Maryland Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In Maryland, the cost of a marriage license varies by county, as each Circuit Court Clerk sets its own fee schedule. Fees typically range from approximately $10 to $85 depending on the county. Prospective applicants should confirm the exact fee with their issuing county clerk's office before applying.

Maryland imposes a 48-hour waiting period before a marriage license becomes effective. The license becomes valid at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day following the application, though this requirement may be waived in certain circumstances. Once issued, a marriage license remains valid for six months, provided the ceremony takes place in the county that issued the license.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Maryland license guide → · Compare fee models by state →