How to Get Married in Washington DC – Frequently Asked Questions

The DC Marriage License

Do I need a witness to marry in Washington DC?

No! When marrying in Washington DC, witnesses to the marriage are NOT required.  This make it easy for couples to marry quickly in our Nations Capital.

How do I get a DC marriage license?

• Decide who will officiate your marriage prior to applying for your DC marriage license.

  • There are 3 options:

    • Court (Civil Wedding via WEBEX)

    • Self (one of the parties to the marriage)

    • Officiant (must be registered with the DC Court)

Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns is an authorized officiant and ready to assist you.  

Apply: In person or On-line

In person

• Arrive at the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau (address below) between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue, NW
Room JM-690
Washington, DC 20001

• Sign-in (be prepared to wait at least an hour)

• Wait for your name to be called, but remember who was there before you arrive.  This will help, if your name is skipped.

• Each party to the marriage must have one proof of current identification, such as:

  • US driver’s license

  • US government issued non-driver’s identification

  • US Military ID (current)

  • Passport

• You will also need to bring payment of $45 for your DC marriage license.  The fee can be paid in cash, credit or debit card.  Bonus:  a $35 marriage license application fee is waived for those who are already registered as Domestic Partners in the District of Columbia.

• Before you Go:  Check How Many People are in Line at the DC Marriage Bureau.

Online

• Time and patience are required for online applications.  It’s user friendly.  For those who love tutorials, here’s ours.

• If you change your mind, and decide to complete your marriage license in person, allow 5 business days for the deputy clerk to receive your electronic information.  Otherwise you will have to complete the paperwork again.

Is there a waiting period to use the DC marriage license?

No!  The DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau eliminate the 3 day waiting period in January 2015.  Now you can get your Washington DC marriage license the same day and get married the same day.  DC now joins other states that offer same day marriages.

Do we have to be a resident of Washington DC to marry there?

No! Residency is not required to marry in the District of Columbia.  People from all over the world marry in Washington DC.

How long does it take to get a Washington DC marriage license?

If you apply in person, you will get your DC marriage license the same day you apply.  Allot 1-2 hours for this process.  So bring a good book.

If you apply online, the turnaround time is unknown.  So reach out to the DC Marriage Bureau at (202) 879-4840 in 2 weeks to check your status.

In order to complete our DC marriage license application, we must record the name of our officiant, how can we determine who that will be?

• If you are planning on marrying at the DC marriage bureau, then you can leave that section of the marriage license application blank.

• In Washington DC, you can act as your own officiant if you like.  If so, both parties to the marriage must appear before deputy clerk at the time the DC marriage license application is submitted.

• You can also have a friend or family member become a temporary officiant.

• If you’re using our services, you have already found a reliable DC wedding officiant, Starlene Joyner Burns.

If I wanted to get a certified copy of the DC marriage license while I am in town, can I do this?

Yes you can, as long as the:

• officiant is willing to give you the court’s return copy and the addendum

• DC marriage bureau is open to process your request

How do I get a certified copy of my DC marriage license if I’m not hand delivering it?

The DC Marriage Bureau provides written instructions on how to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate within the package of material you get with your DC marriage certificate.

• • after 2 weeks you can request a certified copy of your DC marriage license by mail

  • you will have to submit a written request for a certified copy (see yellow card that came with your package)

  • this request is sent to the DC Marriage Bureau at 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001

  • you will have to enclosed the appropriate amount of money for each copy (no personal checks)

  • receiving a certified copy of the marriage certificate is not automatically done, so you have to take action

  • it can take up to 6 weeks to get a certified copy (if you need help immediately, contact us)

What documents will the Washington DC marriage bureau accept if my partner does not have a social security number or a drivers license?

A current passport.

Can you explain the terms used by the DC Marriage Bureau for a marriage license?

Marriage License Package: This is the large white envelope you receive once you have paid $45. It includes one marriage license certificate signed by the court clerk, a court return copy, addendum, yellow card to request certified copies, and an envelope.

Application: Available both online and in hard copy, this is the form used to apply for a marriage license.

Marriage License: This is the certificate you receive to legally marry in the District of Columbia. Once you have legally married in DC, your certificate will be signed by the officiant.

Certified Copy: This is the marriage certificate used to prove that you are legally married. This document is released by the court once the signed court return copy and addendum are received, and you have made a request for it along with payment.

Getting Married in DC – The Ceremony

What types of wedding services are available to couples getting married in DC?

Startum offers the following services: weddings,  tiny events,  service, elopements, and signature services.

If I wanted to get married indoors, what are my options?

To name a few, Our DC wedding chapel, a private room in a restaurant, the Women’s Museum, open parks, and there are plenty Inns in DC that allow weddings and elopements.

How do we book your company for our event?

You can book our services by using this form.  In the additional detail section, note the follow “we’re ready to reserve your services.”

After I’m married, how can I change my name?

You have to put in the leg work to change your name.  A certified copy of the marriage license is needed.

Here’s where you will be submitting a name change request:

• social security administration

• department of motor vehicle

• US passport

• employer/payroll

• 401K/retirement plans

• bank accounts/checkbook, credit card companies

• landlord/mortgage company

• utility companies (phone, cable, gas, electric, etc.),

• doctor, dentist, health provider

• US postal service

• life, auto & home insurance

• investment companies

• voter registration

• memberships

• frequent flyer cards

• legal contracts, and wills

If I am planning an outdoor wedding is there a way for me to know when it would be too dark for the ceremony?

Yes, once the sun sets, you have about 30 minutes left of daylight.

How do you describe your relationship with most couples?

Question to Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns.

• Pleasant

• Respectful

• Caring

• Understanding

• Flexible

• Many couples continue staying in contact with me after the ceremony is over