Maryland Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

Get Ordained

Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Maryland

  • Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes

  • Minister Registration Required: No (documentation may vary by county)

  • Minister’s Residency: Not Required

  • Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

  • Marriage License Waiting Period: 6:00 AM of the second day after issuance

  • Marriage License Valid For: 6 Months

  • Marriage License Return Within: 5 Days After the Ceremony

Steps to Perform a Wedding in Maryland

1. Minister Eligibility

To officiate weddings in Maryland, ministers must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have ordination credentials, which may be requested by the Circuit Court Clerk upon submission of the marriage license.

Ministers ordained through Ministries of Love meet these requirements and may carry relevant credentials for verification.

2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
  • Minister Presence: Required.
  • Witnesses: None required (except for Society of Friends ceremonies, which require two overseers).
  • Consent and Pronouncement:
    • The couple must make a formal declaration to marry.
    • The minister must pronounce the couple as married.

The ceremony can be customized to fit the preferences of the couple.

3. Marriage License Requirements

What the Couple Needs to Know:

  • Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
  • Where It’s Valid: County of issuance.
  • Pick-Up: In person or by mail.
  • Cost: $10 plus additional county fees ($25–$75 for domestic violence programs).
  • Identification: Government-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of Divorce: Not required.
  • Blood Test: Not required.

The couple must present themselves at the county clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license. If one party cannot attend, a sworn affidavit with all relevant details may be provided.

4. Marriage License Facts

  • Waiting Period: The license becomes effective at 6:00 AM on the second calendar day after issuance. This waiting period can be waived for Maryland residents or armed forces members with judicial approval.
  • Validity: The license is valid for 6 months.
  • Return Deadline: The license and marriage certificate must be returned to the issuing clerk within 5 days of the ceremony.

5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony

Ensure all requirements are met:

  1. Both members of the couple and the minister must be physically present.
  2. The couple must provide verbal consent to marry.
  3. The officiating minister pronounces the couple as married.

No additional witnesses are required.

6. Return the Marriage License

After the ceremony:

  1. The minister must fill out the marriage certificate, including:
    • Their name and title.
    • “Ministries of Love” as the church/ordaining body.
    • Their home address if requested.
  2. Provide one copy of the certificate to the couple.
  3. Return the original license and remaining certificate copy to the issuing clerk within 5 days.

Failure to return the documents on time or before the license expires may result in fines.

Additional Notes

  • Minors:
    • Minors aged 16–17 require parental consent or medical proof of pregnancy/birth.
    • Fifteen-year-olds must meet both criteria.
    • Minors under 15 cannot marry.
  • Restrictions: Marriages between close relatives (closer than first cousins) are prohibited and punishable by law.
  • Marriage Equality: Same-sex couples are welcome to marry in Maryland.
Get Ordained