Baltimore City Marriage Licenses

Baltimore City marriage license applications are handled at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse in downtown Baltimore. Baltimore City is an independent city, which means it operates separately from Baltimore County and has its own clerk office, fees, and procedures. If you need to search existing marriage records or apply for a new license in Baltimore City, this page covers the key steps, fees, office details, and resources you need to get started.

Which Office Handles Baltimore City Marriage Licenses

Baltimore City is not part of any county in Maryland. It is an independent city, and that distinction matters when you apply for a marriage license. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City handles all marriage license applications within the city. You must apply here, and you must hold your ceremony in Baltimore City if you got your license here. If you live in Baltimore County or want to marry in a Baltimore County venue, you would need to apply at the Baltimore County Circuit Court instead. The two jurisdictions are completely separate.

Many people mix up Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The city and county share a name but have different courthouses, different clerks, different fees, and different rules. Baltimore City charges $85 for a marriage license, which is the highest fee in Maryland. If you are unsure which jurisdiction applies to you, look at your address. City addresses use Baltimore, MD with zip codes in the 212XX range served by city services, not county services.

Note: If you plan to marry outside Baltimore City, even just across the city line, you cannot use a Baltimore City marriage license to do so.

Baltimore City Marriage License Office

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk handles marriage licenses from Room 627 at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse on Calvert Street. This is in the heart of downtown Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor area. Parking is limited near the courthouse, so many people use public transit. The Lexington Market subway stop is a short walk away, and several bus lines stop near the building.

The office is closed on weekends and all state and federal holidays. If you are coming from outside downtown Baltimore, plan your trip in advance. The courthouse is open to the public during regular business hours, and no appointment is needed to apply for a marriage license or to attend a civil ceremony.

How to Apply for a Baltimore City Marriage License

One person from the couple must appear in person at the clerk's office in Room 627. You do not both need to be there at the same time to apply, but both of you must provide valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. If your ID has a different name than what you go by, bring supporting documents to explain the difference.

Baltimore City requires Social Security numbers for both applicants. The numbers are used for verification purposes only and will not appear on the marriage license itself. You should know your Social Security number before you visit. You cannot look it up at the clerk's office, and staff cannot help you find it. If either applicant does not have a Social Security number, ask the clerk about the exception process when you call.

Payment in Baltimore City is cash only. There are no card readers at this office. The license fee is $85.00. Civil ceremonies cost an additional $25.00. Certified copies of the license are $5.50 each, also cash only. Bring exact change or small bills if possible. An ATM is available in the courthouse building if needed.

Once you apply, Maryland law requires a 48-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The wait starts at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after you apply. Plan your wedding date with this in mind. The license is valid for six months from the issue date. If your ceremony does not happen within that window, you will need to apply again and pay the fee a second time.

Baltimore City Marriage License Requirements

Maryland has fairly simple requirements for a marriage license. There is no residency rule, meaning you do not have to live in Maryland or in Baltimore City to apply here. There is no blood test required. You do not need witnesses to apply, though witnesses may be needed for your ceremony depending on who performs it.

Both people must be at least 18 years old to get a marriage license without any additional steps. Persons who are 17 years old can only marry with a court order in Maryland. Anyone under 17 cannot legally marry in Maryland. These age rules have been in place since 2019 and reflect changes to Maryland Family Law § 2-401. If you are remarrying, you do not need to bring divorce papers, but you should know the approximate date your prior marriage ended.

What to bring to the Baltimore City clerk's office:

• Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants
• Social Security numbers for both applicants
• $85.00 in cash for the license fee
• If having a civil ceremony, an additional $25.00 cash

Same-sex couples have been able to marry in Maryland since January 1, 2013. All marriage license rules apply equally to same-sex and opposite-sex couples. If you are a non-resident and want to learn more before you come in, you can review the Non-Resident Marriage License Application on the Maryland Courts website.

Civil Ceremonies at Baltimore City Courthouse

The Baltimore City clerk's office performs civil wedding ceremonies on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and you do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. This is one of the few Maryland courthouses that offers walk-in civil ceremonies, which makes it easier for couples who want a simple, low-cost option in Baltimore City.

The civil ceremony fee is $25.00 cash in addition to the $85.00 license fee. Ceremonies are limited to a maximum of 6 guests. This includes any witnesses and children. The space is small, so plan accordingly. If you need a larger gathering, you will need to arrange for a private officiant and hold your ceremony at a separate venue in Baltimore City.

Note: You must have already waited out the 48-hour waiting period before a civil ceremony can take place. Plan your application date with your ceremony date in mind.

Searching Baltimore City Marriage License Records

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the primary tool for looking up court records in Baltimore City, including marriage license filings. You can search by name and find records filed at the Circuit Court. This is a free public tool and does not require an account to use. Keep in mind that it covers court records, not vital records, so historical marriage records from many decades ago may not appear here.

For older Baltimore City marriage records, the Maryland State Archives is the right place to look. The Archives holds historic marriage records from across Maryland, including Baltimore City. Their online guide explains what years are available and how to request records. Some records are indexed and searchable online, while others require a written request or an in-person visit to the Archives in Annapolis.

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk's office can also help you find records. Staff can search by name or case number for licenses issued at their office. If you need a certified copy of a Baltimore City marriage license, request it in person during office hours and bring $5.50 in cash. Requests by mail are also accepted, but call the office first to confirm the current mail process and turnaround time.

The People's Law Library of Maryland is a helpful free resource for understanding your rights and the process for marriage license applications and related matters in Baltimore City and across the state.

Baltimore City Marriage License Resources

The People's Law Library of Maryland at peoples-law.org provides a plain-language guide to marriage license requirements and officiants throughout Maryland, including Baltimore City.

This resource covers who can legally perform a marriage in Maryland and what the officiant must do after the ceremony to complete your Baltimore City marriage license record.

The Maryland Courts website at mdcourts.gov also provides official information on marriage licenses statewide, including Baltimore City-specific details and links to forms.

Bookmark this page if you are planning a wedding in Baltimore City. The Maryland Courts site is updated regularly and reflects current fees, forms, and procedures for the Baltimore City courthouse.

Nearby Maryland Cities

These cities are near Baltimore City. Each has its own county courthouse that handles marriage licenses for residents in that area.