Maryland Marriage Records 

Thank you for visiting this page about Maryland Marriage Records. We aim to give you clear facts. Our goal is to help you find the marriage records you need. We will guide you to the right places.

If you want to start your search for Maryland Marriage Records right now, you can visit https://marylandofficialrecords.com/marriage-records/. This resource can help you begin the process immediately. They offer access to search tools that may assist you in locating the specific Maryland Marriage Records you seek, potentially saving you time as you navigate the official channels outlined below.

Understanding Maryland Marriage Records

What Information is Found in Records?

Maryland Marriage Records hold key facts about a marriage. Most records show the full names of both spouses. Often, the names listed are those used at the time of the marriage. The date of the marriage ceremony is a core piece of data. The county where the marriage license was issued is also listed. Sometimes, you might find the ages of the spouses. Their places of residence at the time might be shown. For older records, parent names could be included. The name of the person who performed the wedding may be on the record. Details depend on the year and type of record. License applications may hold more data than the final certificate. This can include prior marital status or place of birth.

Who Can Access Maryland Marriage Records?

Access rules vary by record type and age. Generally, older Maryland Marriage Records are public. Many historical records are kept at the Maryland State Archives. These are open for research by anyone. More recent records, especially certified copies, have limits. The Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records (DVR) issues recent marriage certificates. They only give certified copies to the spouses. A representative with a notarized letter from a spouse can also get one. An attorney representing a spouse may also apply. Proof of representation is needed. Copies of marriage licenses obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court are often public. Some counties, like Anne Arundel, may restrict certified copies to the parties, their reps, or attorneys. Always check with the specific agency holding the record. Uncertified copies or index information may be easier to get. These are often used for family history research.

Types of Records: Licenses vs. Certificates

It helps to know the difference between a license and a certificate. A marriage license is the document couples get before they wed. It shows they are legally allowed to marry. It includes the application data. The license must be issued in the county where the ceremony will occur. After the wedding, the person who officiated signs the license. They return it to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. This completed, returned license is then recorded. A marriage certificate is the official record after the marriage. It proves the marriage took place legally. The Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of certificates for recent marriages (since 2007). The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps copies of the licenses they issued. They can provide certified copies of the recorded license. The Maryland State Archives holds older licenses and sometimes church records or state vital records copies.

Where to Obtain Maryland Marriage Records

Maryland State Archives (Historical Records)

The Maryland State Archives holds many older Maryland Marriage Records. Their collection is key for history research. They have records from before the state kept central files.

• Location and Contact Information
  
  

  • Address: 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401

  • Phone: (410) 260-6400 or MD toll-free (800) 235-4045

  • Email: msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov

  • Website: https://msa.maryland.gov/

  • Hours: Check their Directions and Hours page for current research room times.

• Record Holdings (Dates, Counties)
  
  

  • The Archives has marriage records from 1952 through 2011 for most Maryland counties and Baltimore City.

  • For Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County, they hold records from 1952 through 2014.

  • Availability for records before 1952 varies a lot by county. Some records go back much further. See their Marriage Records Guide.

  • Some very early records (1600s-1800s) exist in indexes and specific county collections.

  • The Internet Archive, in partnership with Reclaim the Records, hosts many scanned Archives marriage certificates online for free viewing, covering years like 1914-1940 and 1951-1988. See the Maryland Motherlode page. Note that records from 1989-2004 require redaction and must be ordered one by one from the Archives.

• Requesting Certified Copies (Process, Fees)
  
  

  • Certified copies are official paper copies with a raised seal. They are often needed for legal reasons.

  • You can order certified copies online via the Maryland State Archives Online Shop.

  • The fee is $25.00 per certified record. This fee is non-refundable.

  • The fee covers the search and one certified paper copy sent by U.S. Mail.

  • Use the certified record order form even if unsure about exact details.

• Requesting Uncertified Copies (Genealogy, Process, Fees)
  
  

  • Uncertified copies are mainly for genealogists and researchers. They are unofficial copies.

  • These are often sent electronically as PDFs.

  • You must provide all required information (names, county, year) found using their indexes.

  • The fee is $5.00 per uncertified record. This fee is non-refundable.

  • Order via the Maryland State Archives Online Shop.

• Available Indexes (Online and In-Person)
  
  

  • The Archives has many indexes. Some are card files only viewable in their Annapolis search room.

  • Some indexes are available online or have finding aids. Check the Marriage Record Indexes page.

  • Examples include statewide indexes for certain periods (like 1951-1972). There are also indexes for specific counties or time frames (e.g., Baltimore City 1851-1914, Frederick County 1778-1865).

  • The Reclaim the Records project also provides access to some digitized indexes.

Clerk of the Circuit Court (Recent Records & License Copies)

The Clerk of the Circuit Court in each Maryland county (and Baltimore City) is where marriage licenses are issued. They also keep copies of the licenses issued in their jurisdiction. This is often the best place for copies of more recent marriages, especially before the Division of Vital Records took over statewide certificates in 2007, or if you specifically need a copy of the license document itself.

