Marriage laws vary in every state and your license must be obtained within the state in which you’re getting married. Even though D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are in close proximity to each other, the requirements to obtain your license vary greatly. In addition to that, each location has different laws as to who can actually marry you.
Thinking of having a friend officiate your wedding in Virginia? Be careful—Virginia has strict laws about who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. Many couples don’t realize that their loved one may not be authorized, and the “one-time officiant license” is often denied. In this post, we explain Virginia’s officiant requirements, what happens if your friend can’t legally officiate, and how to ensure your marriage is valid.