"Let Our Vows Endure Emergency Act of 2025” or “LOVE Act,” signed on October 9, 2025, gives Mayor Bowser the authority to issue marriage licenses and authorize officiants during this partial federal government shutdown.
 
The Secretary of the District of Columbia has been delegated the authority to celebrate marriages, issue marriage licenses, authorize temporary officiants, transmit true copies of licenses, and officiant authorizations to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, execute certified copies of licenses issued by the Government of the District of Columbia, and execute all other documents necessary to issue and certify licenses that solemnize a marriage in the District of Columbia.

License applications, officiant authorizations, and certifications can be obtained through the Office of the Secretary, Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances at 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 8700, between 9 am and 4 pm. Residents and visitors can learn more about receiving a marriage license by emailing [email protected] or calling (202) 727-5090.