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Washington, DC is a town where gays and lesbians, bisexuals and trans people live, work and play—and it’s about to become the most powerful setting for same-sex weddings. Hold your wedding ceremony in DC and make your own history here. There are many ways to celebrate your wedding in Washington, DC. Search DC's Unique Spaces guide to find area hotels, restaurants, attractions and other unique venues. For wedding parties that need to book more than 9 rooms, please contact Destination DC at 202-422.-8644 or online. Destination DC can also assist you with DC visitor guides, maps and more. If you want to make history right away, you may opt to participate in the “Our Time Has Come” group ceremony on March 20, 2010 as DC sets a new Guiness Record for the largest wedding ceremony. The 30 minute, non-denominational ceremony will include prelude music, selected readings, exchange of vows and rings, sanction of the marriage and the first kiss of the married couples. The ceremony will be followed by a champagne toast.
While you’re planning your big day, take time to explore DC. Just a 10 minute walk beyond the monumental corridor and government buildings will allow you to discover hometown DC: a thriving, gay, lively and cultured capital city. Plan your trip to include people-watching in Dupont Circle, drag-queen brunches in Adams Morgan, shopping at eclectic stores of 14th and U Streets, and happy hours at JR’s. |
How to get married in DC
Find Restaurants
Make a Restaurant Reservation
Search Unique Wedding Venues
or view the Unique Spaces Guide online
Plan Entertainment and Attractions
See Family Activities
Request a Visitors Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When will gay (same-sex) marriage become legal in Washington, DC.
Answer: We expect same-sex marriage to become law on March 3, 2010. However the enforced waiting period means that couples that apply on March 3 will not be able to wed until March 9.
Question: Do we need to apply in person for a same-sex marriage license?
Answer: Yes, you will need to apply in person.
Question: Where can you apply for a wedding license in DC?
Answer: The D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau located in H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room #4485. The office hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
Question: What is the waiting period from the time you apply, to the time you can hold a wedding?
Answer: You will need to wait three full, business days. That means if you apply for a marriage license on a Monday, you can hold a wedding on the following Friday. If you apply for a marriage license on Wednesday, you can hold a wedding on the following Tuesday.
Question. Who in DC is performing same-sex weddings?
Answer: We are currently compiling a list and will post ASAP. Please note that you will need the name of an officiant at the time you apply for a marriage license.
Question: When we get legally married, what happens to our domestic partner status?
Answer: If you are part of a District of Columbia Domestic Partnership, upon marrying, your Domestic Partnership automatically dissolves and you are simply married. If you are part of a Domestic Partnership or Civil Union from another state, the other state’s law may require you to dissolve it prior to marrying in the District of Columbia. Check the other state’s law about your responsibilities and obligations relating to dissolving that legal relationship prior to marrying.
Question: What if we are married or registered as domestic partners in another state/jurisdiction?
Answer: If you are part of a same-sex couple that has been legally married in another state or country, or have been registered as a domestic partner in the jurisdictions that have been certified as substantially similar, there is no need for you to register your marriage or domestic partnership with the city of Washington, DC.
Question: How many same-sex couples are registered as domestic partners in Washington, DC?
Answer: Currently 872.