• Finding Your County Clerk (Maryland Judiciary Link)
  
  

  • You must contact the Clerk's Office in the county where the marriage license was originally issued.

  • A directory of all Circuit Court Clerks is available on the Maryland Judiciary website: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.courts.state.md.us/courtsdirectory/clerks

• Requesting Copies (In-Person, Mail, Phone in some counties)
  
  

  • Most Clerk's Offices allow requests in person or by mail.

  • Some counties, like Frederick, may take requests by phone (301-600-1957 for Frederick).

  • Mail requests usually require a written request with details and payment.

  • In-person requests often require valid photo ID. Anne Arundel County specifies ID rules and requires proof of address if ID address is not current.

• Information Needed (Names, Date)
  
  

  • Full names of both parties at the time of marriage (include maiden name if applicable).

  • The date (or at least the year) of the marriage.

  • The license number, if known, can speed up the search.

• Fees for Certified Copies
  
  

  • The standard fee for a certified copy of a marriage license record from a Maryland Circuit Court Clerk is $5.50 per copy.

  • Plain (uncertified) copies may be available for a lower fee, often $0.50 per page.

  • Payment methods vary by county. Cash, check, or money order payable to "Clerk of Court" are common. Some offices accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover are often mentioned). Check with the specific county clerk.

• County-Specific Examples (Addresses, Hours, Phones)
  
  

  • Garrett County: 203 S. 4th Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550. Phone: 301-334-1937. Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Mail: PO Box 447, Oakland, MD 21550. Cost $5.50 (cash, check, money order). Send self-addressed stamped envelope with mail request.

  • Worcester County: One West Market Street, Room 104, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Phone: 410-632-5500. Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Cost $5.50 (check or money order). Include names, date, fee, return address.

  • Baltimore County: 401 Bosley Avenue, Second Floor, Towson, MD 21204. Phone: 410-887-2607. Email: ccbaltcoclerklicensing@mdcourts.gov or ccbaltcoclerkmarriages@mdcourts.gov for certified copies. Hours: Monday-Friday (check specific times). Cost $5.50. Mail: P.O. Box 6754, Towson, MD 21285-6754. Can request certified copy online.

  • Frederick County: 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Phone: 301-600-1957. Cost $5.50 certified, $0.50 plain. Accepts check, money order, credit cards (phone/in person). Request form available (PDF).

  • Howard County: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Phone: 410-313-5850. Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Cost $5.50 (check or money order payable to Clerk, Circuit Court for Howard County). Application for Certified Copy form available.

  • Prince George's County: 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (Mailing). Physical: 14701 Gov. Oden Bowie Drive. Phone: 301-952-3331. Hours: Monday-Friday. Cost likely $5.50 (standard fee). Check payment methods.

  • Anne Arundel County: 8 Church Circle, Room H101, Annapolis, MD 21401. Phone: 410-222-1434. Hours: Check website. Cost $5.50 (cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, money order). Requires completed application and valid ID for release. May restrict copies to parties/reps/attorneys.

Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records (DVR)

The Division of Vital Records (DVR), part of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), handles official vital records for the state, including marriage certificates, but generally only for more recent events.

• Record Holdings (Post-January 1, 2007)
  
  

  • DVR issues certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages that occurred on or after January 1, 2007.

  • For marriages before January 1, 2007, you must contact the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the license was issued or the Maryland State Archives.

• Location and Contact Information
  
  

  • Address (for mail-in applications): Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.

  • Physical Address (for potential in-person services, check current status): 6764B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215.

  • General Info/Website: https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/marriage.aspx

  • Phone information may be limited; website preferred for requests.

• Eligibility to Apply
  
  

  • Only specific people can get a certified copy from DVR:

    • Either spouse named on the record.

    • A representative of either spouse (must show a notarized letter signed by a spouse giving permission).

    • An attorney representing either spouse (must show proof of representation).

• How to Order (Online via VitalChek, Mail)
  
  

  • Online: Use the independent vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com. Additional processing fees apply. Accepts major credit cards.

  • Mail: Download an application form (Word or PDF) from the DVR website. Mail the completed form, fee, photocopy of required ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the P.O. Box address above.

• Required Identification
  
  

  • You must provide a photocopy of a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID showing a date issued and expiration date with your mail-in application. Specific ID requirements are detailed on the application form.

• Fees
  
  

  • The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate from DVR is $12.00 per copy.

  • Payment by mail must be check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records.

  • If a record cannot be found, the fee is not refunded; you will receive a Certification of Record Search instead.

• Application Forms (Links)
  
  

  • Application Form (PDF)

  • Application Form (Word)

  • Bilingual Application Form (PDF)

How to Request Maryland Marriage Records

Key Information Needed for Any Search

Before you start, gather key facts. This will help the archive or office find the right record. You will almost always need:

• Full names of both spouses at the time of marriage. Include the maiden name for the bride if known.

• The date of the marriage (month, day, year). If unsure, provide the year or the closest possible year.

• The county in Maryland where the marriage license was issued or the ceremony took place. This is very important as records are often filed by county. Knowing the license number can also help but is often not required.

