The Council of the District of Columbia has approved Council member Christina Henderson’s Let Our Vows Endure (LOVE) Emergency Amendment Act of 2025, which allows the mayor to issue marriage licenses and authorize temporary marriage officiants while the federal government remains shut down.
The emergency legislation was passed to address the 14-day suspension of marriage services caused by the closure of the federally funded DC Superior Court, which normally oversees marriage licenses.
“Due to the federal government shutdown, the D.C. Superior Court — which is federally funded — has been unable to issue marriage certificates for the last 14 days, leaving many of our residents and visitors who wished to be married during this time with few alternatives,” Henderson said. “No one should have to leave the District and venture to neighboring states such as Maryland or Virginia to get married simply because Congress cannot get their act together and fund the federal government on time.”
Council members noted their swift action was to ensure that residents can continue their celebrations without interruption.
The Act temporarily shifts authority from the Superior Court to the mayor’s office, empowering the mayor or a designated official to issue marriage licenses, approve temporary officiants, and transmit all necessary documentation to certify marriages in the District.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has delegated this responsibility to the Secretary of the District of Columbia, ensuring the continuation of marriage services at no cost to residents or visitors.
According to city officials, 27 couples applied for marriage licenses on the first day the law took effect, and five officiants were authorized to perform ceremonies.
The emergency measure will remain in effect for 90 days, with the Council also considering a temporary version that could extend the authority for up to 225 days.
Bowser first signed a similar version of the LOVE Act in 2019 during a previous shutdown, which had halted marriage services for several weeks.
“During the federal shutdown, D.C. keeps moving forward—and now, your wedding plans can, too,” Bowser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Oct. 14. “The LOVE Act is live!”