How to Get a Maryland Marriage License

Step-by-Step Guide

Know Where You’re Getting Married

Have Your Information Ready

Apply for Your License

Wait for the License to Become Effective

Apply through the Circuit Court Clerk in the Maryland county where your wedding ceremony will take place, regardless of where you live.

Be prepared to provide information for both of you, including your full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers if you have them, and information about any previous marriages. You will also need government-issued documentation showing each person’s age.

Generally, only one person needs to appear at the Clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license. If you do not live in the county where you’re getting married, ask that county’s Clerk about its non-resident application procedure.

Your license becomes effective at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after it is issued. Once effective, it is valid for six months.

Maryland Marriage License Basics

Key Maryland Requirements

No Medical Requirements

After the Ceremony

Valid for 6 Months

No Blood Tests

Completed & Returned

Your marriage license is valid for six months from its effective date and can only be used for a ceremony in the Maryland county that issued it.

Maryland does not require a blood test or medical examination before you can obtain a marriage license.

After the ceremony, your officiant completes and signs the marriage certificate, gives one certificate to the couple, and returns the other to the Clerk who issued the license within five days.

After You Get Your License

We’ll Take Care of the Ceremony Paperwork

Bring your marriage license with you on the wedding day and give it to your officiant before the ceremony begins. After you’re married, we’ll complete the officiant portion, provide you with the appropriate copy, and return the required paperwork to the Circuit Court Clerk who issued your license.

Now that you know how the marriage license works, let’s talk about the wedding itself. From simple elopements to larger celebrations, we can help you create a day that fits your plans.