Maryland Wedding Laws
Maryland is less than 10,500 square miles, but so much is packed into this relatively small area that it is nicknamed "America in Miniature." So much variety means that Maryland offers many unique wedding venues to residents and visitors alike. To avoid any administrative mishaps and make sure your marriage receives legal recognition, follow this step-by-step guide to marriage in Maryland.
Getting Married in Maryland
- Marriage By Proxy Allowed:
- No
- Minister Required to be Present:
- Yes
- Number of Witnesses Required:
- None
- Min. Age of Witnesses:
- N/A
- Couple's Consent Required:
- Yes
- Pronouncement Required:
- Yes
While some religious organizations, such as the Society of Friends, may require witnesses to the wedding ceremony, Maryland law does not. However, it does require that both you and your intended spouse be physically present for the ceremony, as well as the officiant presiding over it. For the marriage to be formally solemnized and legally binding, both you and your significant other must take one another as spouses through a formal declaration. Otherwise, you may plan the ceremony according to established customs and traditions, as well as your own personal preferences.
Md. Code, Family Law §§ 2–406, 2-409
(a) Each marriage certificate shall contain:
(1) the name, signature, and title of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony; or
(2) if the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, the signatures of the individuals and the attestation of the certificate by 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
(b)(1) The authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony shall:
(i) hand 1 marriage certificate to the individuals; and
(ii) return, within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached, but if the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony dies or resigns, some other individual shall return the certificate.
(2) If the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, they:
(i) may keep 1 marriage certificate; and
(ii) within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, shall return the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached.
(c) If the marriage certificate is not returned within 6 months after the date on which the license becomes effective, the clerk who issued the license shall attempt to determine whether the marriage ceremony was performed and, if so, the name of the authorized official who performed the marriage ceremony.
(d)(1) An individual who performs a marriage ceremony or who is married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony may not violate the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) of this section.
(2) An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine in an amount that the court considers appropriate.
Maryland Marriage Requirements
- Min. Age of Couple:
- Age 18 or Age 16 with Guardian Consent
- Residency:
- Not Required
- Min. Distance of Kin Allowed:
- First Cousins
- Marriage Equality:
- Yes
As long as you comply with the other requirements, there are no residency requirements to get married in Maryland, and same-sex couples are welcome. However, age requirements for a marriage license in Maryland can be a little confusing because they are extremely detailed. If you and your spouse-to-be are both over the age of 18, the following stipulations regarding age do not apply to you.
Under no circumstances can a minor under the age of 15 get married in Maryland. A 15-year-old who is pregnant or has given birth can get married with certification from a licensed health care provider affirming that fact, plus the consent of a parent or guardian. A minor aged 16 or 17 may get married with either the consent of a guardian or certification of pregnancy or birth from a health care provider but does not require both.
Maryland also does not allow any individual to marry a close family member, including one's own child, parent, sibling, grandparent, stepparent, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle. There are criminal penalties not only for those who enter into such a union but also for those who solemnize it.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-202. Marriages within certain degrees of relationship void; penalties
(a) In general. -- Any marriage performed in this State that is prohibited by this section is void.
(b) Marriages within 3 degrees of direct lineal consanguinity or within first degree of collateral consanguinity prohibited; penalties. --
(1) An individual may not marry the individual's:
(i) grandparent;
(ii) parent;
(iii) child;
(iv) sibling; or
(v) grandchild.
(2) An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $ 1,500.
(c) Certain marriages within other degrees of affinity or consanguinity prohibited; penalties. --
(1) An individual may not marry the individual's:
(i) grandparent's spouse;
(ii) spouse's grandparent;
(iii) parent's sibling;
(iv) stepparent;
(v) spouse's parent;
(vi) spouse's child;
(vii) child's spouse;
(viii) grandchild's spouse;
(ix) spouse's grandchild; or
(x) sibling's child.
(2) An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $ 500.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-301. Marriage of individual 16 or 17 years old; marriage of individual under the age of 16 years
(a) Marriage of individual 16 or 17 years old. -- An individual 16 or 17 years old may not marry unless:
(1) the individual has the consent of a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian swears that the individual is at least 16 years old; or
(2) if the individual does not have the consent of a parent or guardian, either party to be married gives the clerk a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner has examined the woman to be married and has found that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
(b) Marriage of individual 15 years old. -- An individual 15 years old may not marry unless:
(1) the individual has the consent of a parent or guardian; and
(2) either party to be married gives the clerk a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner has examined the woman to be married and has found that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
(c) Marriage of individual under the age of 15 years. -- An individual under the age of 15 may not marry.
