What Are Maryland Marriage Records?

Marriage records officially document the legal union of two individuals and capture a pivotal legal and social milestone. In Maryland, the official recording of marriages began at the county level in 1865.

Among the different types of marriage records, the most commonly recognized are marriage licenses and marriage certificates. A marriage license is a prerequisite for marriage, which serves as legal permission to wed, while a marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony as official proof that the marriage has occurred.

These records typically include vital details such as the full names of both spouses, the date and location of the marriage, the officiant's name, and witness signatures. The Family Law outlines the legal requirements and regulations surrounding marital unions.

Beyond their historical and sentimental value, marriage records are useful in legal and administrative matters. They are often required to apply for spousal benefits and establish inheritance rights. They also serve as valuable resources for genealogists and individuals researching their family history.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Maryland, access to marriage records depends on their age. Following Maryland's Public Information Act, marriage records older than 50 years are classified as public records, which makes them available to individuals for historical, genealogical, or legal research. However, more recent records remain restricted to protect the privacy of those involved.

Access to recent marriage certificates is limited to specific individuals, including:

• The spouses named on the certificate
• A representative with written authorization from either spouse
• A court-appointed representative
• Attorneys involved in marriage-related legal matters
• Government agencies with a legitimate need for the record

Although certified copies of recent marriage records are restricted, basic marriage details may still be available to the public. These typically include:

• The names of both spouses
• The date and county of the marriage
• The marriage license number

Sensitive information is typically omitted from publicly accessible records to protect personal privacy.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Maryland?

In Maryland, different government agencies are responsible for managing marriage records depending on the date of the marriage.

The Division of Vital Records, a part of the Maryland Department of Health, handles certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages that took place in or after 2007. For marriages that occurred before this date, individuals must contact the circuit court in the county where the marriage took place.

To search for or obtain a copy of a marriage record, certain details are required, including:

• The full names of both spouses
• The date and county of the marriage

Only authorized individuals can request a marriage certificate. They must present proof of eligibility when lodging a request.

The process for obtaining marriage records in Maryland generally follows these steps:

• Identify the appropriate agency based on the marriage's date.
• Gather the necessary information to locate the marriage record.
• Select the method for obtaining the record, which could be done online, by mail, or in person.
• Submit the request to the preferred office.
• Pay any fees necessary.
• Receive the requested record.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Maryland can be issued as a certified copy or an informational copy.

A certified copy is an official document often required for legal purposes, such as name changes or applying for spousal benefits. It is stamped with a raised seal to verify its authenticity. Meanwhile, an informational copy is a non-official version, typically used for personal reference or genealogy research. It cannot be used for legal purposes.

There are two main ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Maryland:

Online Ordering

For a fast and convenient option, individuals can order a certified copy online through VitalChek, a third-party service. This service charges an additional fee and accepts payments via major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Mail Ordering

For those who prefer to order by mail, the process is straightforward:

• Download the application. Obtain the marriage certificate request form in either Word or PDF format.
• Fill out the application with the necessary information.
• Include photocopies of valid identification along with the application.
• Pay by check or money order made out to the Division of Vital Records.
• Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• Mail all completed documents to P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.

If the marriage record cannot be found, a Certification of Record Search will be issued, but fees will not be refunded.

Fees

The standard cost for a certified marriage certificate in Maryland is $12. However, this fee can be waived in certain cases.

A marriage certificate requested by a current or former member of the armed forces is free of charge. Additionally, the fee is waived for a surviving spouse or child of a service member, provided the certificate is being used in connection with a claim for dependent or beneficiary benefits. Proof of military service must be provided to qualify for this exemption.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Maryland, marriage licenses are issued and stored by the circuit courts of the county where they were granted. To obtain a copy of a marriage license, follow these steps:

• Identify the correct county.
• Request a copy of the marriage license in person or by mail, depending on the county's procedures.
• Provide the necessary information.
• Pay the fees, which may vary by county.

Individuals can find the mailing address of the appropriate county through the circuit courts directory.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Apart from the aforementioned websites, several online resources are available to search for Maryland marriage records.

The Maryland State Archives offers an online search tool for public marriage records. The database allows users to access key details such as the spouses' names and the marriage date. Certified marriage records from 1776 to 2015 can also be ordered through the site, but it does not cover all counties. An order costs $25 each.

Various genealogical societies in the state also provide online access to marriage records or indexes, which is particularly helpful for individuals conducting family history research.

