Licensing
Maryland Marriage License Information
Your marriage license must be obtained in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place. The license is valid for six months from date of issue and only in the county where it is obtained. Maryland has a 48 hour waiting period from the date the license is issued.
Please check with the county clerk’s office for current marriage license fees.
Below is a link to all the county circuit court clerks’ offices in Maryland.
http://www.mdcourts.gov/circuit/directory.html
Once you open the link:
• Click on the appropriate county government web page
• Click on the Clerk of the Court link
• Click on the license department link
• Look for the marriage license link
District of Columbia Marriage License Information
Your marriage license can be obtained at the District of Columbia Courthouse located at 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Room 4485; Washington, D.C. 20001.
The license has no expiration date and is valid only in the District of Columbia. The district requires you to submit an application. You can find a copy of the license application on the District’s courthouse link found below. The District allows for a proxy to apply on behalf of the couple (you do not have to apply in person).
There is a four day waiting period from when the application is submitted until the license is issued. The license must be picked up in person at the Marriage License Bureau. Again, a proxy can also pick up the license for the couple.
Please check with the marriage license office for current marriage license fees.
Note about DC Officiates; you must provide the name of your wedding officiate on the District marriage application. Only those duly authorized and licensed by the District can officiate a wedding.
DC Marriage License Information
Virginia Marriage License Information
Your marriage license can be obtained in any County or City courthouse in Virginia. The license is valid anywhere in the state of Virginia and for up to 60 days from date of issue. There is no waiting period in Virginia.
Please check with the county clerk’s office for current marriage license fees.
Here are links to several of the Northern Virginia circuit courts:
Once you are on the county web page, click on the Clerk of the Court link, the license link, and then the marriage license link.
Note about Virginia Officiates; Virginia requires officiates be authorized by the court.