How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Maryland
- Min. Age of Minister:
- Age 18
- Residency:
- Not Required
- Document(s) Required:
- Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized:
- Yes
- Relevant Office of Registration:
- Circuit Court Clerk
- Latest Document(s) Submission Date Allowed:
- After the Ceremony
- Minister I.D. # Issued:
- No
Maryland allows a number of officials to solemnize weddings in the state, including an official authorized by a religious body according to its rules and customs. Civil officials who can perform weddings in Maryland include clerks and their deputies, as well as judges. However, anyone who solemnizes a wedding in Maryland must be at least 18 years old according to state law.
A minister ordained online by Universal Life Church to perform your wedding may want to bring the relevant credentials to the issuing office when returning the completed marriage license and certificate because the clerk may ask to see them. While it does not affect the ceremony you plan, it is interesting to note that Maryland law regards ULC ministers as religious actors regardless of personal beliefs. Neither the officiant's gender nor residence has any bearing on his or her qualification.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-406. Performance of ceremony
(a) Authorized officials. --
(2) A marriage ceremony may be performed in this State by:
(i) any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony;
(ii) any clerk;
(iii) any deputy clerk designated by the county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county; or
(iv) a judge.
Applying For a Marriage License in Maryland
- ULC-Officiated Ceremony Type:
- Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period:
- 6 am of Second Day After Issuance
- License Valid For:
- 6 Months
- License Must Be Submitted:
- Within 5 Days of Ceremony
When you are issued your marriage license, it will come with a marriage certificate attached to it. Within five days after the ceremony takes place, both the original license and the completed certificate must be returned to the same county clerk who issued them. This is the responsibility of the minister who performs the ceremony.
Once your marriage license has been issued, it typically does not become effective until the following calendar day at precisely 6 a.m. However, under certain circumstances, it may be possible for a circuit court judge to waive that waiting period or at least shorten it. You or your spouse-to-be must be either a member of the United States Armed Forces or a resident of Maryland, and you must be able to show a good cause. Once the license becomes valid, it remains so for six months.
Md. Code, Family Law §§ 2–406, 2-409
(a) Each marriage certificate shall contain:
(1) the name, signature, and title of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony; or
(2) if the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, the signatures of the individuals and the attestation of the certificate by 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
(b)(1) The authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony shall:
(i) hand 1 marriage certificate to the individuals; and
(ii) return, within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached, but if the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony dies or resigns, some other individual shall return the certificate.
(2) If the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, they:
(i) may keep 1 marriage certificate; and
(ii) within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, shall return the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached.
(c) If the marriage certificate is not returned within 6 months after the date on which the license becomes effective, the clerk who issued the license shall attempt to determine whether the marriage ceremony was performed and, if so, the name of the authorized official who performed the marriage ceremony.
(d)(1) An individual who performs a marriage ceremony or who is married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony may not violate the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) of this section.
(2) An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine in an amount that the court considers appropriate.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-405. Issuance of license
(d) Waiting period. --
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a license is not effective until 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after the license is issued.
(2) For good cause shown, a judge of the circuit court for the county in which the application is made may sign an authorization for a license to become effective at a time before the waiting period expires, as stated in the authorization, if 1 of the parties to be married is:
(i) a resident of this State; or
(ii) a member of the United States armed forces.
How to Get a Maryland Marriage License
- Who Picks Up License:
- The Couple
- Where License is Valid:
- County of Issuance
- Marriage License Pick-Up:
- In Person/By Mail
- Cost of License:
- $10 + Filing Fee
- Accepted I.D. Types:
- Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce Required (If Applicable):
- No
- Blood Test Required:
- No
Typically, you and your spouse will present yourselves in person to the clerk's office in the county where you reside to fill out the application form, although under certain circumstances the state may only process marriage licenses remotely. In either case, the fee to obtain your marriage license varies by county. The base fee is only $10, but some counties add more fees to benefit domestic violence programs and shelters within their jurisdiction. The additional fees can range from $25 to $75.
