Start with the correct issuing office, then confirm your officiant and ceremony. This Washington, DC guide separates those arrangements so you can plan the photographs around a wedding time and location you have actually booked.
Details reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current arrangements directly with the linked office or venue for your date.
Apply through the DC Courts Marriage Bureau
The Marriage Bureau processes applications remotely and in person. Its current instructions allow an online application and require proof of age for both applicants. Read the Court’s checklist and confirm processing arrangements before setting a ceremony date.
Confirm the officiant and location
DC Courts says both people marrying and the person performing the wedding must be physically in the District at the time of the ceremony. Use its instructions to check the required authorization for your chosen officiant.
Official planning information
Schedule the ceremony separately
The Bureau offers onsite and virtual civil ceremonies, but an application is not a confirmed ceremony appointment. Review the Court’s current scheduling process, availability and fees. Ask about guest limits and camera access before planning coverage inside the courthouse.
Plan the photographs around your ceremony
Once your Washington, DC ceremony is confirmed, share the address, time and guest count. I would agree on the family photographs before the day and choose a short portrait route, so you spend less of your coverage gathering people or traveling.
Ask the ceremony provider about camera rules, room access and how early we can arrive. If you want portraits elsewhere, include parking, walking and a weather alternative in the plan. Share what matters most to you so we can recommend coverage around your actual celebration.
Wedding photography and next steps
Tell us your date, venue or ceremony location, guest count and the parts of the day you want photographed. We’re based in Wilmington, North Carolina; we’ll confirm destination availability and travel with your quote.
The photographs in this guide are examples from our work. We’ll plan your locations and access for your own wedding.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
Share your plans. We’ll reply with availability and a coverage option for your day.
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