Obtaining a Marriage License
To begin: The marriage license must be used in the jurisdiction in which it was issued.
DC Marriage License
The DC Marriage Bureau, Moultrie Courthouse, DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington DC; will process marriage licenses for couples planning to marry within the District of Columbia.
Here what you need to know:
- Know who’s officiating your marriage (their name is required on the marriage license application)
- Minimum age 18 years old. 16 year old need parental/guardian consent.
- Complete marriage license application – done in person (fastest option) or online (must follow-up).
- Both parties in the marriage must provide identification: current driver’s license, government-issued non-driver’s ID, passport, or military ID.
- If either of the applicants is at least 16 years old, they must provide proof of the parent or guardian’s consent.
- The total cost for processing a DC marriage license application is $45.00, which includes a $35 marriage license application fee and a $10 certificate fee. Application fee is waived for those with a DC Domestic Partnership Certificate.
- There is no waiting period, and hence couples can obtain their marriage certificate and get married on the same day.
- DC marriage license must be used in Washington, DC only.
You can apply for your DC marriage license onlne. Allow up to 8 weeks to receive your marriage certificate electronically.
If you would like to speak directly to our officiant for personalized instructions, please schedule a Q&A session $19.99 (5 minutes).
Maryland Marriage License
To obtain a marriage license in Maryland, you must acquire one from the county or city where you plan to get married. If your wedding is in Prince George’s County, you must apply for a license in that county. This is the same for all counties and cities in Maryland.
What you need to know:
- Minimum age 18 years old.
- Complete marriage license application – done in person or online.
- Both parties in the marriage must provide identification: current driver’s license, government-issued non-driver’s ID, passport, or military ID, birth certificate.
- One of the parties to the marriage can apply.
- The cost for processing a MD marriage license application vary from one jurdiction to the next.
- There is a 48 hour waiting period from the date of issue.
Unfortunately, you cannot apply for your Maryland marriage license online; you must apply in person. Maryland marriage licenses are governed by city or county regulations, and the marriage must occur within the jurisdiction where the license was obtained.
Example: Prince George’s County marriage license, must be used in Prince George’s County.
If you would like to speak directly to our officiant for personalized instructions, please schedule a Q&A session $19.99 (5 minutes).
Virginia Marriage License
To obtain a marriage license in Virginia, you can apply at any VA marriage bureau that convient. The license can be used throughout the state. Here’s what to do:- The couple has to be present the day of application.
- Minimum age 18 years old.
- Complete marriage license application – in person or online.
- Both parties in the marriage must provide identification: current driver’s license, government-issued non-driver’s ID, passport, or military ID.
- Cost for processing the VA marriage license application $35.00.
- There is no waiting period. So you can get married the same day.
- Virginia marriage license must be used in Virginia.
- Both parties to the marriage must apply in person together.
We hope this information is useful for you, and we wish you all the best as you prepare for your special day.
