MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS MAY APPLY:

• Bride
• Groom
• Representative of the bride or groom (The representative must show a letter stating that s/he has permission to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate. The letter must be signed by the bride or groom and certified by a notary public.)
• Attorney representing the bride or groom (The attorney must present proof that s/he represents the bride or groom.)
• Court of law

TO APPLY:

Download APPLICATION FOR A COPY OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
Download in Word format (needs Microsoft Word)
  Download in Acrobat PDF format (needs Acrobat Reader - free download)

The Division issues certified copies of certificates for marriages that occurred on or after January 1, 1990. For marriages performed before January 1, 1990, contact the circuit court of the Maryland county where the marriage took place, or the Maryland State Archives.

You must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID displaying a date issued and an expiration date. Applicants unable to supply valid photo ID must present two (2) different pieces of alternative documentation. Acceptable documents are pay stub, current car registration, bank statement, letter from a government agency, lease/rental agreement, utility bill with current address, or a copy of your income tax return or W-2 form. At least one of these documents must contain your current mailing address. Applicants unable to provide valid photo ID will not be able to receive their requests the same day. Their requests will be mailed to the address displayed on the documents provided. If you wish to order a Certificate by mail, include the requested information, photocopy of required identification, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and the required fee.

Complete the APPLICATION FOR A COPY OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. You may mail the application, copies of required identification, a self-addressed, stamped envelope and fee to the Division of Vital Records or visit the Division offices for same day service. If you do not have an application, you may obtain one from the Division of Vital Records (see Application for Certificates page) or, you may send the information listed below to the Division of Vital Records. Requests by mail take approximately two to four weeks to process.

• Date of application
• Groom's full name (first/middle/last)
• Bride's full maiden name (first/middle/last)
• Date of marriage (month/day/year)
• Place of marriage (town or city in Maryland and the county, if the wedding was performed outside of Baltimore City)
• Reason for request
• Applicant's full name (Name should be both printed and signed.)
• Applicant’s current mailing address

Click here to apply online for this certificate through VitalChek at an additional charge.

YOU WILL RECEIVE:

A certified copy of the certificate of marriage. If the search provides no record, a Certification of Record Search will be provided.