Wedding couple in conflict on their big day

 

Federal Government Shutdown Closes  DC Marriage Bureau

When the government shuts down, it doesn’t just affect politics — it affects couples who need the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau to issue their marriage license. Whether a couple plans to marry at the courthouse or with an officiant outside of it, no license means no legal marriage.

For my couples, this shutdown has created two problems:

 

  1. They can’t get married on their designated day because they can’t get a marriage license.

  2. They’re left feeling anxious about whether their plans will move forward.

 

Some have even asked for refunds — but the real issue isn’t the contract, it’s the license. Without that license, everything is on hold until the bureau reopens.

 


 

About the Marriage License

I always advise my couples who are planning a formal wedding to apply for their marriage license in advance — at least a week ahead of time. In Washington, DC, the earlier you apply, the more peace of mind you’ll have, because the license never expires.

Now here’s where last-minute couples run into trouble:

 

  • Online applications can take weeks to process, sometimes longer if couples aren’t tracking the status carefully.

  • Many couples traveling from out of town choose to wait until they arrive in DC to apply in person.

  • Local couples, on the other hand, usually have the option to apply early and avoid the stress of delays.

 

Planning ahead makes all the difference, especially when unexpected closures like a government shutdown hit.

 


 

Legal Alternatives

 

  • Virginia allows same-day marriages once a license is issued.

  • Maryland requires a 48-hour waiting period.

 

Those are the only alternatives if the DC Marriage Bureau is closed. Without a license, no legal marriage can take place.

 


 

Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns
Maryland Wedding Officiant | Spiritual Minister
Startum Ceremonies