MARRIAGE

The Episocpal Diocese of Washington is an inclusive diocese which supports the marriage of all persons. The information provided below will assist you in supporting those coming to you for marriage.

Authorized Rites for use in marriage and blessing liturgies:

Further resources for marriage and blessing liturgies: 

 

Forms & Applications

Canonically Resident and Licensed Priests

First Marriage

Priests who are canonically resident or licensed in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington may preside at the marriage of a couple of which neither of the parties has been previously married without submitting an application to the Bishop.

Remarriage

When a canonically resident or licensed priest is asked to preside at the marriage of a couple of which one or both of the parties has previously been married, the priest must submit an Application for Episcopal Consent to Officiate at a Remarriage at least three weeks in advance of the service.

Non-Resident Priests
First Marriage

For priests neither canonically resident nor serving under license in the Diocese of Washington who wish to officiate at a marriage ceremony within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese, the priest must submit to the Bishop a Non-Resident Clergy Application for Episcopal Consent to Officiate at a Marriage at least three weeks in advance of the service.

Remarriage

For priests neither canonically resident nor serving under license in the Diocese of Washintgon who have been asked to preside at the marriage of a couple of which one or both of the parties has previously been married, the priest must:

  1. Submit a Non-Resident Clergy Application for Episcopal Consent to Officiate at a Marriage.
  2. Comply with their own diocese’s requirements for seeking the solemnization of a marriage after divorce or annulment. Therefore, a copy of your bishop’s approval letter must be uploaded with your request to officiate.
  3. Request a “Letter of Good Standing” from their bishop and email it to Amanda Anderson, Executive Assistant to the Bishops.

For any additional questions regarding forms and applications or if you are unable to complete the forms online, please contact Amanda Anderson, Executive Assistant to the Bishops.

State and Jurisdiction Licensing

Maryland

No additional paperwork is required. You need only to be an ordained clergyperson. 

District of Columbia

The DC Marriage Bureau requires a submitted application form – Authorization to Celebrate Marriages in DC (PDF) – and a $35 application fee in order to perform a marriage ceremony within the District of Columbia. The application fee may be paid by certified check or money order to “Clerk – DC Superior Court.” You may also pay cash if you choose to go in person. 

Once processed, you will receive a certificate from the Marriage Bureau acknowledging that you are licensed to perform marriages in the District of Columbia. 

DC Marriage Bureau
500 Indiana Ave., NW Room 4485
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-4840 (recording)
(202) 879-4843
Hours: Mon – Fri (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)