Family Law (GFL) — Title 2. Marriage
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Definitions
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-101 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 1. Definitions
§ 2–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Authorized official” means an individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony.
(c)
“Clerk” means a clerk of the circuit court for a county.
(d)
“License” means a license to marry issued in this State.
Subtitle 2. Valid Marriages; Void Marriages
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-201 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 2. Valid Marriages; Void Marriages
§ 2–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section may not be construed to invalidate any other provision of this title.
(b)
Only a marriage between two individuals who are not otherwise prohibited from marrying is valid in this State.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-202 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 2. Valid Marriages; Void Marriages
§ 2–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Any marriage performed in this State that is prohibited by this section is void.
(b)
(1)
An individual may not marry the individual’s:
(i)
grandparent;
(ii)
parent;
(iii)
child;
(iv)
sibling; or
(v)
grandchild.
(2)
An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $1,500.
(c)
(1)
An individual may not marry the individual’s:
(i)
grandparent’s spouse;
(ii)
spouse’s grandparent;
(iii)
parent’s sibling;
(iv)
stepparent;
(v)
spouse’s parent;
(vi)
spouse’s child;
(vii)
child’s spouse;
(viii)
grandchild’s spouse;
(ix)
spouse’s grandchild; or
(x)
sibling’s child.
(2)
An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
Subtitle 3. Marriage of Certain Minors
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-301 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 3. Marriage of Certain Minors
§ 2–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An individual 17 years old may not marry unless:
(1)
(i)
the individual has the consent of each living parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the individual; or
(ii)
if the individual does not have the consent required under item (i) of this item, either party to be married gives the clerk a certificate from a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner has examined the woman to be married and has found that she is pregnant or has given birth to a child; and
(2)
the individual presents a certified copy of an order granting authorization to marry in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 2A of this article to the clerk of the circuit court not earlier than 15 days after the order was issued.
(b)
An individual under the age of 17 may not marry.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-302 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 3. Marriage of Certain Minors
§ 2–302LinkCopy Citation
A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250.
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-401 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An individual may not marry in this State without a license issued by the clerk for the county in which the marriage is performed.
(b)
Any individual who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $100.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-402 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An applicant for a license may apply to the clerk only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to apply for a license, one of the parties to be married shall:
(1)
appear before the clerk and give, under oath, the following information, which shall be placed on an application form by the clerk:
(i)
the full legal name of each party;
(ii)
the place of residence of each party;
(iii)
the date of birth of each party;
(iv)
whether the parties are related by blood or marriage and, if so, in which degree of relationship;
(v)
the marital status of each party; and
(vi)
whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage;
(2)
sign the application form; and
(3)
provide the clerk with:
(i)
the Social Security number of each party who has a Social Security number; and
(ii)
a copy of an official government–issued birth certificate or other official government–issued document or record demonstrating the age of each party.
(c)
The Social Security numbers of the parties:
(1)
shall be included in the electronic file for the marriage license application; and
(2)
except as provided in § 4–334 of the General Provisions Article, may not be disclosed as part of the public record of the marriage license application.
(d)
(1)
If the parties to be married are not residents of the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed, the clerk shall accept, instead of the application specified in subsection (b) of this section, an affidavit from one of the parties to be married.
(2)
The affidavit required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:
(i)
contain the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and
(ii)
be sworn to under oath before a clerk or other comparable official in the county, state, province, or country where the party resides.
(e)
Until a license becomes effective, a clerk may not disclose the fact that an application for a license has been made except to the parent or guardian of a party to be married.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-403 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A license shall read substantially as follows:
“State of Maryland and County of ........... To any individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony. You are hereby authorized to join together in matrimony according to the rules and ceremonies of your church, society or religious sect and the laws of this State, or according to the laws of this State, the following individuals:
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party one)
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party two)
Given under my hand and seal of the Circuit Court for ………, this ……… day of
…………… (state here month and year).”
(2)
A license shall contain:
(i)
appropriate spaces in which the clerk shall enter:
(1)
the relationship of the parties to be married, if any; and
(2)
as to each party, the name, age, state or foreign country in which born, residence, and marital status (single, widowed, or divorced); and
(ii)
a statement that the license is valid only:
(1)
for 6 months from the effective date and time stated on the license; and
(2)
in the county in which it is issued.
