Getting Married in Washington DC: A Legal Guide
Getting married in Washington DC requires obtaining a marriage license from the DC Marriage Bureau, with no waiting period and licenses valid for 90 days after issuance. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification, and the district does not require blood tests or impose residency requirements for couples seeking to marry.
Understanding DC's marriage laws is essential as they differ from neighboring states, particularly regarding waiting periods and license validity. Same-sex marriage is legal in Washington DC, and couples should ensure they have all required documentation before their appointment at the Marriage Bureau.
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Relevant Documents
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Marriage License Requirements
In Washington DC, both parties must appear in person at the Marriage Bureau to apply for a marriage license. You must bring valid government-issued photo ID, and the license fee is $45. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days after issuance.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry in DC without parental consent. Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old may marry with parental consent or proof of emancipation.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
In DC, marriages may be performed by judges, court clerks authorized by the court, or any religious official authorized to perform marriages. Self-uniting marriages (without an officiant) are not recognized in DC.
Name Change After Marriage
If you wish to change your name after marriage in DC, you can use your marriage certificate as proof for updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and other identification documents. There is no requirement to change your name.
Marriage Equality
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Washington DC since March 3, 2010. The District was one of the first jurisdictions in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, predating the nationwide Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision of 2015.
Regional Variances
Washington DC Marriage Requirements
In Washington DC, couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the DC Marriage Bureau (located in the Moultrie Courthouse). There is no waiting period after receiving your license, and the license is valid for 90 days. Both parties must be 18 or older (those 16-17 need parental consent). DC does not require blood tests or medical exams. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010. Non-residents can marry in DC without establishing residency. The application fee is $45, and you'll need government-issued photo ID. DC also offers self-uniting marriage licenses where couples can solemnize their own marriage without an officiant.
Neighboring Jurisdictions
Just across the DC border, Montgomery County has different requirements. Maryland has a 48-hour waiting period after license issuance (though this can be waived by a judge). Marriage licenses are valid for 6 months, and the application fee is typically higher than DC at around $55. Maryland requires at least one witness for the ceremony, unlike DC which doesn't specify a witness requirement.
In nearby Arlington, Virginia has no waiting period, but licenses are only valid for 60 days (compared to DC's 90 days). Virginia requires blood tests for couples under 18, has stricter requirements for minors seeking marriage, and charges approximately $30 for a marriage license. Virginia also requires the couple to state their race on the marriage license application, a requirement not found in DC.
Special Considerations
If planning a religious ceremony in DC, note that while the legal requirements are the same, some religious institutions may have additional requirements such as premarital counseling or membership in their congregation. These requirements vary by institution but don't affect the legal validity of your marriage.
DC was an early adopter of marriage equality, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2010. The district has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ family laws in the country, including straightforward second-parent adoption processes and recognition of non-biological parents that may differ from neighboring jurisdictions.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Apply for a Marriage License
30-45 days before wedding days after startingIn Washington DC, you must apply for a marriage license at the DC Marriage Bureau (located at the Moultrie Courthouse). Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. The license costs $45, and there is no waiting period after receiving it. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance.
Consider a Prenuptial Agreement
60-90 days before wedding days after startingWhile optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect assets acquired before marriage and establish financial arrangements in case of divorce. In DC, prenups must be in writing, signed by both parties, and executed voluntarily with full disclosure of assets. Consider consulting with separate attorneys to ensure the agreement is enforceable.
Update or Create a Will
30-60 days after wedding days after startingMarriage automatically changes certain inheritance rights in DC. Create or update your will to reflect your new marital status and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In DC, a valid will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by at least two competent witnesses who also sign the document.
Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney
30-60 days after wedding days after startingThis document designates someone (typically your spouse) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In DC, this document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses or notarized. Your witnesses cannot be your healthcare provider or the person you're appointing as your agent.
