WASHINGTON — The federal government shutdown has thrown a wrench into the plans of couples wanting to tie the knot in the District, but the DC Council is expected to approve emergency legislation that would change that.

The court system in D.C. is federally funded, which means that during a government shutdown services deemed non-essential are suspended. That means the Marriage Bureau in DC's Superior Court has to stop issuing marriage licenses and performing ceremonies.

On Tuesday, the DC Council is expected to approve the Let Our Vows Endure (LOVE) Emergency Act of 2025, which is similar to the bill passed during the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown that lasted 35 days.

"This is temporary legislation that will the Department of Health to do this," DC Council Chairman Phil Mende

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