(b)
(1)
Attached to a license shall be 2 certificate forms that:
(i)
read, “I hereby certify that on this ............ day of ............. (state here month and year), ........ (state here time), at .............. (state here location), in accordance with the license issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for ................. (state here jurisdiction), I united in marriage the following individuals:
(ii)
restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and
(iii)
provide a space for the signature of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony.
(2)
Attached to a license, in the case of a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, shall be 2 certificate forms that:
(i)
read, “We hereby certify that on this .......... day of ........... (state here month and year), ........ (state here time), at ........... (state here location), we, ............... (state here name of party one) and ............... (state here name of party two) were united in marriage in accordance with the ceremony of the Society of Friends and in accordance with the license issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for ........ (state here jurisdiction)”;
(ii)
restate all information concerning the individuals married that is stated on the marriage license; and
(iii)
provide spaces for the signatures of the parties and the 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party one)
………………………………………………
(state here name of intended party two)”;
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-404 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The fee for a license is $10.
(2)
The clerk shall:
(i)
retain $5 of the fee; and
(ii)
pay $5 of the fee into the general fund of the county.
(3)
(i)
A party to be married may obtain a replacement for a valid marriage license while the license is valid.
(ii)
The fee for a replacement license is $10, payable into the General Fund of the State.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this section:
(1)
any county or group of 2 or more counties may set an additional fee of up to $25 for each license; and
(2)
the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs.
(c)
In Anne Arundel County:
(1)
the County Council may set by ordinance an additional fee of up to $45 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the general fund of the county each month; and
(3)
the County Council shall distribute the proceeds to promote or fund domestic violence programs.
(d)
In Baltimore City:
(1)
the Mayor and City Council shall set by resolution an additional fee of up to $75 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Mayor and City Council each month; and
(3)
the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs that have 24–hour intake ability.
(e)
In Baltimore County:
(1)
in addition to the fee authorized under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $15 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3)
the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and
(4)
the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(f)
In Calvert County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $55 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3)
the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Calvert County.
(g)
In Cecil County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners shall set an additional fee of $20 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Treasurer each month;
(3)
the proceeds in addition to designated federal funds and county funds shall be given to the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board to be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4)
the Cecil County Department of Social Services Advisory Board shall prepare and make available to the Board of County Commissioners an annual report on or before December 1 of each year of the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(h)
In Charles County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $35 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3)
the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs located in Charles County.
(i)
In Frederick County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee, in an amount not to exceed $65, for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3)
the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article.
(j)
In Garrett County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $40 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3)
the proceeds shall be used to fund domestic violence programs in Garrett County.
(k)
In Harford County:
(1)
the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $40 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall:
(i)
retain 3% of the proceeds from the additional fee for processing;
(ii)
pay $5 of the proceeds from each license to the Harford County Sexual Assault/Spousal Abuse Resource Center, Inc.; and
(iii)
pay the remaining proceeds to the Treasurer of Harford County each month;
(3)
the county:
(i)
shall use the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(ii)
may make in-kind contributions to battered spouse and domestic violence programs; and
(4)
the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(l)
In Howard County:
(1)
the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $50 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3)
the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs established under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of this article; and
(4)
the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(m)
In Montgomery County:
(1)
the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $45 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county each month;
(3)
the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4)
the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(n)
In Prince George’s County:
(1)
the County Council may set by resolution an additional fee of up to $60 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the Director of Finance of the county, who shall distribute the proceeds to the Community Crisis Services, Inc., each month;
(3)
if the Community Crisis Services, Inc., changes its name or objectives or ceases to exist, the proceeds, in addition to designated federal, State, and county funds, shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs; and
(4)
the County Executive shall prepare and make available an annual report on or before December 1 of each year on the disposition of fees collected under this subsection during the previous fiscal year.
(o)
In Washington County:
(1)
the Board of County Commissioners may set an additional fee of up to $50 for each license;
(2)
the clerk shall pay the proceeds from the additional fee to the County Commissioners each month; and
(3)
the proceeds shall be used to fund battered spouse shelters and domestic violence programs in Washington County.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-404.1 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–404.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A county may discount a marriage license fee under § 2-404(a) of this subtitle if the couple to be married has completed, within 1 year before the date of the application for the license, a premarital preparation course that meets the requirements specified in this section.
(2)
The amount of any discount shall be determined by the county governing body.
