Maryland Marriage License Requirements
Below is the information on what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before filling out the marriage license forms.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially be married under the law. Always check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
Licenses are usually not valid for more than 30 days so you'll typically need to apply for your marriage license within one month of your wedding ceremony. You need to submit your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will 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.
IMPORTANT: You are not officially married when you receive a marriage license. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Maryland.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
If Divorced: If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.
Fees: Cash Only! $25
Other Tests: No tests
Under 18: Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.
Officiants: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.
Valid: License is valid for 90 days anywhere in Maryland.
The license can only be used within the State of Maryland.
IMPORTANT: State and county marriage license requirements can change so make sure you check with your local town clerk. This information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any plans.
Allegany ClerkOf Circuit Court.
30 Washington St
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-777-5922
Anne ArundelClerk Circuit Court
7 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1434
Baltimore City Circuit CourtMarriage License Department
100 N Calvert St, Rm 610
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-333-3780
Calvert County Circuit Court175 Main St
Calvert County Courthouse
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1660
Caroline CountyCircuit Court
P.O. Box 458
Denton, MD 21629
410-479-1811
Carroll CountyCircuit Court Clerk
55 North Court St
Rm G-8
Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-2022
Cecil CountyCircuit Clerk
108 Court House
Elkton, MD 21921
410-996-5318
Charles CountyCircuit Court
P.O. Box 970
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3236
Dorchester Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 150
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-0480
Frederick Circuit Court
100 West Patrick St
Frederick, MD 21701
301-694-1960
Garrett CircuitCourt Clerk
P.O. Box 447
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937
Harford CountyClerk of Court
20 West Courtland St
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-6000
Howard Circuit Court Clerk
8360 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-2111
Kent County CircuitCourt Clerk
County Courthouse
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-7460
Montgomery CircuitCourt Clerk
50 Court House Square
Rockville, MD 20850
301-217-6752
Prince Georges CountyClerk of Circuit Court
14735 Main St
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3655
Queen Annes CountyCircuit Court Clerk
Court House
Centreville, MD 21617
301-758-1773
Somerset CircuitCourt Clerk
P.O. Box 99
Princess Anne, MD 21853
301-651-1555
St Marys CircuitCourt Clerk
P.O. Box 308
Leonard Town, MD 20650
301-475-4568
Talbot Circuit Court Clerk
11 N Washington St
Easton, MD 21601
410-822-2611
Washington CircuitCourt Clerk
P.O. Box 229
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-791-3085
Wicomico CircuitCourt Clerk
P.O. Box 198
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Worcester CircuitCourt Clerk
Court House Room 104
Snow Hill, MD 21863
410-632-1221