News Summary
Washington D.C. is facing interruptions in marriage services due to the ongoing government shutdown. The DC Marriage Bureau announced it will cease the issuance of marriage licenses and ceremonies, affecting couples planning to wed. Although alternative marriage options exist, any licenses obtained will not be processed until the government reopens. This disruption echoes similar issues from past shutdowns and highlights how local governance in D.C. heavily relies on federal funding.
Washington, D.C. is experiencing disruptions in marriage services due to the ongoing government shutdown. The DC Marriage Bureau, part of the DC Superior Court system, has announced that it will halt the issuance of marriage licenses and the performance of marriage ceremonies. This action is part of the broader shutdown plan that affects various local government functions linked to federal funding.
Although the Marriage Bureau will not be issuing marriage licenses or performing ceremonies, it will continue to provide certified copies of vital records, such as marriage certificates. Other court functions unrelated to marriage, including case resolutions in different divisions and juvenile probation services offered by the Social Services Division, will remain operational during the shutdown.
In Washington, D.C., the unique structure of local governance—specifically its reliance on federal funding—means that the effects of a government shutdown differ from other U.S. cities that primarily rely on state and local taxes. Consequently, couples who had intended to tie the knot in a courthouse setting during this period will need to postpone their weddings.
Couples still have alternative options for marriage ceremonies. They can opt to have their wedding officiated by a minister or even by a friend or family member who has become ordained online. While couples can enter into marriage during the shutdown, any marriage licenses they obtain will not be processed by the Marriage Bureau until the government reopens.
Looking back at a similar situation during the 2019 government shutdown, the “Let Our Vows Endure Emergency Act” (or LOVE Act) was introduced, empowering the mayor to issue marriage licenses and authorize officiants. For couples currently affected, a new emergency act would need to be authorized to provide similar measures.
It is also essential for couples to consider that venues operated by federal entities, including national parks or federal museums, will likely be closed during the shutdown, potentially limiting venue options for their weddings. However, Family Court proceedings will still be available, allowing couples to file for divorce if needed during this time.
The DC Marriage License Bureau, located at Moultrie Courthouse, allows for in-person applications for marriage licenses on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. It is important to note that marriage licenses in D.C. do not expire, meaning couples can hold on to them for future use. Both parties must apply in person, present valid identification, and pay a $45 application fee.
It is also noted that DC judges will not officiate weddings during the shutdown, encouraging couples to consider alternative officiants outside the courthouse setting. Marriage licensing services in nearby Virginia and Maryland will continue without interruption during the shutdown.
As the situation develops, couples who had planned to marry during this period are urged to be aware of potential long wait times for marriage license applications, especially leading up to the shutdown. Plans for emergency legislation are reportedly being discussed to allow for the continued issuance of marriage licenses during the disruption, as indicated by John Falcicchio, chief of staff for DC Mayor Bowser.
While speculation arises concerning the duration of the ongoing government shutdown, past shutdowns have varied in length, sometimes extending for several days or weeks. The impact of this shutdown and the associated delays in marriage services are likely to affect numerous couples across the district.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Government Shutdown Impact on Marriage Licenses
- WUSA9: Government Shutdown Impacting Weddings
- Washingtonian: Getting Married in D.C. Soon?
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdown
- NBC Washington: John Krasinski Talks Wedding Anniversary
- BuzzFeed News: Marriage License and the Shutdown
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
