Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Anne Arundel County?
Marriage licenses in Anne Arundel County are issued by the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, Clerk's Office, 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Maryland uniquely reverses the typical pattern: the 48-hour waiting period applies to non-residents, while Maryland residents can marry immediately. This makes Anne Arundel County convenient for Baltimore and DC-area Maryland residents who want a fast license.
The $55 Fee
Anne Arundel County's marriage license fee is $55.00. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $10.00 each from the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Maryland law (MD Family Law §2-405) imposes a 48-hour waiting period for non-Maryland residents. Maryland residents pay the same fee but can marry immediately upon receiving the license. To establish Maryland residency, you must present a Maryland driver's license or other Maryland address documentation at the time of application.
Annapolis is a popular ceremony destination for couples from the DC metro area and Baltimore. With a 1-year validity window and same-day issuance for Maryland residents, Anne Arundel County suits couples who want to plan ahead. The historic downtown Annapolis area offers dozens of ceremony venues within walking distance of the courthouse.
License Validity — 1 year
Your Anne Arundel County marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Maryland. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Anne Arundel County issuing office within the timeframe required by Maryland law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $10 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Non-Maryland residents are subject to the 48-hour waiting period. You would need to apply at least 2 full days before your ceremony. The wait is calculated from the exact time the license is issued.
The State House and public outdoor spaces in Annapolis require separate event permits from the State of Maryland or City of Annapolis. The marriage license itself doesn't grant venue access — contact the venue or Maryland State Archives for permit information.
Yes. A Maryland marriage license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Maryland, including Ocean City (Worcester County), the Eastern Shore, and all other Maryland locations.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Anne Arundel County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk handles marriage license applications for Anne Arundel County. Maryland's circuit court issues licenses. Confirmed your residency status when applying — it determines whether the 48-hour wait applies.
Maryland's 48-hour waiting period applies only to non-Maryland residents. Maryland residents receive the license and can marry immediately. The 1-year validity window is generous.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Anne Arundel County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the Circuit Court Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $55 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: 48 hours (non-residents) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Maryland: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Maryland within the 1 year validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Maryland law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the Circuit Court Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Maryland. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.