(b)
A premarital preparation course shall:
(1)
include instruction regarding:
(i)
conflict management;
(ii)
communication skills;
(iii)
financial responsibilities; and
(iv)
children and parenting responsibilities; and
(2)
consist of at least 4 hours of instruction.
(c)
A premarital preparation course may be conducted by:
(1)
a clinical professional counselor or a clinical marriage and family therapist licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3A of the Health Occupations Article;
(2)
a psychologist licensed under Title 18 of the Health Occupations Article;
(3)
a social worker licensed under Title 19 of the Health Occupations Article;
(4)
an official representative of a religious institution if the representative has relevant training; or
(5)
any other qualified provider approved by a county governing body.
(d)
(1)
A premarital preparation course provider shall register with the clerk by filing a written affidavit containing:
(i)
the provider’s name, address, and telephone number;
(ii)
a summary of the provider’s qualifications and training; and
(iii)
a statement that the provider shall comply with the course requirements specified in this section.
(2)
The clerk may establish a roster of area premarital preparation course providers, including those who offer the course on a sliding fee scale or for free.
(e)
(1)
A premarital preparation course provider shall provide to each couple who completes the course a certificate of completion that specifies:
(i)
the names of the couple;
(ii)
the name of the provider; and
(iii)
the date of completion of the course.
(2)
To receive a discounted marriage license fee under this section, an applicant for a license shall verify completion of a premarital preparation course by filing with the clerk a valid certificate of course completion issued in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(f)
Any cost for a premarital preparation course shall be paid by the applicant for a marriage license.
(g)
The discount authorized by this section may not be applied to any fee used to fund domestic violence programs.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-405 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The clerk for the county in which a marriage ceremony is to be performed may issue and deliver a license at the time the application is made.
(b)
A license may be issued only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(c)
(1)
If either party to be married is known to be 17 years old, before issuing the license, the clerk shall obtain the required consent or the licensed physician’s certificate and the certified copy of an order granting authorization for a minor to marry before issuing the license.
(2)
(i)
The clerk’s record required under this title shall include:
(1)
(A)
the consent required by § 2–301 of this title, if written; or
(B)
the fact that consent was given, if given and made in person; and
(2)
a photocopy of the certified copy of the order granting authorization for a minor to marry required under § 2–301 of this title.
(ii)
The licensed physician’s certificate required by § 2–301 of this title may not be made a part of the clerk’s record.
(3)
After an individual has been issued a license in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, the clerk who issued the license shall seal the licensed physician’s certificate. Except on order of the court, the licensed physician’s certificate shall remain sealed.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a license is not effective until 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after the license is issued.
(2)
For good cause shown, a judge of the circuit court for the county in which the application is made may sign an authorization for a license to become effective at a time before the waiting period expires, as stated in the authorization, if 1 of the parties to be married is:
(i)
a resident of this State; or
(ii)
a service member.
(e)
If, during the questioning of an applicant for a license, the clerk finds that there is a legal reason why the applicants should not be married, the clerk shall withhold the license unless ordered by the court to issue the license.
(f)
A license may be delivered personally or by mail to:
(1)
either of the parties to be married; or
(2)
any person authorized in writing by either of the parties to accept delivery.
(g)
(1)
The Maryland Department of Health shall provide to each clerk:
(i)
birth control information; and
(ii)
a list of the family planning clinics located in the county where the license is issued.
(2)
When the clerk issues a license, the clerk shall make the information and list available to each applicant for a license.
(h)
(1)
A clerk may not predate an application for a license.
(2)
A clerk who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject:
(i)
for a first offense, to a fine not exceeding $100; and
(ii)
for each subsequent offense, to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-406 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this subsection, “judge” means:
(i)
a judge of the District Court, a circuit court, the Appellate Court of Maryland, or the Supreme Court of Maryland;
(ii)
a judge approved under Article IV, § 3A of the Maryland Constitution and § 1–302 of the Courts Article for recall and assignment to the District Court, a circuit court, the Appellate Court of Maryland, or the Supreme Court of Maryland;
(iii)
a judge of a United States District Court, a United States Court of Appeals, or the United States Tax Court; or
(iv)
a judge of a state court if the judge is active or retired but eligible for recall.
(2)
A marriage ceremony may be performed in this State by:
(i)
any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony;
(ii)
any clerk;
(iii)
any deputy clerk designated by the clerk of the circuit court for the county; or
(iv)
a judge.