You and your spouse-to-be will have to swear to the information that you provide in your marriage license application. The clerk will ask you whether you are related by blood or marriage and to confirm the date and place of a divorce or the death of a previous spouse, if applicable. Otherwise, you will both be asked to furnish your Social Security numbers, full names, ages, and place of residence to complete the application.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-402. Application for license
(a) When and where made. -- An applicant for a license may apply to the clerk only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(b) Information required. -- Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to apply for a license, 1 of the parties to be married shall:
(1) appear before the clerk and give, under oath, the following information, which shall be placed on an application form by the clerk:
(i) the full name of each party;
(ii) the place of residence of each party;
(iii) the age of each party;
(iv) whether the parties are related by blood or marriage and, if so, in which degree of relationship;
(v) the marital status of each party; and
(vi) whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage;
(2) sign the application form; and
(3) provide the clerk with the Social Security number of each party who has a Social Security number.
(c) Social Security numbers. -- The Social Security numbers of the parties:
(1) shall be included in the electronic file for the marriage license application; and
(2) except as provided in § 4-334 of the General Provisions Article, may not be disclosed as part of the public record of the marriage license application.
(d) Parties not residents of county. -- If the parties to be married are not residents of the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed, the clerk shall accept, instead of the application specified in subsection (b) of this section, an affidavit from 1 of the parties to be married. The affidavit shall:
(1) contain the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and
(2) be sworn to under oath before a clerk or other comparable official in the county, state, province, or country where the party resides.
(e) Disclosure of application for license prohibited. -- Until a license becomes effective, a clerk may not disclose the fact that an application for a license has been made except to the parent or guardian of a party to be married.
Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-404. Fees for licenses
(a) License fee. --
(1) The fee for a license is $ 10.
(2) The clerk shall:
(i) retain $ 5 of the fee; and
(ii) pay $ 5 of the fee into the general fund of the county.
(3)
(i) A party to be married may obtain a replacement for a valid marriage license while the license is valid.
(ii) The fee for a replacement license is $ 10, payable into the General Fund of the State.
(b) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Authorized. -- Except as otherwise provided in this section:
(1) any county or group of 2 or more counties may set an additional fee of up to $ 25 for each license; and
(2) the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs.
(c) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Anne Arundel County. -- In Anne Arundel County:
(1) the County Council may set by ordinance an additional fee of up to $ 45 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the general fund of the county each month; and
(3) the County Council shall distribute the proceeds to promote or fund domestic violence programs.
(d) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Baltimore City. -- In Baltimore City:
(1) the Mayor and City Council shall set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 75 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Mayor and City Council each month; and
(3) the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs that have 24-hour intake ability.
(e) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Baltimore County. -- In Baltimore County:
(1) in addition to the fee authorized under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 15 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3) the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and
(4) the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(f) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Calvert County. -- In Calvert County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $ 55 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3) the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Calvert County.
(g) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Cecil County. -- In Cecil County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners shall set an additional fee of $ 20 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Treasurer each month;
(3) the proceeds in addition to designated federal funds and county funds shall be given to the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board to be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4) the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board shall prepare and make available to the Board of County Commissioners an annual report on or before December 1 of each year of the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(h) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Charles County. -- In Charles County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $ 35 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3) the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs located in Charles County.
(i) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Frederick County. -- In Frederick County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee, in an amount not to exceed $ 65, for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3) the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article.
(j) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Garrett County. -- In Garrett County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $ 40 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3) the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs in Garrett County.
(k) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Harford County. -- In Harford County:
(1) the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 40 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall:
(i) retain 3% of the proceeds from the additional fee for processing;
(ii) pay $ 5 of the proceeds from each license to the Harford County Sexual Assault/Spousal Abuse Resource Center, Inc.; and
(iii) pay the remaining proceeds to the Treasurer of Harford County each month;
(3) the county:
(i) shall use the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(ii) may make in-kind contributions to battered spouse and domestic violence programs; and
(4) the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(l) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Howard County. -- In Howard County:
(1) the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 50 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3) the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and
(4) the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(m) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Montgomery County. -- In Montgomery County:
(1) the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 45 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3) the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4) the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(n) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Prince George's County. -- In Prince George's County:
(1) the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $ 60 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county, who shall distribute the proceeds to the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County each month;
(3) if the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County changes its name or objectives or ceases to exist, the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4) the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(o) Additional license fee for battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs -- Washington County. -- In Washington County:
(1) the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $ 50 for each license;
(2) the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3) the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Washington County.
Finalizing the Union
- Officiant's Title on Marriage License:
- Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body:
- Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church:
- Minister's Home Address
The officiant must fill out the marriage certificate and return it to the clerk's office that issued it in a timely manner to avoid a fine. "Timely" in this instance means either within five days after the wedding or before the license expires in six months. There is a second copy of the marriage certificate, which the officiant must return to you and your new spouse. The minister must fill out both copies with all the information requested, including his or her name and title, and sign them.