When laws went into effect in three states for same-sex couples to marry , many were quick to line up at their city halls to exchange vows . Now they may do so in one of the nation 's most prominent churches -- the Washington National Cathedral . Most Americans know the house of God , also called the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul , as a place where sacred rites are carried out on behalf of the nation . It has been host to the funerals of numerous presidents and of inaugural prayer services for four presidents , including Barack Obama . But it is also an active house of worship in the Episcopalian Church , said the Cathedral 's dean , Gary Hall . The denomination has developed a blessing rite that mirrors current wedding ceremonies for heterosexual couples and allows each bishop to decide to allow same-sex marriages in their churches or not . Bishop Mariann Budde decided to allow the rite , since same-sex marriage is legal in the District of Columbia and now in neighboring Maryland as well , Hall said . It was Budde 's decision that led Hall to create the same-sex rite . He sees it as `` another historic step toward greater equality . '' The states of Washington , Maine and Maryland all legalized same-sex marriages in referendums during the 2012 general election . It was already legal in the nation 's capital . In March , the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two appeals cases related to same-sex marriage -- California 's Proposition 8 , which bans same-sex marriage and the federal Defense of Marriage Act , which denies federal benefits to same-sex couples . The American Episcopal Church is intimately connected with the Church of England , which last week approved the advancement of male priests in same-sex committed relationships to the position of bishop . But those relationships must be celibate . City halls in Baltimore ; Portland , Maine ; and Seattle erupted in celebration as the first same-sex couples tied the knot in December and January . Seattle 's ceremony included 133 couples , who walked outside and down rain-slickened steps afterward , where they were greeted by cheers , confetti and a brass band celebrating the first day same-sex couples could marry in Washington . To wed at the National Cathedral , one member of the couple must be baptized into the Church , and both must commit to a Christian marriage of `` lifelong faithfulness , love , forbearance and mutual comfort . ''
Same - sex couples have lined up to marry in the halls . Washington National Cathedral is the site of presidential ceremonies . Several presidents have had inaugural prayers there . It is also a place of worship for the Episcopal Church .