YOU MUST obtain your marriage license in the state (or DC) where you’re getting married. For example, if you live in Virginia and are getting married in DC you must obtain a DC marriage license.
Check with the clerk’s website/office before going to apply/pick-up your marriage license since requirements and procedures can change without notice.

Virginia Marriage License Information

In Virginia, you can apply at any Virginia county court clerk’s office and the license is valid anywhere in the Commonwealth.
  • You can apply for a marriage license in-person or online:
    • You an apply in-person (without an appointment) at Alexandria and Fairfax counties in Northern Virginia. It is recommended you apply online at Alexandria and Fairfax prior to coming in to the clerk’s office.
    • Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, and Stafford counties require you submit your marriage license online 48 hours prior to obtaining your marriage license.
    • Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun county require you schedule a time to pick up your marriage license using their online scheduling calendar. Stafford county allows  you to walk-in to obtain your marriage license after submitting your marriage license online.
    • Some Northern Virginia clerk’s offices are offering virtual appointments to obtain your marriage license. Please the clerk’s website.
  • Both parties must be present when applying for your marriage license in-person or online.
  • Both parties must have a government issued ID with them (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • If you are divorced you will need to know the month and year of the divorce, along with the jurisdiction where the divorce was decreed.
  • Only Arlington County currently requires divorce papers. Check the other counties before going.
  • No blood test is required
  • Virginia’s current license fee is $30 (check the website before going to the courthouse)
  • The license if valid up to 60 days from date of issue (you must get married within 60 days)
  • Check your clerk’s office for their hours of operation.
  • Virginia has no waiting period. You can obtain your license and get married the same day.
  • Virginia locations accept cash and credit card (there is a service fee for credit cards) for payment.
  • Note: Virginia requires all officiants be licensed by a Virginia court to perform weddings. Virginia does not accept online ordinations
The Spotsylvania County courthouse is the only Northern Virginia courthouse open two Saturday mornings a month for marriage licenses (check their web site for which Saturdays they are open).

Maryland Marriage License Information

Here is the key information you need to obtain Maryland marriage license:
  • If you are the Maryland resident of the county where you are getting married, you MUST obtain your license in that county where you are getting married.
  • If you are a Maryland resident but NOT a resident in the county where your wedding is being conducted, you can apply for your license online in the county where you live, using the non-resident application form offered by the state. Go to the county website where you are getting married, download the application, fill it out, have it certified as instructed on the form, and mail it to the County Clerk’s Office address on the form with your fee
  • The Maryland marriage license is valid for six months from date of issue and only in the county where it is issued
  • Only one party is required to appear in person to apply for a Maryland marriage license
  • Bring your government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.). If only one person is applying for the license bring a clear photo copy of your spouses ID
  • Maryland has a 48 hour waiting period from the date the license is issued.
  • If you are divorced you will need to know the month and year of the divorce along with the jurisdiction where the divorce was decreed. You can bring your divorce papers but they’re not required
  • No blood test is required
  • There is no proxy option in Maryland
Please check with the county clerk’s office for current marriage license fees since marriage license fees are different for each county.

District of Columbia Marriage License Information

You can now apply for your DC marriage license online and in-person.
You can obtain your marriage license at the DC Courthouse located at 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 in room JM 690 – basement level – (Archives or Judiciary Square Metro stops).
The DC marriage license bureau is open Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:00 (last application is taken at 4:30). Expect to spend 30 to 90 minutes to complete the application process. Some days they are very busy.
There is no waiting period is Washington, DC.
  • DC Marriage License General Information
    • The DC marriage license has no expiration date and is valid only in the DC
    • You can download and print the marriage application from the DC marriage bureau website
    • You can also submit your application online.
    • If you are applying in-person, just fill out the marriage application and take it with you when you apply (you can also get an application when you arrive at the marriage bureau)
    • The name of an officiant licensed by the DC marriage license bureau is required before your license will be issued – NOTE: you can apply without the name of a licensed officiant
    • Only one spouse is required to apply in-person for the license
    • No blood test is required
    • DC allows for a proxy to apply on behalf of the couple (you do not have to apply in-person) – Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff offers this proxy service.
    • Cash and credit cards are accepted – The current DC license fees are $45.00.
  •  Bring with you:
    • Your government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
    • If only one person is applying bring a clear photo copy of your spouse’s driver’s license. NOTE: DC requires the original passport or a notarized photocopy of the passport.
    • The marriage license application (filled out of course)
    • If divorced, you will need to know the month and year of the divorce, and the jurisdiction where the divorce was decreed. Divorce papers are not required.
Don’t forget to sign-in on the computer when you arrive at the marriage bureau.
DC Marriage License Bureau website