Commercial record retrieval services like RecordsFinder gather public records from multiple sources, including marriage records. These platforms do not offer certified copies of the records, and fees may apply when accessing them.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage refers to a marriage where the details, such as the identities of the individuals involved, are kept private and not available in public records. Couples may opt for a confidential marriage for various reasons, including wanting to maintain privacy, protect personal information, or avoid public scrutiny.

However, Maryland does not allow confidential marriages. The state's marriage records are generally public unless specific restrictions apply.

While confidential marriages are not an available option, certain marriage records may be sealed or restricted by court order. To access these restricted records, individuals usually need to obtain a court order, which requires petitioning the court and providing a valid reason for the request. Access to these marriage records is only permitted with legal authorization.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Maryland, individuals must obtain a marriage license from the circuit court clerk's office in the county where the marriage will take place before they can legally marry. Failure to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony can result in a misdemeanor charge and a $100 fine.

Here are the essential requirements and eligibility to apply for a marriage license in Maryland:

Identification Required

Both applicants must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued identification card. They must also provide their Social Security number (SSN).

Age Requirements

To marry in Maryland, both individuals must be at least 18 years old.

Individuals who are 17 can marry under certain conditions:

• They must have the consent of both living parents, guardians, or legal custodians, either in person or through a notarized affidavit OR
• The minor must present a certificate from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner confirming that the minor is pregnant or has already given birth.

The minor must also provide a certified copy of a court order authorizing the marriage. This order cannot be issued until at least 15 days after the petition is filed. To obtain this order, the minor must submit a petition to the circuit court in their county of residence, and a hearing will be held to determine if the court will approve of the marriage.

Residency Requirement

There is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Maryland. Couples from outside the state are welcome to apply for and marry within Maryland.

License Validity

A marriage license in Maryland is valid for six months from the date of issuance. The couple must marry within this time frame, or the license will expire, and they will need to apply for a new one.

Waiting Period

Maryland requires a two-day waiting period after the marriage license is issued before the marriage ceremony can occur. If the couple wishes to marry earlier, they may request a waiver.

Officiants and Witnesses

In Maryland, a marriage can be officiated by a minister, judge, or any other legally authorized officiant, such as a religious leader or magistrate. The state does not mandate any specific religious affiliation for the officiant. Additionally, Maryland does not require witnesses to be present.

Blood Test Requirement

A blood test is not required in Maryland. Couples are not obligated to undergo any medical testing before applying for a marriage license.

Proxy Marriages

Maryland does not permit proxy marriages. For the marriage to be legally recognized, both individuals must be physically present.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

In Maryland, it is possible to correct errors on marriage certificates or licenses. Common mistakes include misspelled names, incorrect dates, or errors related to the officiant or ceremony location.

In most cases, only individuals named on the marriage certificate or license are eligible to make the request. The request must be directed to the circuit court clerk in the county where the marriage occurred. The applicant will need to provide supporting documentation to validate the correction request.

Once the request is processed, the clerk will notify the applicant in writing whether the correction request has been approved or denied. A court order may be required for more complex errors.

Are Marriage Records Under the Maryland Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), created in 2006 and managed by the Office of the Secretary of State, aims to protect individuals facing threats from domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, sexual assault, and harassment.

The program provides security to those who have recently moved or plan to relocate so they can engage in activities like voting, enrolling in school, and obtaining a driver's license, all while keeping their new address private.

Participants in the ACP are assigned a substitute address, which they can use in place of their actual home, work, or school address on public records and other documents. The program also offers a mail-forwarding service so that essential mail is sent to the participant's confidential address through the Secretary of State.

Participants in the ACP can maintain privacy regarding marriage records. To do so, they must inform the relevant agencies, including the clerk's office, of their ACP enrollment. Notifying ensures that their real address does not appear on public records, such as marriage certificates.

Maryland Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage and cohabitation patterns in the U.S. have evolved over time. While marriage is still prevalent, cohabitation has become more widespread.

Among adults aged 18 to 44, 59% have lived with a partner, compared to 50% who have been married. Additionally, 35% of adults have experienced both marriage and cohabitation.

Nationally, 53% of adults are married, a decline from 58% in 1995, while the proportion of adults cohabiting has increased from 3% to 7%. Despite the rise in cohabitation, the overall percentage of adults either married or cohabiting remains around 60%.

In Maryland, the state's marriage statistics and trends reveal the following:

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