Introduction
Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding day in the nation’s capital? Washington DC is the perfect backdrop to celebrate your special day and there are plenty of ways to get married here. Whether you want a traditional ceremony or something more unique, here’s what you need to know about getting married in Washington DC. When you're ready to hire a DC wedding photographer, you can send us a message here!
Getting Your Marriage License
The first step towards getting married in DC is obtaining your marriage license. You and your partner will need to appear in person at the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau with valid forms of identification and proof that you are both over 18 years old. Depending on where you live, there may be additional requirements such as blood tests or waiting periods, so make sure to check ahead of time. Once you have obtained your marriage license, it will be valid for 60 days after the issue date.
Can you get married on the same day?
Same Day Weddings Are Possible! Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and if you and your partner are planning to tie the knot in Washington, DC, you may be wondering if same-day weddings are possible. The answer is yes! You can get married in Washington, DC on the same day that you apply for a marriage license. Here’s everything you need to know about getting married in DC quickly and easily.
Getting Married in the Courthouse
You can get married right in your local courthouse! The first step is to make sure that both parties have the necessary documents for getting married at the courthouse. You’ll need to bring your drivers license, birth certificate, and social security card. In some cases, you may also need additional paperwork such as divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable. Make sure to check with your county clerk or court office ahead of time so that you can have all these documents prepared before your big day.
Find an Officiant
The second step is finding an officiant for your ceremony. Depending on where you live, there may be an officiant already assigned to perform your ceremony; however, if that isn’t available, then you’ll want to find one yourself. Most counties require that an ordained minister or judge performs the ceremony so make sure whoever you choose meets those requirements.
Planning Your Ceremony
When planning out your ceremony, there are plenty of options available in Washington DC! From luxurious ballrooms and historic venues like The White House and The Capitol Building, to outdoor spaces like parks and gardens—the possibilities are endless! Make sure to create a timeline for yourselves so that everything runs smoothly on the day of—from rehearsals and decorations, all the way down to cake cutting and photos.
Conclusion
Getting married in Washington DC is an exciting experience that requires some planning ahead. From obtaining your marriage license at the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau, finding an officiant who can legally marry you two together, all the way down to planning out every detail of your ceremony—it takes work but it’s worth it when it comes time for that magical moment when you exchange vows! With so many beautiful venues throughout the city and lots of friendly vendors ready to help make your dreams come true – let this be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!
