How to Get a Marriage License in Maryland or Delaware
So you are planning a beach wedding but you are not sure how to get a Marriage License. Sunny Beach Weddings will outline all the information you need to get started. We provide services for beach weddings in both Maryland and Delaware. Also, we will go over everything you need to do to make sure you are ready for your romantic beach wedding. We will start with the state of Maryland. If you are having a beach wedding in Delaware please scroll down to that part of the article to answer all your questions.
How to get a Marriage License in Maryland
The team at Sunny Beach Weddings services weddings in Ocean City, Assateague Island, and other areas of Worcester County in Maryland. In Maryland, you must apply for the license where you are having the wedding ceremony. In this case, you are getting married in Ocean City, Maryland, or Assateague Island, Maryland, so you will need to obtain the license from the Snow Hill Circuit Court.
Office of Clerk of Circuit Court
1 W. Market Street
Room 104
Snow Hill, MD 21863
(410) 632-5500
Hours for applying for the Marriage License are 8:30 am until 4 pm. Only the bride or the groom must be present when applying for the license in Maryland. The cost is $35 dollars and only cash is accepted. The license must be obtained two calendar days before the wedding. For example, if you applied for your marriage license on a Thursday, the earliest the wedding could be is Saturday after 6 am. The license is good for up to 6 months.
Marriage License Requirements in Maryland
Just a few more pieces of pertinent information when applying for a marriage license in Maryland. A blood test is not required. You will need to provide a valid and current driver’s license or birth certificate for both the bride and groom. Social Security numbers for both the bride and the groom, these numbers will be kept in a private area of the State Computer and will not be available for public inspection.
If either party is previously divorced, documentation must be provided of the divorce. In the case of the bride or groom having a deceased spouse, the date and location of death must be provided. Both Parties must be 18 or older. For information regarding a bride or groom under 18 please call the Court House.
Our officiant will complete and file the marriage license. All information for filling out the form will be provided on the license. A witness must be present to sign the license. The witness must be someone other than the officiant.
Finally, if you are unable to visit the clerk’s office in Snow Hill, Maryland it is possible to obtain a license with a non-resident marriage license application affidavit from Worcester County. Please contact the team at Sunny Beach Weddings and we can provide you with a link for this form.
How to get a Marriage License in Delaware
Sunny Beach Weddings provides wedding services in the Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware. Each town has different rules, regulations, and permits obligations. Please contact Sunny Beach Weddings for more information on the different towns we provide wedding services in.
All of the above-mentioned beach towns in Delaware are located in Sussex County. When applying for a license in Sussex County the bride and groom must both visit the Georgetown, Delaware location.
Sussex County Administrative Building
Room 226
2 The Circle
Georgetown, Delaware
This is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The last license of the day must begin by 4 pm. So make sure you arrive no later than 3:30 pm. The application process in person will take around 20 minutes. If you are unavailable during these hours you may be able to schedule an appointment at another time. Please call the Chief Deputy Clerk at 302-853-1717.
The license is valid 24 hours after the application process is complete. The license is only valid for 30 days after it is issued. So if you received your license on June 29 at 2 pm the earliest time you could have the wedding would be June 30th after 2 pm. Also, the wedding must take place before July 29 and earlier than 2 pm on the 29th. The license is only valid for weddings being held in the State of Delaware.
Each applicant is required to show valid photo identification. The identification may be a driver’s license, a State-issued identification card, a passport, or military identification. Proof of residence is required if requesting the Delaware Resident fee. The fee for a Delaware Resident is $50 dollars. Out-of-state residents will be charged $100 dollars. To receive the Delaware Resident fee you must provide valid documentation proving your residence. There is also a $20 dollar recording fee. All fees are due at the time of application. The State only accepts cash or credit card payments.
Marriage License Requirements in Delaware
To apply for a marriage license in Delaware you must be at least 18 years of age. You or your future spouse may not be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The couple to be married may not be of blood relation. The State of Delaware does not require a blood test to be married.
Applicants who are previously divorced must provide all original paperwork showing the divorce or annulment. Photocopies will not be accepted. In case of an applicant with a deceased former spouse, an original copy of the death certificate must be provided.
Birth Certificates of both applicants are not required but will expedite the application process. If you do not have the birth certificates please have, please be prepared with information from both parents of both applicants. Please know their full names, date of birth, place of birth, and place of residence.
Can you get a marriage license online?
Delaware is now accepting online applications for marriage licenses. Please contact the team at Sunny Beach Weddings for options on how to apply for a marriage license online.
When getting married with Sunny Beach Weddings our officiants will file the license for you following the wedding. Remember we offer every service you need to have a wonderful beach wedding. Discover your Wedding Package HERE. We provide ministers, photography, chair rental, ceremony music, altars, and much more.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding on the beach!