Create a Durable Power of Attorney
30-60 days after wedding days after startingThis document allows your designated agent (typically your spouse) to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. In DC, a durable power of attorney must be in writing, signed by you, and acknowledged before a notary public to be valid.
Update Beneficiary Designations
30-60 days after wedding days after startingReview and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts. These designations typically override will provisions, so it's important they reflect your current wishes. Contact each financial institution for their specific beneficiary designation forms.
Apply for Name Change (if applicable)
30-90 days after wedding days after startingIf either spouse wishes to change their name after marriage, you'll need to update your Social Security card first, then your driver's license or ID, and finally other documents. In DC, you can use your marriage certificate as proof for the name change process without filing a separate court petition.
Establish Joint Financial Accounts (if desired)
30-60 days after wedding days after startingConsider whether to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination. There's no legal requirement to combine finances, but many couples choose to establish at least one joint account for shared expenses. Visit your financial institution with your marriage certificate and IDs to set up joint accounts.
Update Health Insurance Coverage
30 days after wedding days after startingMarriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of open enrollment periods. You typically have 30-60 days after marriage to make these changes. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the specific process and deadlines.
Research Tax Filing Options
By next tax filing deadline days after startingMarriage affects your tax filing status. You'll need to decide whether to file jointly or separately for federal and DC taxes. For most couples, filing jointly results in tax benefits, but this depends on your specific financial situation. Consider consulting with a tax professional to determine the best approach.
Update Emergency Contact Information
30 days after wedding days after startingUpdate your emergency contact information with your employer, doctor's offices, and other relevant organizations. While not a legal requirement, this ensures your spouse can be contacted and potentially make decisions in emergency situations.
Register Your Marriage (if married outside DC)
10 days after wedding days after startingIf you obtained your marriage license in DC but held your ceremony elsewhere, ensure your officiant returns the completed license to the DC Marriage Bureau within 10 days of the ceremony. If married in another jurisdiction, your marriage will generally be recognized in DC without additional registration.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for a Marriage License | In Washington DC, you must apply for a marriage license at the DC Marriage Bureau (located at the Moultrie Courthouse). Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. The license costs $45, and there is no waiting period after receiving it. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance. | Marriage License Application | 30-45 days before wedding |
| Consider a Prenuptial Agreement | While optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect assets acquired before marriage and establish financial arrangements in case of divorce. In DC, prenups must be in writing, signed by both parties, and executed voluntarily with full disclosure of assets. Consider consulting with separate attorneys to ensure the agreement is enforceable. | Prenuptial Agreement | 60-90 days before wedding |
| Update or Create a Will | Marriage automatically changes certain inheritance rights in DC. Create or update your will to reflect your new marital status and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In DC, a valid will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by at least two competent witnesses who also sign the document. | Updated Will | 30-60 days after wedding |
| Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney | This document designates someone (typically your spouse) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In DC, this document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses or notarized. Your witnesses cannot be your healthcare provider or the person you're appointing as your agent. | Healthcare Power of Attorney | 30-60 days after wedding |
| Create a Durable Power of Attorney | This document allows your designated agent (typically your spouse) to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. In DC, a durable power of attorney must be in writing, signed by you, and acknowledged before a notary public to be valid. | Durable Power of Attorney | 30-60 days after wedding |
| Update Beneficiary Designations | Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts. These designations typically override will provisions, so it's important they reflect your current wishes. Contact each financial institution for their specific beneficiary designation forms. | Beneficiary Designation Forms | 30-60 days after wedding |
| Apply for Name Change (if applicable) | If either spouse wishes to change their name after marriage, you'll need to update your Social Security card first, then your driver's license or ID, and finally other documents. In DC, you can use your marriage certificate as proof for the name change process without filing a separate court petition. | Name Change Application | 30-90 days after wedding |
