Eloping in Washington, D.C. involves the following steps:
- Obtain a marriage license from the D.C. Superior Court Clerk's Office, which is located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
- Both parties must be present to apply for the license and bring valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. The marriage license application fee is $45. Marriage license applications can be found online here.
- Arrange for an officiant to perform the ceremony. This can be a judge, religious leader, or someone authorized by the D.C. government.
- Choose a location for the ceremony. This can be a private location, such as a park or your hotel room, or a public location, such as the National Mall.
- After the ceremony, the person who performed the ceremony will sign the marriage license and return it to the Clerk's Office to be recorded.
Where to Elope in Washington D.C
The National Mall
To get married at the national mall you need a special use permit:
Non refundable $90 processing cost
Ceremonies (no reception) are allowed at: DC War Memorial + Thomas Jefferson Memorial +George Mason Memorial
Please find permit information here
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a large urban park that offers lush greenery and natural scenery for a peaceful and intimate elopement!
Ceremonies must meet the following criteria:
Maximum participant limit is 50 people.
Duration: no longer than two hours.
Ceremonies can not interfere with other regular park activities or patrons
Events must occur between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Decorations and chairs are not permitted.
Permit applications can be found here for a Special Use Wedding Permit; permit fees begin at $200
Tudor Place
Tudor Place is a historic house museum located in Washington, D.C. It was built in the early 19th century and is considered one of the city's finest examples of federal-style architecture.
When eloping at Tudor Place you have the option of four different locations:
- Bowling Green, a romantic and secluded oasis
- East Lawn, a casual and wide space framed by historic trees
- The base of the Tulip Poplar on the South Lawn, an open space crowned by the 200-year-old tree
- The Temple Portico, a stunning and timeless architectural backdrop
Tudor Place offers a wide variety of packages for elopements on their property; packages are between$150-$1,000. More information can be found here
Union Station
Washington D.C.'s Union Station may be a good location to elope for its historic and iconic architecture, making for picturesque wedding photos. Additionally, Union Station offers easy access via various transportation options, making it a convenient location for couples and their guests. The station also features several event spaces that can be rented out for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions. Special events team contact information can be found here.
If you do not have a need for an event room, you can still elope at Union Station without reserving one. Union Station does not require permits for the outside of their gorgeous building which makes it such a great place to have your spontaneous elopement!
