Maryland Marriage Records

Marriage records are official files government agencies keep documenting wedding unions in the Old Line State. Historically, churches played a significant role in maintaining marriage records before establishing civil registration systems. Such records contain marriage information about the couple and the union. Some of these may include:

• The names of both parties (first, middle, and last)
• The date of the wedding
• Location of the wedding (the place where the marriage event occurred, which is a key detail in official records)
• Couple’s birth dates
• Residency information (as at the time of marriage)

These details help document the marriage event and are officially recorded for legal and historical purposes. Marriage information, such as names, dates, and locations, is systematically recorded by both religious and civil authorities.

Marriage records are necessary for a variety of reasons. For instance, married couples rely on certified records during official transactions that require proof of marriage. Records are also used by genealogical researchers when tracing family history. In Maryland, marriage records are considered part of Maryland family court records. They are disseminated by the state’s courts, county clerks, and recorder’s offices. Civil records are maintained by local governments and state agencies, and are especially important for genealogical research. The county and town clerks are responsible for recording and storing marriage-related documents, such as licenses and returns.

What Types of Marriage Records Are Available in Maryland?

Public agencies in Maryland maintain different types of records, depending on when the records were created. In some cases, personal records such as journals or documentation maintained by the officiant may serve as evidence of marriage, especially when official records are incomplete. However, the two most common types of records are marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Personal records can also supplement official documentation in some instances.

Maryland Marriage Certificate

A Maryland marriage certificate is a certified marriage document that proves two people were legally married in a civil ceremony per state laws. Unlike licenses issued before a wedding, marriage certificates are created after the union is complete. Marriage certificates serve as written proof of a legally recognized union.

Individuals may request a certified copy of a marriage certificate for official purposes. To obtain a certified copy, you typically need to submit a written application to the appropriate county or state office, provide identification, and pay the required fee. Certified copies are often necessary for legal processes such as changing a name, applying for spousal benefits, or making major health decisions.

Maryland Marriage License

Marriage licenses are official permits issued by the circuit clerk that grant applicants the right to marry. Licenses are obtained before marriage and remain valid only within the county where they’re issued. To obtain a license in Maryland, applicants are generally expected to meet several key requirements, such as being of the right age to marry (18 years). Sometimes, written promises or marriage bonds are required to ensure the marriage is legally recognized and properly documented. When filling out the marriage license application, applicants should enter accurate personal details, such as full names and dates of birth, to avoid delays or issues with processing. After a wedding, certified copies of a marriage license become marriage certificates, which can be obtained from the county circuit court.

Are Maryland Marriage Records Public?

In Maryland, public access to marriage records is determined by the age of the record. Older marriage records created more than 50 years ago fall under public records and may be accessed by eligible persons. Such records can be viewed by searching through files and indexes maintained by the Maryland State Archives. Indexes provide general information on marriages. However, access to records created more recently is limited to eligible persons, such as parties named on the record, and may require in-person visits or specific authorization.

Note: Earlier marriage records created before 1914 may only contain general information, such as the names of the wedding officiant and the two married parties. Without detailed official records, other forms of evidence, such as personal journals or church registers, may be used to verify a marriage. More recent records provide more details, such as the spouse’s occupation, birthplace, marital status, and the existence of any name change.

How to Find Marriage Records in Maryland

Persons seeking marriage records in Maryland can obtain records by following several general steps:

Step 1. Determine when the Marriage Occurred

Access to Maryland marriage records will depend on when the wedding occurred. Older records, created before 1990, can be found by contacting the Division of Vital Records, which serves as the central repository for such documents. However, more recent records created after this date can only be obtained by applying to the clerk in the county where the license was issued.

Step 2. Collect Necessary Information

Record custodians maintain hundreds of thousands of records. Consequently, you will need to provide enough related information to narrow the search process. Some of the details that can assist with obtaining records include:

• Name of both spouses (as at the time of the marriage)
• The location where the license was issued (city and county)
• Date and location of the marriage ceremony.

You can specify a date range to help refine your search if you do not know the exact marriage date. Digital images of marriage documents may be available for specific date ranges for certain historical records.

Step 3. Submit a Request.

