With springtime just a month away, many recently engaged couples are excitedly anticipating the arrival of long-planned wedding days. According to theknot.com, almost 80% of weddings occur between May and October. There are legal requirements that cannot be overlooked at all of these events beyond the music, flowers, cake, dresses, suits, and all the other details that will make the day memorable and unique. These requirements include obtaining a license and a completed certificate after the wedding.

If you are planning a Maryland wedding this spring, here are some of the laws that you will want to keep in mind:

Do Not Forget the Marriage License

Under Maryland law, a marriage is not legal unless a license has been issued. Maryland marriage licenses are issued by the clerk for the county where the marriage is performed. Therefore, it is essential to contact the appropriate county clerk for the procedure that needs to be followed. In Maryland, there are 24 jurisdictions in which marriage licenses may be obtained. License fees vary across jurisdictions (and can be waived if the spouses complete a marital preparation course).

In Prince George’s County, for example, to obtain a marriage license, at least one of the future spouses must appear in person at the county clerk’s office and bring along identification for both parties.

The law requires that the person who appears provide the clerk with the following information:

• The names of the future spouses
• The future spouses’ residences/addresses
• The future spouses’ ages
• The future spouses’ birthplaces
• The future spouses’ Social Security numbers (if one future spouse is from another country and has no Social Security number, that spouse must be present and must sign an affidavit)
• Whether the future spouses are related, and, if so, their relationship
• The future spouses’ marital status
• In cases where one future spouse was previously married or widowed, the date of divorce or the former spouse’s death

Once issued, a marriage license is valid for six months in the county in which it is issued.

The spouses must sign two certificates attached to the marriage license, which are also signed by the wedding officiant or overseers. The certificates contain essential information, such as when and where the wedding occurred and the marriage license information.

Understanding the Legal Process for Marriage in Maryland

Marriage in Maryland requires following specific legal steps before and after the wedding to ensure compliance with state law. Couples must first obtain a Maryland marriage license, the official authorization for the marriage ceremony. This license is only valid within the county where it was issued, meaning couples must plan accordingly to avoid last-minute issues.

Many people ask how to get a marriage license in Maryland and what documents are required. Applicants must visit the county clerk’s office in person, provide valid identification, and supply necessary details, including prior marital history if applicable. Some counties allow out-of-state applicants to submit their forms by mail, but this varies based on jurisdiction. There is also a mandatory 48-hour waiting period before the license can be used, and if unused, it expires after six months.

After the ceremony, obtaining a marriage certificate MD is the final legal step. This certificate is proof of marriage and is required for legal name changes, joint tax filings, spousal benefits, and estate planning. Certified copies can be requested from the issuing Circuit Court or the Maryland Division of Vital Records.

For those wondering how to get married in Maryland, completing the licensing process and ensuring all legal formalities are followed during the ceremony is essential. Failure to meet state requirements could result in an invalid marriage. Additionally, the application process for a marriage license in Maryland may vary by county, so it’s essential to verify all local regulations before proceeding.

Couples should familiarize themselves with these legal requirements to ensure their marriage is adequately documented. Proper planning helps prevent complications and ensures compliance with Maryland law. Seeking legal guidance may be helpful for those dealing with specific marital legalities, such as prenuptial agreements or name changes.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony?

Marriage ceremonies in Maryland can be performed by:

• Religious officials and others authorized to perform a religious marriage ceremony
• Court clerks and any deputy clerks
• Judges

What Happens to the Marriage Certificates After the Ceremony?

The marriage certificate serves as the legal record that evidences the marriage was performed. After the ceremony, the officiant gives one copy of the certificate to the spouses and returns the other certificate to the clerk who issued the license within five days.

If you are getting married and have questions about legal requirements or any other legal matters related to marriage, contact a knowledgeable family law lawyer. The family law team at the Law Office of Robert R. Castro can help answer any marriage questions.