Marriage license requirements vary among the 50 states of the United States of America. Despite the differences in Marriage Laws in these states, when a man and a woman tie the knot in one state, it must be duly recognized by every other state under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution.



Before you and your partner get too excited on your wedding plans, make sure that you comply with the legal requirements of your wedding to ensure the smooth flow of events. For a couple to be married, they should apply for a marriage license. This legal document will permit them to formally wed under the law. County rules may change and may also differ from one another thus, when you want to get married in a county of Maryland, it is always advisable to check the Maryland County Clerk's Office for the updated rules and requirements. Most of these offices are open from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.

When applying for a marriage license, one does not need to be a Maryland resident but both the bride and groom should be present. They need to get it from the County Clerk's office of the county where they intend to marry. If for any instance the couple is unable to visit the County Clerk's office in that county, they can apply using a non-resident affidavit which is readily available online at the Circuit Court Clerks' web sites of Queen Anne's, Calvert and Kent. They can also get the affidavit from either their county or from the county in which they plan to marry.

There are ID requirements needed for the application. You can use your driver's license or birth certificate. The applicants should also be familiar with their social security numbers and their birthplaces.

If one or both of them have previously wed, the person concerned is required to present a certified copy of a divorce decree or the death certificate of the prior spouse.

Fees may vary from one county to another but it may range from $35 - $60. The license will be issued on the same date you applied for it but it will take in effect after 48 hours from the date of issuance. The license is valid for 6 months. There are also no blood tests to be taken.

Applicants who are 15 years of age may not be allowed to marry. Young adults who are 15-17 years old may only be allowed to marry with the parent or guardian's consent or with a valid certificate from a physician stating that the woman to be married is pregnant or has given birth to a child upon medical examination.

The Justice of the Peace no longer performs civil marriages. Only the County Clerk or an appointed or designated Deputy Clerk may carry out civil ceremonies. On the other hand, Ministers are authorized to perform marriages by the rules and customs of their church. The Minister has to complete the marriage license and certificate and provide the newly weds with one copy. The other copy will be submitted to the Court of Common Pleas within 5 days after the marriage.