| Establish Joint Financial Accounts (if desired) | Consider whether to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination. There's no legal requirement to combine finances, but many couples choose to establish at least one joint account for shared expenses. Visit your financial institution with your marriage certificate and IDs to set up joint accounts. | Joint Bank Account Application | 30-60 days after wedding |
| Update Health Insurance Coverage | Marriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of open enrollment periods. You typically have 30-60 days after marriage to make these changes. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the specific process and deadlines. | Health Insurance Coverage Change Form | 30 days after wedding |
| Research Tax Filing Options | Marriage affects your tax filing status. You'll need to decide whether to file jointly or separately for federal and DC taxes. For most couples, filing jointly results in tax benefits, but this depends on your specific financial situation. Consider consulting with a tax professional to determine the best approach. | - | By next tax filing deadline |
| Update Emergency Contact Information | Update your emergency contact information with your employer, doctor's offices, and other relevant organizations. While not a legal requirement, this ensures your spouse can be contacted and potentially make decisions in emergency situations. | - | 30 days after wedding |
| Register Your Marriage (if married outside DC) | If you obtained your marriage license in DC but held your ceremony elsewhere, ensure your officiant returns the completed license to the DC Marriage Bureau within 10 days of the ceremony. If married in another jurisdiction, your marriage will generally be recognized in DC without additional registration. | - | 10 days after wedding |
Frequently Asked Questions
To get married in Washington DC, both parties must be at least 18 years old, apply for a marriage license at the DC Marriage Bureau, pay the license fee (approximately $45), and wait at least 3 full days after receiving the license before having the ceremony. No blood tests or physical examinations are required. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance, and the ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant such as a judge, court clerk, or religious leader registered with DC.
Yes, Washington DC requires at least one witness to be present at your wedding ceremony. This witness must sign your marriage license after the ceremony. While only one witness is legally required, many couples choose to have two witnesses present. The witness must be at least 18 years old but does not need to be a DC resident.
Yes, Washington DC allows couples to begin the marriage license application process online through the DC Courts Marriage Bureau website. However, both parties must still appear in person at the Marriage Bureau to complete the process, show identification, and pay the fee. During certain periods (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic), DC has offered virtual marriage license applications, so check the current procedures on the official DC Courts website.
When applying for a marriage license in DC, both parties must present a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need to provide your Social Security numbers (if you have one). If either party was previously married, you may need to provide proof of how the previous marriage ended (divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate).
No, you do not need to be a resident of Washington DC to get married there. Non-residents can apply for a marriage license just like residents. This makes DC a popular wedding destination for couples from other states or countries. However, both parties must still appear in person at the DC Marriage Bureau to apply for the license unless virtual options are currently available.
Yes, Washington DC has a mandatory waiting period of 3 full calendar days between when you receive your marriage license and when you can legally hold your wedding ceremony. This waiting period begins the day after you receive your license. For example, if you receive your license on Monday, the earliest you can get married would be Friday. In rare cases, this waiting period may be waived by a judge for good cause.
A marriage license issued in Washington DC is valid for 90 days (approximately 3 months) from the date of issuance. This means your wedding ceremony must take place within this 90-day window. If your license expires before your ceremony, you'll need to apply for a new license and pay the fee again, so plan accordingly.
In Washington DC, weddings can be officiated by judges, court clerks, or religious leaders who are registered with DC. Additionally, DC allows for temporary officiants - a friend or family member can apply to be authorized to perform a single wedding ceremony. This temporary authorization requires an application to the Marriage Bureau and payment of a fee (approximately $25). The temporary officiant must be at least 18 years old.
If you get married in DC but live in another state, your marriage will still be legally recognized in your home state and throughout the United States. You don't need to register your marriage in your home state after a DC wedding. However, if you plan to change your name after marriage, you'll need to update your identification documents (driver's license, Social Security card, etc.) in your state of residence according to that state's procedures.
Yes, same-sex marriages have been legal in Washington DC since March 3, 2010. Same-sex couples have exactly the same marriage rights and follow the same procedures as opposite-sex couples when applying for a marriage license and getting married in DC. All marriage benefits, protections, and responsibilities apply equally to all married couples regardless of gender.