Requesting from the Maryland State Archives

If the marriage likely occurred before 1951 (or before 1914 for some county-specific older records), start with the Archives. Also check here for records between 1952 and 2011/2014 (depending on county, excluding Montgomery/Anne Arundel after 2011). First, search their online indexes or finding aids if possible. See the Marriage Record Indexes page. For certified copies ($25), use their Online Shop order form. Provide as much detail as you can. For uncertified copies ($5, for genealogy), you must provide exact details found in their indexes. Use the same Online Shop form. You can also visit the search room in Annapolis. Check their hours and directions first. Staff can help guide you to relevant indexes or record series. Remember many records are also newly available via the Internet Archive.

Requesting from the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Contact the Clerk of Court for the specific county where the license was issued. This is best for copies of the license itself, or for marriages before 2007 not found at the Archives. Find the right court using the Maryland Courts Directory. Check that county clerk's website or call them for their exact procedure. Most accept mail requests. Write a letter with the spouses' names and marriage date/year. Include a check or money order for $5.50 per certified copy, payable to "Clerk of Court". Some counties (like Garrett) ask for a self-addressed stamped envelope. Some have specific request forms on their websites (like Frederick or Howard). You can often go in person during business hours. Bring photo ID. Some counties (like Frederick or Baltimore) offer phone or online requests. Always verify payment types accepted.

Requesting from the Division of Vital Records

Use DVR only for marriages that happened on or after January 1, 2007. You must be one of the spouses, their authorized rep, or attorney. The easiest way is online via VitalChek. Fees include the $12 state fee plus VitalChek's service charge. For mail requests, download the application form from the DVR marriage page. Fill it out fully. Include a check or money order for $12 payable to "Division of Vital Records". Include a clear photocopy of your valid government photo ID. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail everything to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. Processing times vary.

Costs and Fees for Maryland Marriage Records

Fees depend on the type of record and the source agency. Be ready for these costs.

• State Archives Fees (Certified vs. Uncertified)
  
  

  • Certified Copy: $25.00 per record. This is an official copy with a raised seal, sent by mail. Fee includes search time.

  • Uncertified Copy: $5.00 per record. This is an unofficial copy, often a PDF sent by email, mainly for research. You must provide exact record details.

  • Fees are non-refundable. Order via the Archives Online Shop.

• Circuit Court Clerk Fees (Certified Copies, Plain Copies)
  
  

  • Certified Copy: $5.50 per copy. This is the standard fee across all Maryland Circuit Court Clerks for a certified copy of a marriage license record.

  • Plain Copy: $0.50 per page (usually). This is an uncertified photocopy. Check with the specific county Clerk's office.

  • Payment methods vary: Check, money order are common. Cash often accepted in person. Some clerks accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

• Division of Vital Records Fees
  
  

  • Certified Copy: $12.00 per copy. This applies only to marriage certificates for events on or after January 1, 2007.

  • Payment by mail: Check or money order payable to "Division of Vital Records".

  • Online Orders (VitalChek): $12.00 state fee plus VitalChek's additional service/shipping fees. Accepts credit cards.

  • Fee is non-refundable, even if no record is found.

Maryland Marriage License Basics (Context for Records)

Understanding how licenses are issued helps locate records. The license precedes the record.

• Where to Apply (County Circuit Court Clerk)
  
  

  • Couples must get a license from the Circuit Court Clerk in the Maryland county where the ceremony will occur. A license from one county is not valid in another.

  • Find Clerk offices via the Maryland Courts Directory.

• Waiting Period and Validity
  
  

  • There is a waiting period. The license is not effective until 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after it is issued. Plan ahead. For a Saturday wedding, apply by Thursday close of business.

  • The license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The marriage must happen within that time.

• Age Requirements (Maryland Family Law Article §5-2A)
  
  

  • Individuals must generally be 18 years old to marry.

  • Minors under 17 cannot marry in Maryland.

  • A 17-year-old may marry only under specific conditions. This includes parental/guardian consent OR proof of pregnancy/birth AND potentially a court order authorizing the marriage after a hearing (MD Family Law §5-2A). A court order requires a 15-day wait before applying for the license.

  • Proof of age (like birth certificate, driver's license, passport) is required for each party.

• Information Required for Application (Names, Age, SSN, Prior Marriages)
  
  

  • Full legal names, current addresses, ages, state/country of birth for both parties.

  • Social Security numbers for both parties (required by law, kept confidential, not printed on license).

  • Marital status (single, divorced, widowed).

  • If previously married, the exact date (month, day, year) and the county and state where each divorce decree was granted or death occurred must be provided. Some counties may require documentation like a divorce decree or death certificate if the event was recent.

• Returning the Certificate After Ceremony
  
  

  • The official who performs the marriage ceremony must complete and sign the license forms.

  • They must return the completed certificate/license to the Clerk of the Circuit Court that issued it within 5 days of the ceremony.

  • This returned, recorded document becomes the official marriage record held by the Clerk's office.

Helpful Resources

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