To get a Maryland marriage license, apply at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county (or Baltimore City) where your ceremony will take place. The license is issued the same day you apply, becomes effective 48 hours later, and stays valid for six months. There is no residency requirement, so you don’t need to live in Maryland or in the county where you plan to marry.
Where to Apply
The license is tied to the county of the ceremony, not the county where either of you lives. If the wedding will be in Montgomery County, you apply in Montgomery County. Applications are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk during regular office hours.
Only one of the two people getting married has to appear in person, but that person needs to bring a copy of the absent partner’s identification along with their own.1Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Talbot County
Who Can Marry
Both people must be at least 18 to marry without any special requirements. No one under 17 can marry in Maryland under any circumstances.2Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Family Law Code 2-301
A 17-year-old may marry only after clearing two hurdles. First, the minor needs either the consent of every living parent, guardian, or legal custodian, or a medical certificate from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner confirming that the woman to be married is pregnant or has given birth. Second, the minor must also present a certified court order granting authorization to marry, filed with the clerk no earlier than 15 days after the court issued it.2Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Family Law Code 2-301
Maryland prohibits marriage between close family members, including a direct ancestor or descendant, a sibling, a niece or nephew, an aunt or uncle, and certain in-law and step-family relationships such as a stepparent, a spouse’s parent, or a spouse’s child.3Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Family Law Code 2-202 First cousins are not on the prohibited list, so first-cousin marriage is allowed.
What to Bring
Each person must provide their full legal name, current address, date and place of birth, and Social Security number. The Social Security number is required by law but will not appear on the license itself.4Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Worcester County
Bring valid government-issued photo identification for both parties. A driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate all work.1Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Talbot County
If either of you was previously married, you must provide the date and place of the divorce or the date and location of a former spouse’s death. Some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree, especially when the divorce was recent. Worcester County requires a copy of the final decree in all cases.4Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Worcester County If you have the decree, bring it even if you aren’t sure the county requires it.
Maryland does not require a blood test or any other medical examination.5Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Somerset County
Fees
Fees vary by county. Talbot County charges $35, and Washington County charges $60.1Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Talbot County6Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Washington County Most counties fall in that range. Accepted payment methods also vary: some clerks take credit cards, others accept only cash, certified checks, or money orders. Call the clerk’s office ahead to confirm the fee and how you can pay.
Applying by Mail if You Live Out of State
If neither person lives in the county where the ceremony will take place, Maryland lets you apply by mail using the Non-Resident Marriage License Application Affidavit (form CCFM066). The form must be signed before a public official in your home area whose duties are comparable to a Maryland Circuit Court Clerk. A notary public does not qualify. Mail the completed form with a certified check or money order (no personal checks) to the clerk’s office in the ceremony county.7Maryland Courts. Non-Resident Marriage License Application Affidavit
Send the application at least three weeks before the wedding to allow for delivery and any follow-up the clerk might need. The mail process is not available to 17-year-old applicants, who must apply in person.7Maryland Courts. Non-Resident Marriage License Application Affidavit
The 48-Hour Wait and Six-Month Window
Maryland imposes a mandatory 48-hour waiting period. Your license becomes effective at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance, and no ceremony can happen before then. Apply on a Monday afternoon, and the earliest you can marry is Wednesday at 6:00 a.m.8Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information for Harford County
A judge can waive the waiting period in limited circumstances, typically for military service or pregnancy. Contact the Circuit Court in the county that issued the license to ask about a waiver.
Once the license is effective, you have six months to hold the ceremony. Miss that window and the license expires; you’ll need to apply and pay again.9Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Family Law 2-406
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Maryland law allows “any authorized official” to perform a marriage ceremony.9Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Family Law 2-406 In practice, that includes ordained or licensed clergy, judges, clerks of court, and designated deputy clerks. Some counties offer civil ceremonies at the courthouse for an added fee. Talbot County charges $25 for a ceremony performed by a judge, clerk, or deputy clerk.1Maryland Courts. Marriage License Information – Talbot County Maryland also recognizes Society of Friends (Quaker) marriage ceremonies, in which the couple marries without a traditional officiant.10Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Family Law 2-409
After the Ceremony
The officiant gives one marriage certificate to the couple and returns the other to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office that issued the license within five days of the ceremony.10Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Code Family Law 2-409 The clerk cannot record the marriage until that certificate comes back, and you can’t order certified copies until it’s recorded. In a Quaker ceremony, returning the certificate is the couple’s responsibility.
Once the marriage is recorded, you can order certified copies from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county that issued the license. The fee is $5.50 per copy.11Maryland Courts. Request for Copy of a Maryland Marriage Record Order several at once. You’ll likely need them for name changes, insurance updates, and bank accounts.