Severn Marriage License Records
Severn marriage license applications are handled by the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. Severn is an unincorporated community in Anne Arundel County with no municipal government, so all marriage license records are filed and stored at the county courthouse. This page covers how Severn residents apply for a marriage license, what to bring, the fees, the waiting period, civil ceremony options, and how to search existing Severn marriage records.
Severn Marriage License Overview
Which County Handles Severn Marriage Licenses
Severn is an unincorporated census-designated place in Anne Arundel County. It has no incorporated town or city government. Because of this, all official government functions, including marriage licenses, go through Anne Arundel County. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis is where Severn residents go to apply for a marriage license. That office issues the license, stores the record, and provides certified copies when needed.
Anne Arundel County sits between Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, with Severn located near the county's northern section. The county seat is Annapolis, the state capital. Getting there from Severn is straightforward on I-97 southbound. The drive is usually 20 to 30 minutes. For the full picture of county-level procedures, fees, and resources, visit the Anne Arundel County marriage license page.
Severn Marriage License Office
The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court is located in Annapolis, close to the Maryland State House. The courthouse is in the historic downtown area on Church Circle. Parking can be tight near the courthouse, so arrive a bit early. Metered street parking and nearby garages are available. The clerk's office, where you apply for your Severn marriage license, is in Room H101 on the ground floor.
| Court | Anne Arundel County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 8 Church Circle, Room H101 Annapolis, MD 21401 |
| Phone | 410-222-1397 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (applications) Ceremonies: 9:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | mdcourts.gov/clerks/annearundel/marriage |
The Anne Arundel Circuit Court also has a dedicated page at circuitcourt.org with current details on marriage license requirements. Check there for any updates to fees or hours before making the trip from Severn.
How to Apply for a Severn Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Severn, one person from the couple goes in person to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. Only one applicant must appear in person. Both applicants need to provide valid government-issued photo ID and their Social Security numbers. The Social Security number is required by state law but does not appear on the issued marriage license.
Bring a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either person was previously married, bring documents that show how that marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is acceptable. Staff at Room H101 will process the application. No appointment is needed to apply. You fill out the form at the counter with the clerk's help.
Maryland law at § 2-401 of the Maryland Code covers marriage license requirements. No blood test is needed. No witnesses are required at application. There is no residency requirement. Non-residents can apply in Anne Arundel County and marry there. The $55 fee is paid at the time of application. Anne Arundel County accepts cash, major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, money orders, and personal checks.
Note: The ceremony must be held in Anne Arundel County, the same county where the Severn marriage license was issued.
Severn Marriage License Waiting Period
Maryland law requires a 48-hour waiting period after a marriage license is issued. The clock starts at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance. That means if you apply on a Monday, the earliest you can marry is Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. Keep this timeline in mind when planning the ceremony date.
The license is valid for six months from the date issued. If the ceremony does not occur within that period, the license expires. You would have to apply again and pay the $55 fee a second time. Six months is usually more than enough time to plan a wedding, but if you schedule the ceremony far in advance, apply at the right time so the license does not lapse before the event.
No one under age 17 may marry in Maryland. A 17-year-old needs a court order. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Maryland since January 1, 2013. No justice of the peace exists in Maryland. Any authorized officiant, such as a judge, minister, or other legally recognized person, can perform the ceremony.
Civil Ceremony Options for Severn Residents
The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis offers civil marriage ceremonies for Severn residents and others who get their license through the county. The civil ceremony fee is $25, in addition to the $55 license fee. The ceremony is held at the courthouse and performed by a clerk or authorized court official. The ceremony can accommodate up to 18 guests, which makes it a good option for a small private wedding.
Appointments for ceremonies are required. You can call 410-222-1434 to schedule, or book online. Civil ceremony slots fill up, especially on Fridays, so plan ahead. For larger gatherings or outdoor ceremonies, you can hold the event anywhere in Anne Arundel County with an authorized officiant. The People's Law Library at peoples-law.org covers who can legally perform a marriage in Maryland and what the rules are.
Searching Severn Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Severn are part of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court records. They are public records. To search in person, go to the clerk's office at 8 Church Circle in Annapolis. Bring both parties' names and the approximate year of the marriage. Staff can search the records and produce certified copies for $5.50 per copy. Call 410-222-1397 before visiting to confirm the process and any current requirements.
For older records, the Maryland State Archives holds historical marriage records from around the state. Their guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov describes what is available by county and how far back the records go. Anne Arundel County has a solid collection of historical marriage records through the archives system.
The People's Law Library covers the full marriage license process for Maryland, including how records are created and how the licensing system works statewide. It is an official Maryland Courts resource and useful for understanding Severn marriage records.
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us lets you search court records online by name, case number, or date. This covers civil proceedings including those tied to marriage in Anne Arundel County. For certified copies, you must contact the clerk's office or visit in person.
The Maryland Courts legal help page covers the process statewide and is a reliable source when researching marriage license records or understanding procedures for Severn residents.
Out-of-state applicants who want to marry in Anne Arundel County can use the Non-Resident Marriage License Form from the Maryland Courts website.
Note: Certified copies of Severn marriage license records cost $5.50 each, a rate set by Maryland state law and consistent across all counties.
Anne Arundel County Marriage License Records
Severn falls within Anne Arundel County, and all marriage license records are handled through the circuit court in Annapolis. For more details on the county clerk, full fee information, related records, and other resources, visit the Anne Arundel County marriage license page.
Nearby Maryland Cities
These communities are close to Severn and also apply through Anne Arundel County or neighboring counties.