State guide
District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, marriage licenses are handled centrally by the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau at the Moultrie Courthouse rather than by counties. DC is unusually flexible: there is no waiting period, no witness requirement, and couples may self-officiate their own marriage.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau (Clerk of the Superior Court)
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- does not expire
- Witnesses
- not required
- License fee
- $45 application fee
- Friend or one-day officiant
- DC authorizes a temporary officiant for a specific marriage; the authority expires when the license is filed, and the court says the application fee is $25.
Official resources in District of Columbia
Official Marriage Bureau page covering licenses, civil weddings with court officials, self-officiants, and temporary officiants.
Official FAQ confirming that licenses do not expire and that courthouse civil weddings may be requested.
Official court fee schedule listing the marriage-license application fee.
Official statute listing who may solemnize marriages, including temporary officiants and the parties themselves.
Official DC page stating there is no residency requirement, no waiting period, and no witness requirement.
Key facts for District of Columbia
- The DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau issues marriage licenses.
- DC has no waiting period and does not require witnesses.
- Once issued, a DC marriage license does not expire.
- The marriage-license application fee is $45.
- DC allows the parties to the marriage to officiate the ceremony themselves.
- A temporary officiant may be authorized for a specific marriage; the court says the application fee is $25.
Courthouse ceremonies in District of Columbia
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Court officials can perform civil weddings through the Marriage Bureau at Moultrie Courthouse. |
What to do next
- Apply through the Marriage Bureau and decide in advance whether you want a court official, your own officiant, a temporary officiant, or self-officiation.
- If you plan to self-officiate, both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued ID.
- If you want a courthouse civil wedding, submit the Civil Wedding Request Form and allow at least ten business days after the license is issued.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?