As Government Shutdown Looms, Couples Rush to D.C. Marriage Bureau to Secure Wedding Licenses

As the government shutdown looms, couples in Washington D.C. are rushing to the marriage bureau to get their wedding licenses.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said the Senate’s proposed continuing resolution to fund the government is unlikely to advance in the House, leading to a possible shutdown. In response, couples planning weddings for early October have been flocking to the marriage bureau to get their licenses.

Telaya Charles, who works at the marriage bureau, said it was busier than a normal Wednesday and that couples had been coming in talking about the shutdown. She noted that about a dozen people were waiting in line, some murmuring about getting their licenses just in case Congress doesn’t get its act together.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday said McCarthy is letting “MAGA radicals” drive his decisions, and said the bipartisan measure to fund the government through November 17th should be allowed to pass. The measure includes $6.2 billion in Ukraine aid and $6 billion for natural disasters.

Since the government is still open, a lot of agencies and D.C employees haven’t gotten much information about what will happen. But marriage bureau employees have heard tidbits from Hill staffers and reporters coming in to get a marriage license. It remains to be seen if Congress will be able to pass the measure and avoid a shutdown.