Getting Married in Baltimore County: Where to Apply and What to Expect

You'll need a marriage license before you can legally marry in Maryland, and Baltimore County handles applications through a single central office rather than multiple locations. This guide covers the specific requirements, fees, and processing details for obtaining your license in the county, along with practical differences between applying in person versus by mail.

Where to Apply

The Baltimore County Register of Wills office processes all marriage license applications for the county. Located in Towson at the County Office Building, this is the only place to file your paperwork. If you live in Baltimore City proper, you'll apply through the Baltimore City Circuit Court instead, which operates under separate procedures and fees. This distinction matters because the two jurisdictions do not cross-process applications, and submitting to the wrong office will require resubmission.

The Register of Wills office serves multiple functions beyond marriage licenses, including probate and estate matters. This means wait times can vary depending on staffing and the volume of other business being handled that day. Walk-in applicants are typically served on a first-come, first-served basis during business hours.

Requirements and Fees

As of the most recent available information, the marriage license fee in Baltimore County is $50 for a license that allows you to marry anywhere in Maryland. You'll need:

  • Valid government-issued photo identification for both parties
  • Social Security numbers for both parties
  • Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
  • Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married

Maryland has no waiting period between applying for and receiving your license, and no blood tests are required. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue, giving you a reasonable window to schedule your ceremony.

If you're applying with an out-of-state ID, bring the original document. Expired IDs are generally not accepted, even if the person's appearance is clearly recognizable. Some applicants have experienced delays by bringing insufficient documentation, so verify the current checklist on the Baltimore County website or call ahead to confirm what the office will accept.

In-Person vs. Mail Application

You can apply in person at the Towson office or submit an application by mail. The in-person process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if all documentation is correct and the office is not experiencing unusual volume. You leave with your license the same day.

Mail applications require sending the completed form (which you can download from the Baltimore County Register of Wills website) along with copies of all required documents and payment. Processing by mail takes longer, typically 5 to 10 business days after receipt, plus mailing time in both directions. This method works well if you live outside the Baltimore County area, but the lag time means you should mail applications at least three weeks before your planned wedding date to account for postal delays and any requests for missing information.

One practical consideration: mail applicants cannot ask questions about what documentation is needed before submitting. If any item is missing or unclear, the office will mail the application back, costing you another 5 to 10 business days. In-person applicants can ask clarifying questions and correct issues on the spot.

Timing and Staffing

The Register of Wills office in Towson closes for lunch between 12 and 1 p.m., which is worth planning around if you're applying in person. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. It is closed on weekends, federal holidays, and state holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving. If you're planning a wedding near a holiday, apply well in advance.

Peak times tend to be late morning and early afternoon on Fridays, when couples applying before weekend ceremonies create backlog. Arriving on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning typically means shorter wait times.

Application Corrections and Amendments

If you discover an error on your license after it's issued, you can request a corrected license. This requires a new application and payment of the full $50 fee. The error does not invalidate the original license if your ceremony has already taken place, but many couples prefer to have the correct document on file. Corrections can sometimes be made in person if the error is discovered within a day or two of issuance, but this is not guaranteed; ask the staff member processing your application when you apply.

Moving Forward

Once you have your license in hand, take a photo of both the front and back, or make photocopies. You'll need to present the original to the officiant performing your ceremony. Some couples mistakenly believe the license must be submitted or filed after the wedding; you retain the original copy, and the officiant submits their completed portion to the state. Keep your copy in a safe place, as obtaining a replacement later requires repeating the full application process and fee.

Baltimore County processes a high volume of licenses each year and the system is straightforward, but success depends on having correct documentation ready and understanding that this office serves multiple county functions. Applying in person eliminates guesswork about what documents to send, and the fee is consistent whether you apply in Towson or by mail. Plan to apply at least four weeks before your wedding if you're using mail, or schedule your visit to Towson at least two weeks ahead to ensure you have your license with time to spare.