couple can contact the DC justice of peace to officiate the marriage ceremony. The DC Court website provides a list of approved officiants, including justice of the peace, that can be contacted to conduct the wedding ceremony.
During the wedding ceremony, it is important that both parties and at least one witness sign the marriage certificate, which will be provided by the officiant. After the wedding, the officiant will return the marriage certificate to the DC Marriage Bureau who will then proceed to file it with the DC Superior Court.
To get married to the justice of the peace in DC, one must first obtain a marriage license through the DC Marriage Bureau either online or in-person. Once the license is issued, the couple can contact an approved officiant to conduct the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, it is essential to ensure that the marriage certificate is signed by the newlyweds and a witness then returned to the DC Marriage Bureau for filing.
How quickly can you get married in DC?
If you want to get married in the District of Columbia, the process can be relatively quick and simple. The first step is to apply for a marriage license at the Marriage Bureau of the Superior Court of DC. You can apply in person or online, with both options requiring a fee payment. The current fee for a marriage license application is $45, payable by credit or debit card, or cash.
When you apply for your marriage license, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and age, such as a driver’s license or passport. You’ll also need to provide the name of your officiant, or the person who will perform the wedding ceremony. If you have not yet selected an officiant, you can still apply for your marriage license, but it cannot be issued until you provide this information.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your marriage license on the same day, as long as all the necessary information has been provided. This means that if you apply early enough in the day and have all your documents, you could potentially get married the same day. However, keep in mind that if you plan to get married in DC, you’ll need to have a licensed officiant perform the ceremony, which requires some coordination in advance.
It’s also worth noting that DC law requires a waiting period of three business days between when you receive your marriage license and when the wedding ceremony can take place. This means that if you apply for your marriage license on a Monday, the earliest you can get married is Thursday. However, the waiting period can be waived in some cases, such as for military personnel or in emergency situations.
Getting married in DC can be a relatively quick process if all the necessary information is provided and you have a licensed officiant lined up for the ceremony. You can receive your marriage license the same day you apply, although there is a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can take place, which can be waived in some situations.