How to Officiate a Wedding in the District of Columbia

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In DC?

DC is friendly to online-ordained ministers. You can handle the paperwork here, but you need to apply with the DC Marriage Bureau first. There are two options: a regular application ($35) or a temporary/per-ceremony application ($25). Processing takes up to 5 days. One nice perk — DC marriage licenses never expire, giving couples maximum flexibility.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Apply with the DC Marriage Bureau — DC requires officiants to register. Regular registration is $35; temporary (per-ceremony) is $25. Processing takes up to 5 days.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

DC allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage license, but you must register with the Marriage Bureau first.

Statute: D.C. Code § 46-406 — ministers, priests, rabbis, or authorized persons of any religious denomination may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (with registration)
Registration required? Yes — DC Marriage Bureau, $25–$35, up to 5 days
Marriage license cost $45
Waiting period None
License valid for Does NOT expire
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed None required

Before the Wedding

  • Register with the DC Marriage Bureau — Regular registration ($35) or temporary/per-ceremony ($25). Processing takes up to 5 days. Note: some sources indicate each ceremony may require a separate application — confirm with the Marriage Bureau.
  • Call the Marriage Bureau — Tell them you’re an ordained, registered minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the DC Marriage Bureau. No waiting period. The license never expires — one of the most flexible in the country. Cost: $45 (waived if couple has a DC domestic partnership certificate).

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. DC doesn’t require witnesses, but having one or two sign doesn’t hurt. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Marriage Bureau within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

DC Tips

  • Registration is quick (up to 5 days) and affordable ($25–$35)
  • Marriage licenses never expire — great for couples still nailing down a date
  • No witnesses required
  • No waiting period on the license
  • Temporary officiant option ($25) is perfect for one-time officiants
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to the DC Marriage Bureau before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with the DC Marriage Bureau.