Don, you free Jan 12th?

We were officially/legally married at the DC Courthouse using their officiant who does a civil service (i.e, no religious overtones) with only our parents present. It was insanely easy to set up. This took care of our legal obligation to the state.

Then we had our own ceremony & reception for the “actual wedding” three days later with all of our families and friends, doing it exactly as we wanted, saying exactly what we wanted to say, without an officant of any kind needed. We consider that our “real” wedding, the other was just for the state.

So basically we got all the legality out of the way first, and it worked out nicely, much less stress then trying to navigate their wacky rules. You could do the same, get legally married in DC a few days before, then at your other ceremony/reception have whoever you want do the “MC” job.

Down there the bride and groom have to get a marriage license from the courts before the wedding can be official. What you are called upon to do as a notary in that context is merely to assure that both parties are sufficiently aware of the seriousness of the contract they’re entering into.

So I’m not sure exactly what about that kind of responsibility compares it to drafting a will. Perhaps there’s more asked of an officiant here, though it seems doubtful.

I think the only semi-traditional aspect will be the vows, which we’re gonna re-write anyway. I know I’ll have to say “I promise to spend more time with Amy than the computer…”

That said, DC has the hardest officiant registration rules I’ve ever seen. Don’t bet on skirting them or registering a new religious society. You’d have a much easier time if you have a friend with a mail-order ordination if you marry in Maryland, or marry legally in Virginia and have your friend or family member lead a ring ceremony and vows if you must be in the District.

Hint: you can identify a wedding officiant and have it changed before your wedding, if you have a long lead time.

I’m just trying to help people avoid the trauma like what Penn Quarter Living faced when he went to the Superior Court unprepared.

And although I have no davice, as one who does read and enjoy, congratulations Wayan!

Because, looking back on your comments, you just can’t resist commenting on my posts. In fact, of all the MBDC authors, you almost only comment on my posts. A little obsessed are you?