The DC Marriage Knot
Wedding Officiants – Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia
~serving beyond tradition~
Welcome to The DC Marriage Knot!
As a DC wedding officiant, I specialize in intimate tiny weddings, elopements, and custom ceremonies tailored to your love story. Proudly serving couples across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, I bring passion and professionalism to every celebration, ensuring your day reflects your unique bond.
Looking for a wedding officiant near you for your DC, MD, or Northern VA wedding? Since 2004, I’ve officiated over 7,500 heartfelt ceremonies, offering spiritual, civil, and religious options to suit every couple’s vision. Whether it’s a romantic elopement or an elegant micro-wedding, I’ll make your ceremony unforgettable.
With a background as a seminary-trained, ordained minister, I bring over 20 years of expertise to every event. At The DC Marriage Knot, I’m dedicated to delivering personalized, meaningful ceremonies that leave a lasting impression. Let’s create a moment you’ll cherish forever.
Contact me today to learn more or book your date! Visit contact us to get started.
Ceremony Officiant Style
Our wedding officiants are dedicated to creating engaging and memorable ceremonies—not generic or uninspired performances. Delivered in a warm, heartfelt, and non-preachy style, our ceremonies are designed to delight you and your guests, leaving a lasting impression. For customized ceremonies, we offer personalized consultations and thoughtful feedback to ensure your ceremony perfectly reflects your unique wishes and dreams.
Officiant’s Flexibility
Whether you’re planning a fully customized ceremony, a simple elopement, or a signature-only event, we’re here to help. Our thoughtfully designed ceremony packages accommodate nearly every budget, ensuring your special day is just as you envision.
Best of all, we come to you (signature services excluded)! Your ceremony can take place at your home, venue, or any safe location we travel to. In the meantime, let us extend our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming marriage. We’re thrilled for you and can’t wait to meet you soon!
Let’s Chat: Email Us!
DC Elopements Made Simple
Avoid the cost and stress of a big wedding! Eloping in DC, MD, or VA is easy and hassle-free with The DC Marriage Knot. Whether you prefer a scenic waterfront or a quiet land location in MD or VA, we’ll help you find the perfect spot for an unforgettable day.
Seeking a simpler option, we also offer legal signature services—just us meeting at a convenient coffee shop to complete the paperwork..
DC Marriages
We are honored to serve all loving couples, whether you’re planning an elopement, signature service, destination wedding, or traditional ceremony. Our officiants proudly provide services throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Since 2004, we have joyfully officiated same-sex ceremonies while actively supporting the LGBT equality movement.
DC Marriage License
You can apply for a DC marriage license online or in person. Allow at least two hours to process your license at the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau, as parking is often challenging during court sessions. Online applications can take up to six weeks, so plan ahead.
Our DC wedding officiants will guide our couples through the process, ensuring they’re fully prepared.
Wedding Officiants
Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns is the founder and lead DC officiant of The DC Marriage Knot. She is a proud recipient of the Brides Choice and Best of Weddings awards.
As a graduate and former associate minister of the National Spiritual Science Center in Washington, DC, she collaborates with her team to deliver exceptional, personalized ceremonies to loving couples throughout the DMV area.
DC Wedding Officiants
You may be wondering why we call ourselves DC Wedding Officiants when we provide services beyond D.C. The DC Marriage Knot primarily serves the D.C. Metropolitan area, also known as the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia).
Many local couples plan weddings across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, in Baltimore, or beyond. In those cases, we become MD Wedding Officiants. For events at a vineyard in Northern Virginia, we’re VA Wedding Officiants. No matter where your wedding takes place, we want to be there—because your happiness is our happiness.
Below, you’ll find the types of ceremonies we offer and the areas we serve. If you’d like to reach us, call 202-253-3629 or email us.
Types of Services
- Religious Ceremonies: Faith-based, non-denominational, or interfaith ceremonies tailored to your beliefs.
- Spiritual Ceremonies: Designed to align with the couple’s spiritual path and understanding of ancient wisdom.
- Civil Ceremonies: Non-religious ceremonies with no prayers or mentions of God.
- Same-Day Marriages: Ideal for short-notice events or signature services. Available the same day in D.C., Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. A valid marriage license is required.
Areas We Serve
- Washington, DC: All areas.
- Maryland: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Charles County, Frederick County, Howard County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, and Queen Anne’s County. Other areas may be considered—please inquire.
- Virginia: Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and select parts of Richmond, Virginia.
Marriage License Requirements
Maryland: Wedding ceremonies must take place in the county or city where the marriage license was issued.
District of Columbia and Virginia: Marriage licenses allow ceremonies to be performed anywhere within the district or state.
Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns
Ceremony Demo
Contact us, for DC, MD, or NoVA Wedding Officiants. We’re nearby and ready to serve you!” If you think we’re a match, call or send email.
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Photo Credits (photos above the video): Nikki Daskalakis (The Knot Style Shoot 2023), Starlene Moon, Invision Fotography