How to Get Married in Washington, D.C.

Many gay and lesbian Virginians are eagerly awaiting the ability to get married in the District of Columbia. While the marriages will not be recognized in Virginia, for many being legally married somewhere is important from a emotional perspective. Moreover, once legally married in the District, if one moves to Maryland or New York, the marriages will be recognized in those states even though they do not allow for same sex marriages to be performed in those states themselves. Lane Hudson passed along a link with some information on the District government web site that is useful for those who may be considering a visit to Washington, D.C., to get married. As has been the case in other jurisdictions that have same sex marriage, Washington, D.C., will likely see an increase in tourism spend from couples traveling there to secure marriages that their home states deny them. Here are the details via the DC website:

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The following is information about marriage and domestic partner registration and the most current information about the implementation of the "Jury and Marriage Amendment Act of 2009".
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As of March 3, 2010* (*date subject to change pending completion of 30-day congressional review), it will be possible for same sex couples to get legally married in the District of Columbia. Here is some basic information on marriage in the District.
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To apply for a marriage license in the District of Columbia you must visit 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.
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By law, three full days must pass between the day of application to the day that the license can be issued. (e.g. if one files an application on Monday the license cannot be issued until Friday).
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Each party to the marriage must bring proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, government issued non-driver’s identification, birth certificate, passport, or a similar official document. The application requires the parties to identify the name of the officiant who will perform the marriage ceremony. The officiant is any District of Columbia Judge or anyone who is authorized by a religious organization to officiate marriages, such as a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, so long as he or she is registered with the Marriage Bureau to officiate marriages. In addition, the couple should bring the $35 license application and an additional $10 if you would like a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The fee must be paid in cash or by a money order made out to “Clerk of the Court, D.C. Superior Court”.
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The $35 marriage license application fee is waived if you are already registered as Domestic Partners in the District of Columbia. 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.
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You Must Have Your Receipt To Pick-Up the License. Marriage Licenses are not issued by mail.
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For more information visit D.C. Superior Court Web Page or call 202/879-4840.