Marriage License Laws in the State of Maryland

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially tie the knot under state law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license sometimes vary, so you should check with your county's marriage office or clerk of court's office.

When you apply for your license, you'll need a proof of identification and age, and you'll need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

Just because you have your marriage license does not mean you are officially married. On your wedding day, you'll give Rev. Tracey your marriage license, then after the ceremony, she'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. You should know your Social Security numbers, as well as the state and county in which you were born.

Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to marry here. However, you must be married in the county where you purchased your license.

Application Requirement: Only one of you needs to be present to apply for your license in Anne Arundel County; this law may be different in other counties.

• Marriage license be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county where the marriage is to take place.  If, however, it is not convenient for you to visit the Clerk's Office in that county, you may apply using a Non-Resident Affidavit. Affidavits are available online at the Calvert, Kent, and Queen Anne's Circuit Court Clerks' web sites. Or obtain one from either your county or from the county in which you plan to marry.

If Divorced: In some Maryland counties, if previously married, you will need to show proof of how the marriage ended, I.E.; a divorce judgment or a death certificate. These must be certified copies.

Waiting Period: 2 days. The license is issued at the same time the application is taken; however, the license will reflect an effective date of forty eight hours from the date of issue.

Valid: License is valid for 6 months.

Fees: $ 35+ Cash Only.

Other Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: Applicants under the age of 15 may not marry.

• An applicant who is 15 years old may only marry with the consent of a parent or guardian and with a certificate from a licensed physician verifying that an examination of the woman to be married indicated that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
• Applicants 16 or 17 years old may only marry with the consent of a parent or guardian who confirms that individual's age or with a certificate from a licensed physician verifying that an examination of the woman to be married indicated that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.

Civil Marriages: Maryland no longer employs Justices of the Peace to perform civil ceremonies. Instead, Maryland allows a Clerk of the Circuit Court or an appointed, designated Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court to perform perfunctory civil ceremonies. The hours, location and fees for a civil ceremony vary from county to county.

Officiants: Any minister of the gospel authorized by the rules and customs of their church may perform marriages. Minister must complete the marriage license and marriage certificate and give one certificate to the couple. Another certificate and the license must be returned to the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within five days after the marriage.

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The information provided is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

                                    Maryland Clerks Offices

                            (courtesy US marriage laws web)