In order for your marriage to be legal, before you can walk down the aisle, recite your vows, and say “I Do,” you have to apply for and receive your marriage license.
Marriage laws vary in every state and your license must be obtained in the state you’re getting married. Even though D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are in close proximity to each other, the requirements to obtain your license vary greatly.
Regardless of where you get married, as your officiant, I will solemnize the marriage, sign your license, and mail the official copies to the Clerk of Court who issued the marriage license within five days of the wedding ceremony.
Virginia
A marriage license in Virginia is issued by the Clerk of a Circuit Court or a Deputy Clerk of a Circuit Court in any county or city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can obtain your license through any Circuit Court; it does not have to be in the county or city where the wedding is taking place or where you live. Your marriage license is valid for your ceremony to take place anywhere within the State.
Start by deciding which Circuit Court you wish to use. Always double-check the requirements specified on the Court's website. Some courts allow you to apply for your license online, some allow you to schedule appointments to go in-person and others allow you to walk in to apply.
You will both need to provide government-issued identification, social security number, full birth names of each of your parents including middle names, and the application fee of $30.00.
Your license is typically issued immediately (if you apply online, you will have to pick it up at the Court) and there is no waiting period following issuance. However, the marriage must be performed within 60 days or the license will expire.
Virginia does NOT automatically issue copies of your marriage license. You should receive instructions on how to request copies when you pick up your license. If you cannot locate that information, go onto the website for the Circuit Court where you obtained your license and fill out the Marriage License Copy Request Form.
Website:
List of local County Circuit Court Clerk Office
http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html
Washington, D.C.
If you’re getting married inside the beltway, both parties do not have to be present to get your marriage license. One of you must bring your completed marriage license application to the marriage bureau along with proof of age for both parties in the form of a driver’s license, government-issued non-driver’s ID, or passport.
When you apply for your license, you will need to reference my information as follows:
My name is in the DC system as Sarah Elise Peterson, my Minister Number is MIN 029052, and my company is registered as Sincerely Pete.
If neither you nor your fiancé(e) can be present, a third party or proxy service can apply on your behalf provided they have proper identification for each of you and the fee (this requires notarized copies of your legal IDs). I do provide proxy services for an additional fee.
Your license can be issued the same day you apply assuming all information is accurate and the fee is paid at the time of application. In D.C. your license does not expire.
To apply for your license in D.C., you’ll need to visit:
Marriage Bureau in Room JM-690 of the Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Room 4485
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 879-4840
Washington D.C. Fees are as follows:
- $45.00 Marriage Application Fee
- $10.00 Certificate Fee
Website:
https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters
Maryland
In Maryland you’ll have to call the county you’re getting married in specifically as the requirements to obtain a license vary from county to county.
Maryland requires that a marriage license be obtained from the Circuit Court in the county where the marriage is to take place regardless of the residency of the couple to be married. For example: If you are planning to be married in Montgomery County, Maryland, you must obtain a marriage license from the Clerk of Montgomery County Circuit Court. Some county's do offer online applications.
It is important to note that regardless of county, Maryland has a 48 hour waiting period after receiving your license before you can get married. The license is valid for six months after you receive it.
Fees vary by county and range between $25.00-$85.00
Website:
Maryland County Circuit Court Offices:
http://www.courts.state.md.us/district/directories/courtmap.html
Other factors to keep in mind:
Most courthouse clerk’s offices are open Monday –Friday 8:30 – 4:30/5:00 (check online for hours). I suggest planning ahead to ensure you have your license in hand a week prior to your wedding ceremony/license signing date.
If you are divorced you will need to know the month and year of the divorce, along with the jurisdiction where the divorce was decreed. Some counties will require copies of your divorce paperwork.
DC, Virginia, and Maryland NO NOT require blood tests.
If you have any questions about the marriage license process,
send me an email and let me know how I can!
Photographer credit: Alicia Lacey Photography
About Sincerely Pete
Sincerely Pete is a Humanist, nondenominational wedding officiant, ceremony consulting & elopement planning company for modern-minded couples. I am located in Charlottesville, VA, and offer officiant services for couples worldwide and throughout Virginia [including Richmond, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Alexandria, Arlington, Leesburg, & Shenandoah National Park] and Washington, D.C.
As the owner and lead officiant, I streamline the ceremony planning process so that it is easy to navigate as well as meaningful to the experience. My clients focus on each other and what is important to them so their wedding day is a true reflection of their relationship and love.
modern & timeless. creative & curated.
infused with meaning. implemented with love.
Contact us today for more information!
