1. Apply at the Circuit Court: You and your partner must apply for a marriage license at the Circuit Court in the county where the wedding will take place. Both of you don’t need to be present, but at least one applicant must appear in person.

2. Bring Required Documents: The couple needs to bring the following to the Courthouse:

♥ Full names
♥ Ages
♥ Stat of Birth
♥ Social Security Numbers (if applicable)
♥ Divorced: the day, month and year of the divorce, and the county and state in which each divorce was granted.
♥ Widowed: the day, month and year of the death, and the county and state in which the death occurred.

3. Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

An individual 17-year-olds may not marry unless:
♥ the individual has the consent of each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor person either in person or through an affidavit signed under the seal of a notary public, OR
♥ if the individual does not have the required consent, a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner that states the woman to be married has been examined by the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and is found to be pregnant or has given birth to a child; AND
♥ the individual presents a certified copy of an order granting authorization to marry in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 2A of the Family Law Article not earlier than 15 days after the order was issued. To obtain an order granting authorization to marry, a minor who is 17 years old may file a petition in the Circuit Court in the county in which the minor resides, and an evidentiary hearing on the petition must be held to determine if an order of authorization to marry may be granted.

4. Cost of the License - The cost of a marriage license varies by county but is typically between $25 and $85. Payment is due at the time of application, so check your county’s specific fee and accepted forms of payment.

5. Waiting Period - There is a 48-hour waiting period from the time you obtain your license before you can legally get married. Be sure to plan accordingly.

6. License Expiration - The marriage license is valid for six months from the issue date, so make sure your wedding is scheduled within that timeframe.

7. Ceremony Requirements - Once you have your license, as authorized officiant I can perform your wedding ceremony.

8. After the Ceremony - After your wedding, your officiant will sign your marriage license, which must be returned to the Circuit Court for official recording.