Are you planning to get married in the District of Columbia? If so, you will need to know the answer to this question. Luckily, the process of legally getting married in DC is relatively straightforward.
First, you will need to get a marriage license. The District of Columbia Marriage Bureau is located in the Moultrie Courthouse, JM 690. You can apply for a marriage license online or in person.
To apply in person, both parties must be present and have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide your social security number and date of birth. If either party has been previously married, you will need to provide the date of divorce or date of death of the previous spouse.
There is a 3-day waiting period before the license can be picked up, and the license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The fee for a marriage license is $45.
Once you have your marriage license, you can get married anywhere in the District of Columbia. Many couples choose to get married in one of the many beautiful and historic venues scattered throughout the city.
One popular option is the DC War Memorial, located on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial. This beautiful open-air venue provides a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies and is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Another popular option is the Spanish Steps, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. This intimate outdoor space features a beautiful fountain and is a perfect spot for small, intimate ceremonies.
For those looking for a more traditional indoor venue, DC offers numerous churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions that can host wedding ceremonies. Some of the most popular options include the Washington National Cathedral, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the St. Regis Washington, DC.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unconventional, DC has plenty of options for that too. How about getting married at the National Museum of American History? Or at the Smithsonian Castle? Or even on a boat cruising down the Potomac River?
No matter what your style or budget, DC offers a variety of options for getting legally married in the nation’s capital. So why not make your special day even more special by tying the knot in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world?
FAQ
Can you get married online in Washington DC?
Yes, you can get married online in Washington DC. In fact, Washington DC is one of the few jurisdictions in the United States that allow legal marriages online, with some restrictions. This makes it a convenient and easy option for couples who want to get married without having to physically go to a courthouse or other wedding venue.
To get married online in Washington DC, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the DC Marriage Bureau. You can apply for a marriage license online, and once you receive it, you can schedule an online ceremony with a registered DC marriage officiant. The officiant will then perform the ceremony via video conference and sign the necessary paperwork to make your marriage legally binding.
It’s worth noting that there are some restrictions to getting married online in Washington DC. For example, you must be physically present within the District of Columbia at the time you apply for your marriage license, and at least one member of the couple must be a resident of the District of Columbia. Additionally, there are some requirements around age and legal capacity that must be met.
That said, if you are eligible to get married online in Washington DC, it can be a convenient and efficient way to tie the knot. You’ll get all the legal rights and benefits of a traditional marriage, but without having to deal with the hassle of finding a venue or officiant in person. Additionally, some couples may find that an online ceremony allows them to customize their wedding experience in unique and creative ways.
Do I need witnesses to get married in DC?
In the District of Columbia, witnesses are not required for marriages using a Washington, DC marriage license. Unlike some other states where two witnesses may be required to sign the marriage license, Washington, DC does not require the presence of any witnesses at the ceremony. All that is needed for the marriage to be legal is the signature of the authorized, registered wedding officiant whose name is printed on your DC marriage license.
However, it may be a good idea to have witnesses present at the ceremony to document the occasion and provide support for the couple getting married. Witnesses can be family members, friends, or other acquaintances who can attest to the wedding ceremony taking place and support the couple in their union. They can also sign a commemorative copy of the marriage certificate as a keepsake for the couple.
In cases where the couple needs someone to officiate the wedding, they can choose a variety of options. A religious official, such as a minister, rabbi or priest, can perform the ceremony, as can a judge, court commissioner, or authorized DC officiant. In Washington, DC, people who are authorized to perform wedding ceremonies as an officiant include active or retired judges, clerk of the court personnel designated by the DC Courts, and religious leaders who have been authorized by the DC government to perform marriages.
In sum, the District of Columbia does not require witnesses to be present at a wedding ceremony to make the marriage legal. All that is needed is the signature of an authorized officiant. Although having witnesses is not required, it can be a good idea to have them present for support and commemoration purposes.
How do I get married in Virginia without a ceremony?
Getting married in Virginia without a ceremony is possible, but it requires taking certain steps to ensure that you are legally recognized as married. The first step is to obtain a marriage license. Both parties must appear in person together to apply for a marriage license in Virginia. You cannot apply for a marriage license online or by mail, and you cannot apply through a proxy. Both parties must bring with them proper identification – a current, valid US driver’s license, military ID, passport, or notarized copy of a birth certificate. The marriage license application will ask for basic information about both parties, such as full names, addresses, date and place of birth, and parents’ names.
Once the marriage license is obtained, there is no requirement for a ceremony. However, the marriage license must be signed by both parties and by the person who officiates the marriage. The officiant can be anyone who is authorized by Virginia law to perform marriages, including a judge, retired judge, clerk of the court, minister, or other religious leader. If you have a friend or family member who is ordained by a religious organization, they can also be authorized to officiate your wedding in Virginia.
After the marriage ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk’s office where it was issued within five days. The clerk will then record the marriage and issue a certificate of marriage as proof of the legal marriage.
It is important to note that if you choose to get married without a ceremony in Virginia, you will be responsible for making sure that you comply with all the legal requirements for marriage. This includes obtaining a marriage license, signing the license, and returning it to the clerk’s office within the required time frame. It is also important to ensure that your officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in Virginia. By taking these steps, you can get married in Virginia without a ceremony and still have your marriage recognized as legally valid.
