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Maryland marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Maryland's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Maryland marriage license at a glance

Fee: $55 for the application and license in Montgomery County, paid by cash or Visa or Mastercard. Personal checks are not accepted. Waiting period: The license must be purchased at least 48 hours before the ceremony. State law makes it effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance. How long it is valid: Valid for six months.

Maryland counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Montgomery County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Maryland marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $55 for the application and license in Montgomery County, paid by cash or Visa or Mastercard. Personal checks are not accepted. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: The license must be purchased at least 48 hours before the ceremony. State law makes it effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for six months. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Not statewide. The license must be issued by the clerk for the county where the marriage is performed. (Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: No witnesses are required in Maryland, and no blood test is required. (Source: mdcourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Officials of a religious order or body, circuit court clerks and designated deputy clerks, and judges. (Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Minimum age is 17. A 17-year-old must present a certified court order authorizing the marriage. Under 17 may not marry. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Valid ID is required for both parties, even though only one needs to apply in person. A birth date is required for each party. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Circuit Court clerk in the county where the ceremony will be held, regardless of residency. Montgomery: License Department, North Tower, First Floor, Room 1300. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: No online application. Montgomery says the form is not online because the applicant must appear in person. Nonresidents may mail a sworn application. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request from the Circuit Court License Department with the copy request form. A certified copy costs $5.50, a $5 certification fee plus 50 cents per page. (Source: montgomerycountymd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Maryland?

$55 for the application and license in Montgomery County, paid by cash or Visa or Mastercard. Personal checks are not accepted. Maryland counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Montgomery County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Maryland?

The license must be purchased at least 48 hours before the ceremony. State law makes it effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance.

How long is a Maryland marriage license valid?

Valid for six months.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Maryland?

No witnesses are required in Maryland, and no blood test is required.

Who can officiate a wedding in Maryland?

Officials of a religious order or body, circuit court clerks and designated deputy clerks, and judges.

How do you get a certified copy of a Maryland marriage certificate?

Request from the Circuit Court License Department with the copy request form. A certified copy costs $5.50, a $5 certification fee plus 50 cents per page.

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