A Dc Wedding: Making Your Big Day Work

Dreaming of saying your vows in the US capital? Washington DC is a beautiful place to get married, with its architectural wonders, rich history, and four distinct seasons. The city offers a range of venue options, from museums and galleries to hotels, mansions, and farms. The average cost of a wedding in DC is $37,500, which is lower than other popular destinations like San Francisco and New York City. However, there are many factors that influence the cost, such as the level of customization, venue location, and the number of guests. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about planning a wedding in DC, from obtaining a marriage license to finding vendors and managing costs. So whether you're looking for a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, read on to discover how to make your DC wedding a memorable and stress-free experience.

Choosing a venue: From museums to hotels, DC has a variety of options

Washington, DC is a beautiful place to tie the knot, with its architectural wonders, rich history, and variety of venues. From museums and galleries to hotels and mansions, there is no shortage of unique and memorable places to say "I do" in the District.

If you're looking for a venue that will wow your guests, consider one of the many museums or galleries that DC has to offer. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, for example, provides an unforgettable experience for wedding ceremonies amidst treasured artefacts. Other museum options include the International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

For those seeking a more traditional setting, DC boasts plenty of luxurious hotels with elegant ballrooms and convenient amenities. The Omni Shoreham and Grand Hyatt are excellent choices for couples looking for all-in-one venues.

Hidden gems like mansions and estates are also scattered throughout the city, adding to the history and charm of DC. The Patterson Mansion, for instance, has been the venue of choice for presidents and pioneers. These elegant buildings offer a unique and intimate atmosphere for your special day.

With so many incredible options, the only challenge will be deciding on the perfect venue for your dream wedding in Washington, DC!

The marriage license: There is no waiting period and it costs $45

To obtain a marriage license in Washington, DC, there are a few steps you need to follow. Firstly, you must complete and submit an application form, which can be done online. Both parties will need to provide proof of legal age with a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or similar official document. There is no minimum age to marry in Washington, DC, but couples under the age of 18 must have parental consent.

Secondly, you will need to choose an officiant for your wedding ceremony. In DC, you may choose a court official, any authorized celebrant, or choose to self-officiate. The full name of your chosen officiant, or indication of self-officiation, must be included on your marriage license application. If you wish for a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, they can complete the temporary officiant application, which requires a $25 fee.

Finally, you must pay the marriage license application fee, which is $45 and can be paid online via PromptPay, the court's electronic payment portal, or in cash, credit, or debit card. Checks and money orders are also accepted, made payable to "Clerk, DC Superior Court." It is important to note that if you are already registered as Domestic Partners in the District of Columbia, the $35 marriage license application fee is waived.

Once you have submitted your application, a representative from the Marriage Bureau will contact you to complete the process. There is no waiting period for your marriage license to be issued, and it does not expire, so there is no rush to hold your ceremony after receiving it. This means that you can get married the same day you receive your marriage license if you wish.

Officiants: A friend or family member can become a temporary officiant

If you want a friend or family member to officiate your wedding in Washington, DC, they will need to become a registered officiant. The District of Columbia Courts website outlines the process for registering as a wedding officiant.

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Officiant Application

The DC Marriage Bureau provides two application pathways for wedding officiants:

• Application For Temporary Authorization To Celebrate A Marriage
• Application For Authorization To Celebrate Marriages

Since both applications only give you the authority to officiate a single ceremony, the Temporary Officiant Application is generally recommended, as it is $10 cheaper.

Step 2: Complete the Temporary Officiant Application

The Application For Temporary Authorization To Celebrate A Marriage will require you to enter information about yourself and the couple. This includes:

• Your Social Security Number
• Your Physical and Mailing Addresses
• Your Telephone Number
• First Party Full Name
• First Party Telephone Number
• Second Party Full Name
• Second Party Address
• Second Party Telephone Number

Step 3: Submit Your Officiant Application to the DC Marriage Bureau

Once your application is complete, you need to submit it in person to the DC Marriage Bureau at the Moultrie Courthouse. The address is:

> DC Marriage Bureau

> Moultrie Courthouse

> Room JM-690

> 500 Indiana Avenue NW

> Washington, DC 20001

The application must be submitted in person, but if you are unable to do so, you can contact the Bureau and provide details of your situation. Their phone number is (202) 879-1212, and their hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Approval of Your Temporary Officiant Application

Provided there are no complications, your application should be approved on the same day that it is submitted and paid for. Upon approval, you will have the authority to officiate a wedding in the District of Columbia.

