Officiating Your Own Wedding In Maryland: Is It Possible?

If you're getting married in Maryland, you might be wondering if you can officiate your own wedding. The short answer is no—Maryland law requires a marriage license from the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court, and the ceremony must be performed by an official of a religious group, a deputy clerk, or a judge. However, Maryland law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, and some people have reported successfully officiating weddings in Maryland with just a Universal Life Church online ordination certificate. While this may be technically legal, it's important to note that there is a risk of fines for violating marriage laws in Maryland, and it's always best to consult an attorney for legal advice.

Maryland law does not require officiants to register with any government office

Firstly, Maryland law requires a marriage license from the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court where the marriage will take place. This license is what authorises the couple to get married and must be obtained before the wedding ceremony takes place. The marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

Secondly, while Maryland law does not require officiant registration, it does specify who can solemnize a marriage. According to Maryland Code § 2-406, this includes all ministers, including those ordained online. This means that to legally perform a wedding in Maryland, one must be ordained by a religious organization, such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. It is important to note that the officiant must be at least 18 years old, as per state law.

While not mandatory, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. This proof can include documents such as an ordination certificate and a letter of good standing.

Once the marriage ceremony has been completed, the signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk of the court that issued the license within 5 days to be recorded. This is the responsibility of the officiant and must be done before the license expires in 6 months.

The officiant must be ordained by a religious organisation

In Maryland, the law requires that officiants are ordained by a religious organisation. Maryland law states that a marriage ceremony may be performed by:

> "any official of a religious group, authorised by the rules and customs of the group".

This means that the officiant must be ordained by a religious body, such as the Universal Life Church, and be authorised to perform a marriage ceremony according to the rules and customs of that religious group.

While there is no requirement for officiants to register with any government office, they must be ordained by a religious organisation and be at least 18 years old. It is also recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

In addition to the officiant requirements, there are also specific rules that must be followed for the marriage to be legally recognised in Maryland. Both parties must be physically present for the ceremony, along with the officiant. The couple must also make a formal declaration, taking each other as spouses. The marriage license must be obtained from the clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the marriage will take place and is valid for six months from the date of issue. There is a mandatory two-day waiting period after receiving the license before the ceremony can be legally performed.

In summary, to officiate a wedding in Maryland, one must be ordained by a religious organisation, be at least 18 years old, and follow the legal requirements for marriage in the state.

The couple must obtain a marriage license from the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court

To get married in Maryland, you must obtain a marriage license from the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court. This is a requirement for all couples, regardless of their residency. The license must be obtained from the Circuit Court for the county or Baltimore City where the marriage will be performed. For example, if you are a resident of Anne Arundel County but are getting married in Montgomery County, you will need to obtain your license from the Clerk of Montgomery County Circuit Court.

The marriage license application process takes approximately 15 minutes. The fee for a marriage license varies by county, with a base fee of $10, and additional fees ranging from $25 to $75 to benefit domestic violence programs and shelters. The marriage license fee in Anne Arundel County is $55. Accepted methods of payment include cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or money order.

Both parties must be over 18 years of age. If either party has been married before, the clerk must be informed of the date and place of the former spouse's death, annulment, or divorce. The Social Security Numbers of both parties are required by law, but they will not appear on the marriage license.

Once the license is issued, it is valid for six months from the date of issuance. However, there is a 48-hour waiting period before the license becomes effective. During this waiting period, no marriage ceremony may be held unless special permission is granted by a judge, usually for reasons of military service or pregnancy.

To apply for a marriage license, either party may appear in person at the clerk's office. If the couple is unable to apply in person, they may complete a Non-Resident Affidavit, which must be signed by their local Clerk of the Circuit Court or comparable official.

After the marriage ceremony, the person who performed the ceremony has five days to return the certificate of marriage to the clerk of the court that issued the license. This certificate is included with the marriage license.

The officiant must be at least 18 years old

In Maryland, the law states that anyone who officiates a wedding must be at least 18 years old. This is a strict requirement, and there are no exceptions to this rule. The law applies to all types of wedding ceremonies, whether religious or civil.

Maryland has a set of laws that specify who can solemnize a marriage. These laws include all ministers, including those ordained online by religious organizations such as American Marriage Ministries and Universal Life Church. While Maryland does not require ministers to register with any government office, they must be at least 18 years old to legally perform a wedding in the state. This age requirement is in place to ensure that the officiant is mature enough to understand the responsibilities and legal implications of presiding over a wedding ceremony.

It is important to note that, in addition to the age requirement, there are other criteria that must be met for a wedding to be legally valid in Maryland. For example, the couple must obtain a marriage license from the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court where the marriage will take place, and there is a mandatory waiting period of two days after receiving the license before the ceremony can be performed. The signed marriage license must then be returned to the clerk's office within a specified timeframe for the marriage to be legally recognized.

While the process of becoming a wedding officiant in Maryland is relatively straightforward, it is a role that carries significant responsibility. Officiants are charged with ensuring that the legal requirements for marriage are met and that the ceremony is conducted in accordance with the couple's wishes. By being at least 18 years old, the officiant is presumed to have the maturity and understanding necessary to fulfill these important duties.

The officiant must sign the marriage license

In Maryland, the officiant of a wedding must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the county clerk's office that issued it within five days of the wedding ceremony. This is to ensure that the marriage is recorded in the county or city records. If the certificate is not returned within six months of the date the license becomes effective, the clerk will attempt to determine whether the marriage took place and, if so, the name of the authorized official who performed the ceremony.

The marriage certificate is included with the marriage license, which is what authorizes the marriage to take place. The certificate must be completed with all the information requested, including the officiant's name, signature, and title. The officiant must also fill out a second copy of the marriage certificate, which is given to the newly married couple.

It is important to note that the marriage license and certificate are two different documents. The license authorizes the marriage, while the certificate proves that the marriage has taken place. The marriage license must be obtained from the clerk of the Circuit Court for the county or Baltimore City where the marriage will be performed, regardless of the couple's residency. The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued.

Frequently asked questions