Things you need to know about government closures on the first day from Capitol Hill
According to a USA Today Congressional Reporter, once the government shutdown enters the first day, there are no signs of sprouting on either side of the aisle.
Sorry, Lovebird, wedding bells may be ringing, but it may not be in Washington, DC during government shutdowns.
Government closures affect many aspects of daily life, but one unexpected place is the marriage sector.
During the closure, the Marriage Bureau, which is part of the DC Superior Court, will stop issuing marriage licenses and ceremonies, according to a message on the Columbia Special Court website. However, the Marriage Bureau can still issue certified copies of important records, such as marriage certificates.
The Special Court of Columbia consists of the DC Superior Court and the DC Court of Appeal.
The District Court of Columbia will continue to “continue litigation resolutions in all departments and superior court family courts and appeal in the court of appeal,” the message said. “The juvenile probation services provided by the social services department will continue.”
Here’s what you need to know about getting married in Washington, DC during the government shutdown:
Why can’t I issue a marriage license during the government closure in DC?
According to the Columbia Special Court closure plan updated on September 25th, the court will be limited to functions deemed “necessary to continue the resolution of the case without interruption.”
Unfortunately, for the newlyweds soon, the court does not consider the wedding to be an important service.
“The issuance of marriage licenses and wedding gifts will be suspended during the expiration,” the closure plan said.
Why is marriage licenses only affected in DC?
DC is unique as its courts and local governments are federally funded. Other U.S. cities are funded through state and local taxes, so marriage licenses may continue to be issued amid federal closures.
What is the alternative?
If you and your upcoming spouse are planning to marry during the closure, there are alternatives.
According to a post on the American Marriage Ministries (AMM) website, if you plan to marry a judge or court, those weddings must be postponed. However, the Minister will still be able to preside over the ceremony, just like AMM’s.
Happy couple friends and family can also be appointed online and hosted the wedding.
The wedding can still be hosted, but the couple’s marriage licenses will not be dealt with during the government closure.
Acts of Love: Temporary Acts Passed during the 2019 Shutdown
During the previous closure in 2019, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser signed, “Let Our Vows can withstand the 2019 emergency law,” according to the Mayor’s Office of Enforcement.
The act allowed the mayor to issue a marriage license and approve officers during partial closures.
But it was a temporary measure and, according to local news radio station Wamu, it still requires new actions to be allowed for the same to happen.
How about the wedding venue?
If a couple chooses a venue on a federally funded site, such as a park or museum, the venue may not operate during government closures. This applies not only to DC, but also to sites managed by the federal government around the country.
Can a DC couple still get divorced during government shutdown?
On the other side of the spectrum is divorce, but it is possible that the couple who quickly lost their eye are not thinking about it.
But yes, the couple could still divorce during the government shutdown, Wam reported.
Julia is a trend reporter for USA Today, covering scientific research and trend news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, xInstagram and Tiktok: @juliamaigz, or email her to jgomez@hannett.com