Ordering Your Washington DC Ministry Credentials

While it is not required to submit your Ministry Credentials with the DC Marriage Bureau, it is good practice to keep official copies for your records. Proof of your ordination is essential if the couple or government officials request to see it. You can order your District of Columbia Minister Ordination Package to keep official copies of your ministry credentials.

Preparing for the Wedding Ceremony

Once you are a registered officiant, you can start preparing for the wedding ceremony. If you have no experience, there are resources available to help guide you through the process, such as the Washington, DC Wedding Officiant Preparation Guide. This guide covers various aspects of how to prepare for a wedding ceremony, including the format, the names of the ceremony parts, and how to write a wedding ceremony.

Timing: Fall is becoming the most popular season for DC weddings

DC is a beautiful place to get married, with its architectural wonders, history, and four distinct seasons. Fall is becoming the most popular season for weddings in the District of Columbia, and there are several reasons why.

Firstly, the weather is ideal. Fall offers a perfect balance between the hot and humid summers and the dry, cold winters of DC. The temperatures are milder, and the humidity is lower, making it more comfortable for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The fall season also tends to be less rainy, ensuring the ideal climate for an outdoor celebration.

The foliage is another significant drawcard for fall weddings in DC. The city's parks and gardens provide a stunning backdrop of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, with the leaves starting to change colour or already covering the ground. This natural canvas creates memorable settings for wedding ceremonies and photographs.

The flower options for fall weddings are also abundant and stunning. Rich reds, deep burgundies, golds, plums, oranges, and various tones of greenery offer a wide range of choices for floral arrangements and decorations. Adding natural textural elements such as wood and bark can further enhance the autumnal aesthetic.

The seasonal food and drinks available during the fall months add a unique touch to wedding receptions. Couples can incorporate seasonal favourites like pumpkin, pears, figs, and root vegetables into their dinner menus. Greeting guests with hot apple cider instead of champagne adds a cosy and festive feel to the celebration.

Additionally, fall tends to have fewer calendar conflicts. This season often avoids the busy summer vacation period and the winter holidays, making it more convenient for couples and their guests. Flights and accommodations may also be more affordable during the fall, making it easier for out-of-town guests to attend.

Finally, the off-peak season of fall may offer cost advantages. With spring and summer being the peak wedding seasons, couples may be able to secure their dream venues at more reasonable prices during the fall.

Overall, the combination of beautiful weather, stunning foliage, seasonal offerings, and practical considerations makes fall an increasingly popular choice for weddings in DC.

Budgeting: A 100-person wedding in the DC area can cost $32,000 to $70,000

Planning a wedding in the DC area can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding in Washington, DC, is $37,500, which is less than other popular wedding destinations in the country, such as San Francisco and New York City. However, the cost of a wedding in the DC area can vary significantly depending on various factors, and couples can expect to spend between $32,000 to $70,000 for a 100-person wedding. The number of guests, location, season, and other factors can all impact the overall cost.

One of the most significant expenses is the wedding venue. The cost of a venue in downtown Washington, DC, will be higher than in the suburbs. For example, weddings at the Four Seasons Hotel in DC can start at $175 per person. Couples may want to consider venues outside of DC, such as the Newton White Mansion in Maryland, which starts at $4,400, or the Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, Virginia, which starts at $6,900.

Another factor that affects the cost is the level of customization. A more intimate setting or a specific venue type, such as a historic hotel, will increase the price. All-inclusive packages offered by some venues can be advantageous as they may allow you to bring your alcohol, saving money. However, some venues require the use of their in-house catering services, limiting menu options and driving up costs.

Wedding vendors, including photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs, can also add to the overall expense. Wedding vendors in the DC area are among the most expensive in the country. For example, a full-service wedding planner in the DMV can charge anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, while a day-of-coordinator can charge between $800 and $4,000. Photography packages can start at around $2,000 and go up to $5,000 or more. Catering costs will depend on the number of guests and the level of service, with costs around $68 per person in the DMV.

To save money, couples can opt for a micro-wedding, which can cost as little as $5,000, or consider a non-traditional wedding on off-peak days (Monday to Thursday) or during off-peak seasons, such as winter or fall. Additionally, some venues may allow you to bring your own alcohol, which can help reduce expenses.

Frequently asked questions