Why Marriage Matters More Than You Think

Back in 2004, fresh out of seminary, I joined the marriage equality fight. Not because I thought marriage was only for one group of people, but because I saw the reality—two people could build a life together for decades and still have zero legal protection.

Fast-forward to today: we won that fight in Maryland, but the lesson stuck with me—marriage isn’t just a celebration; it’s a safety net. Without it, you can be left vulnerable in ways you might never expect.

 

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The Reality Check

You can share a home, split the bills, and plan for the future—but without a marriage license, the law might treat you like roommates. And when life throws a curveball, that’s when the gaps show.

Here’s what can happen if you’re not married:

• The house you’ve been paying for? If your name’s not on the deed, you could lose it.
• Inheritance taxes could hit hard—even on property or money you helped earn.
• You might be shut out of the hospital room or unable to make decisions if your partner’s ill.
• Family members could legally claim belongings, investments, or even the home you shared.

 

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What Marriage Protects in Maryland, DC, and Virginia

Maryland – Spouses inherit without estate tax, have full medical decision rights, and share property protections.

District of Columbia – No inheritance tax between spouses, automatic next-of-kin status, and equal property, pension, and benefit rights.

Virginia – Spouses inherit automatically if there’s no will, hold medical decision-making power, and are protected in shared assets.

 

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Federal Benefits That Travel With You

Marriage rights don’t stop at state lines. They include:

• • • • • • Social Security survivor benefits
          • Joint federal tax filing (hello, possible savings)
          • Immigration sponsorship for a spouse
          • Military and veteran benefits
          • Bankruptcy protections for shared property

 

 

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When the Worst Happens

The difference between being married and not married becomes crystal clear when illness or death strikes.

If you’re married:

• You inherit without paying extra taxes.
• You can make funeral arrangements.
• You get pensions, life insurance, and survivor benefits without legal battles.

If you’re not:

• You may end up in court.
• You could face steep tax bills.
• You might lose the very home you shared.

 

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Why I Choose Marriages Over Commitment Ceremonies

Commitment ceremonies are beautiful and heartfelt—but they don’t give you legal rights. That marriage license? It’s more than paper. It’s protection.

When I officiate a wedding, I’m not just saying “I now pronounce you…”—I’m helping two people lock in the legal rights that protect their love story for the long haul.

 

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💡 Bottom line: Love is emotional, but marriage is also practical. In Maryland, DC, Virginia, and across the U.S., that one piece of paper can mean the difference between security and loss when life changes unexpectedly.

 

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📜 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.

💌 Let us help make your ceremony official and memorable.