Residents who wish to obtain certified copies of a Maryland marriage record can apply to the Department of Health. However, under state laws, certified copies of a marriage record can only be released to the following persons:

• Either the bride or the groom, named on record
• A representative of either party (with signed proof)
• An attorney representing either spouse

Eligible persons can submit requests via mail to the following address:

The Maryland Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 764-3038

Applications should include the bride and groom’s full names and a certificate number if known. Applicants will also need to provide their name, address, and contact details (phone number/email). They must send their completed request to the appropriate office for processing. The Department of Health charges a non-refundable $12 fee for each copy issued.

How to Get a Marriage License in Maryland

Any couple who wishes to marry in Maryland will be expected to obtain a marriage license. Obtaining a license is straightforward and generally involves the following steps:

Step 1. Meet the State Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet Maryland’s marriage license requirements. Some of these include:

• Both parties should meet the age requirements. While couples aged 18 or older may marry without parental consent, applicants between 16 and 18 must provide parental consent.
• Applicants must not be related.
• Both parties must be free to marry and not be in another union.

Step 2. Gather the Necessary Information

As part of the application process, intending couples are required to provide some of the following information:

• Age of both parties
• Full name of both parties (first, middle, and last)
• Social security number
• Current marital status (divorced, widowed, single)
• Date of death or divorce
• Birth certificate

Applicants in previous marriages may need to provide a copy of a divorce decree to prove they are free to marry.

Step 3. Apply and pay the fee

A marriage license application may be submitted in person or by mail. Applications where one or both parties reside in the county must be made in person. However, couples are permitted to mail in their application if neither party is a resident of the county. Couples who fall in this category must submit a completed non-resident application. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable fee, which varies across counties.

In some cases, applicants may need to visit the county clerk's office in person to submit their application or to obtain certain marriage records, as some records are only available through an in-person visit. Alternatively, many application forms and additional information are available on the official county or state website, providing a convenient way to access services and download forms online.

In some states, couples can marry immediately after receiving a license. However, Maryland has a waiting period. Maryland marriage licenses take effect the second calendar day after the issue date. Hence, if a clerk issues a license on Monday, it may be used only from Wednesday. Licenses remain valid for six months, during which both pirates must marry.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records in Maryland?

Almost anyone can obtain marriage records in Maryland if the record is at least 50 years old. However, recent records maintained by the circuit court clerk may be restricted to registrants and other authorized persons. Eligible persons include:

• The bride or groom
• An attorney representing either spouse
• An authorized representative representing either spouse.

Attorneys or representatives are generally required to provide documents proving they can obtain records, such as a signed, notarized permission letter.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Maryland

Residents and non-residents can look up online marriage records for free, depending on the year they were created. For instance, the Maryland State Archives provides free access to marriage license information. To use such resources, applicants must give some related information, such as the full name of one or both parties, the date the record was created, and the location of the wedding.

Record seekers may also be able to look up some marriage records for free using third-party platforms. Operating as private entities independent of the Maryland state government or any official agency, such sites provide access to records compiled from multiple jurisdictions across the state. Access to some records may require essential information, such as the subject's name or marriage location.

Note: Some records maintained by the Maryland State Archives may be stored in remote facilities. Requesters will need to inspect or view the records in person for such records.

Is Maryland a Common Law State for Marriage?

Maryland is not a common-law marriage state. Hence, couples do not automatically acquire marital rights by being in a relationship and cohabiting for a fixed period. To be considered married in Maryland, a couple must obtain a license and hold a wedding ceremony overseen by a recognized officiant.

However, although the state does not recognize the validity of common law unions created within its borders, it acknowledges the validity of common law marriages created in states that recognize this type of union.

Common law marriages are allowed in multiple US states, including Colorado, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Under this type of union, two parties legally marry without obtaining a marriage license or holding a wedding ceremony. While the requirements for a common law marriage vary in different states, some of the general requirements include:

• Parties must be old enough to get married per the state law.
• Parties must cohabit or live together for a set period.
• Both parties must hold themselves out as married to friends, family, and the community.

Couples who wish to establish some benefits and legal rights without entering into a marriage may be able to do so via a domestic partnership. Both individuals should be unmarried, unrelated, and at least 18 years old to become domestic partners.