Hospital Marriage
Unexpected Emergencies
Hospital marriage services are designed for urgent and sensitive situations where a marriage must take place in a hospital, hospice, or medical facility. Life does not always allow for advance planning, and sometimes marriage must happen quickly due to medical circumstances.
We have provided marriage services in the Washington, DC area for decades. Emergency and hospital marriages have always been part of the work we do and are never treated lightly.
As authorized ministers, this responsibility is taken seriously. We show up when people need us most.
Hospital marriages take place only when circumstances require it and when the couple is legally and mentally able to proceed.
These situations are often emotional, stressful, and deeply personal. Our role is to ensure the legal process is handled simply, respectfully, and correctly—without adding pressure or judgment.
Information
Hospital marriages are governed by strict legal and ethical requirements. The most critical requirement is the patient’s ability to give conscious, informed consent at the time of the ceremony.
This information is provided so expectations, authority, and process are clear before moving forward.
Who May Contact Us
Family members, friends, or support persons may reach out to:
- Ask general questions
- Share urgent circumstances
- Help connect the couple with services
These conversations help us understand the situation. They do not establish a contractual relationship or decision-making authority.
Who May Hire Us
Hospital marriage services are provided only by agreement with one or both parties to the marriage.
- Contracts are entered into exclusively with a party to the marriage
- Third parties may assist or coordinate but may not act on behalf of the couple
- Payment or involvement by a third party does not create contractual rights or authority
Patient Ability to Consent
For a hospital marriage to take place, the patient must be consciously aware and able to communicate consent at the time of the ceremony.
Consent means the patient:
- Knows they are getting married
- Knows who they are marrying
- Is able to clearly communicate agreement in that moment
Marriage cannot proceed without direct, present-moment consent from the patient.
Hospital conditions can change rapidly. If conscious consent cannot be established at the scheduled time, the marriage cannot proceed. Hospital policies and medical staff guidance are respected at all times.