Getting Married at the D.C. Courthouse: What You Need to Know

Washington, D.C. courthouse weddings are straightforward, but there are rules and details couples don’t learn until they’re already inside the building. Here’s what to expect.

If you’re getting married at the D.C. courthouse, you do not need to hire an outside officiant. Courthouse staff perform the civil ceremony and take care of the legal side.

 

Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License

You cannot walk in and get married the same day.
You must apply for your marriage license first.

 

Step 2: After Your Marriage License Is Issued, Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony

Once your license is issued, you can book your ceremony.

D.C. will give you a printed receipt with your:
• ceremony date
• ceremony time

You must bring this receipt with you on your wedding day.

 

Wedding Day – Arrive On Time

If you do not show up on time for your D.C. courthouse wedding, your ceremony will be canceled.

No excuses:

• No late arrivals
• No grace period
• No “but traffic—”
• No “we were parking—”

The staff member comes down at your exact time to preside over your nuptials.
If you aren’t there and ready, it’s over.

And remember:
• You cannot bring your own officiant into the courthouse
• No one can save the ceremony for you
• If you’re late, your only options are to rebook or do a self-marriage

Arrive early.

 

Guest Limits

D.C. courthouses have guest limits.
If your group exceeds the limit, some guests may have to wait for you.

 

D.C. Courthouse Photo Rules

📸 No photos outside the ceremony room. This rule is very strict and often forgotten.

 

Courthouse Security

Everyone goes through full screening upon entering.

Do not bring:
• guns
• knives
• mace
• razor blades
• anything that looks like a weapon
• anything that could be used as one

Security will confiscate these items, and some are never returned.

If you legally carry elsewhere, leave it home that day.

 

Remember the Atmosphere You’re Walking Into

The courthouse is a building that carries both positive and negative energy.
That’s where you’re getting married. A place shared with:

• criminal hearings
• domestic violence cases
• arraignments
• family court
• criminal court
• people under stress

Expect metal detectors, lines, and intense energy.

 

You Don’t Need an Officiant for Your Courthouse Marriage

• The D.C. Marriage Bureau provides the officiant from their staff.

 

When You Need an Outside Officiant

• When you want to get married outside the courthouse
• When you want more guests
• When you want a ceremony that is meaningful, spiritual, or beautiful
• When you want better energy, better photos, and more flexibility

 

Bottom Line

D.C. courthouse weddings are quick and cost-effective, but they come with:
• strict timelines (late arrivals = canceled)
• guest limits
• photo restrictions
• heavy security
• the energy of a legal building

If you want something peaceful, personal, or celebratory, hiring an officiant and choosing a private location gives you a better experience.

📜 Need help with DC marriage license rules or ceremony planning?
Visit How to Get Married in DC for expert officiant services, FAQs, and planning tools.