Washington, DC

Washington marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

Washington: For Washington, the listed marriage license fee is $45. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for None. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.

License Fee

$45

Wait Time

no waiting period

Valid For

None
Ranked #27 of 86 by lowest listed cost, below the $66 average
Same-day available — No waiting period required

Washington marriage license cost and wait time

Washington's listed marriage license fee is $45. There is no waiting period, and the license has a None validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, Washington is $21 below average and ranks 27 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in Washington

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in Washington, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.

Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.

Overview

The Marriage Bureau, a division of the Superior Court, issues marriage licenses and certified copies, and authorizes religious and civil celebrants to perform weddings in the District of Columbia. The bureau maintains marriage records from 1811 to the present and assists the public with marriage-related inquiries. Applications and ceremonies are processed remotely and in person at the Moultrie Courthouse.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Apply for a Marriage License

Click on 'How to Get a Marriage License' on the Marriage Bureau webpage to learn the application process.

02

Submit Application

Submit the application remotely or in person at the Marriage Bureau located in the Moultrie Courthouse, Room JM-690, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

03

Civil Ceremony Request

If requesting a civil ceremony, complete the 'Civil Wedding Request Form' available on the Marriage Bureau webpage.

04

Obtain Certified Copies

Certified copies of marriage licenses can be requested through the Family Court at FamilyCourtCertifiedCopies [at] dcsc.gov.

How Washington compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
Washington$45no waiting period
St. Louis, MO$48no waiting period
Louisville, KY$50no waiting period
Oklahoma City, OK$50no waiting period
Salt Lake City, UT$40no waiting period
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in Washington?

The listed marriage license fee for Washington is $45. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Washington?

Washington: There is no waiting period. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.

Can you have a courthouse wedding in Washington?

Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.

Where is the Marriage Bureau located?

The Marriage Bureau is located in the Moultrie Courthouse, Room JM-690, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

What are the hours of operation?

The Marriage Bureau is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Can I get a marriage license online?

The text indicates applications are processed remotely and in person, but does not specify full online application availability.