(b)
Within 6 months after a license becomes effective, any authorized official may perform the marriage ceremony of the individuals named in the license.
(c)
(1)
An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony unless the individual is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
An individual who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
(d)
(1)
An individual may not knowingly perform a marriage ceremony between individuals who are prohibited from marrying under § 2-202 of this title.
(2)
An individual who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
(e)
(1)
An individual may not perform a marriage ceremony without a license that is effective under this subtitle.
(2)
An individual who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
(f)
The county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county shall designate:
(1)
when and where the clerk or deputy clerk may perform a marriage ceremony; and
(2)
the form of the marriage ceremony to be recited by the clerk or deputy clerk and the parties being married.
(g)
This section does not affect the right of any religious denomination to perform a marriage ceremony in accordance with the rules and customs of the denomination.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-407 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–407LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An individual may not knowingly make any material false statement to obtain or to help another individual to obtain a license or marriage ceremony in violation of this title or of any order of court under § 2-405 of this subtitle.
(b)
An individual who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of perjury.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-408 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–408LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An authorized official may not give or offer to give any reward to any person as an inducement to direct to the authorized official any individual who is contemplating marriage.
(b)
An authorized official who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 for each offense.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-409 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–409LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each marriage certificate shall contain:
(1)
the name, signature, and title of the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony; or
(2)
if the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, the signatures of the individuals and the attestation of the certificate by 2 overseers of the marriage ceremony.
(b)
(1)
The authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony shall:
(i)
hand 1 marriage certificate to the individuals; and
(ii)
return, within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached, but if the authorized official who performs the marriage ceremony dies or resigns, some other individual shall return the certificate.
(2)
If the individuals are married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony, they:
(i)
may keep 1 marriage certificate; and
(ii)
within 5 days from the date of the marriage ceremony, shall return the other marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the license to which the certificates were attached.
(c)
If the marriage certificate is not returned within 6 months after the date on which the license becomes effective, the clerk who issued the license shall attempt to determine whether the marriage ceremony was performed and, if so, the name of the authorized official who performed the marriage ceremony.
(d)
(1)
An individual who performs a marriage ceremony or who is married in a Society of Friends marriage ceremony may not violate the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) of this section.
(2)
An individual who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine in an amount that the court considers appropriate.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-410 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 4. Licensing and Performance
§ 2–410LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in this subsection, a judge, clerk, or deputy clerk may not receive any fee, remuneration, or gift for performing a marriage ceremony.
(2)
(i)
(1)
A Maryland judge’s fee for performing a marriage ceremony is a nonrefundable fee, payable to the clerk before a marriage license is issued, in the amount of $30 in Cecil County and $25 in any other county.
(2)
The clerk’s or deputy clerk’s fee for performing a marriage ceremony is $30 in Cecil County and $25 in any other county.
(ii)
Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (10) of this subsection, each month the clerk shall pay $10 of each fee collected under this section into the general fund of the county.
(iii)
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the clerk shall retain the remainder of each fee and deposit and disburse it in the same manner as other fees collected by the clerk.
(3)
In Allegany County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay, quarterly, $2 of each fee to the Allegany County Historical Society.
(4)
(i)
In Anne Arundel County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $4 of each fee to the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc.
(ii)
The Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc. shall report annually to the Anne Arundel County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds transferred from the Anne Arundel County Committee of the Historical Trust.
(iii)
The Anne Arundel County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc.
(5)
(i)
In Baltimore County, the clerk shall pay the entire $25 fee to the Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc.
(ii)
The Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc. shall report annually to the Baltimore County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds collected before July 1, 1987.
(iii)
The Baltimore County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Baltimore County Historical Trust, Inc.
(6)
In Cecil County:
(i)
of the funds remaining after the payment into the general fund of the county under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the clerk shall pay:
(1)
$5 of each fee to the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated; and
(2)
$5 of each fee to the Historical Society of Cecil County;
(ii)
the Historical Society of Cecil County shall report annually to the Cecil County Commissioners on the use of the funds received under this section;
(iii)
the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated shall report annually to the Cecil County Commissioners and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds transferred from the Cecil County Committee of the Maryland Historical Trust; and
(iv)
the Cecil County Commissioners or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Cecil Historical Trust, Incorporated.
(7)
In Garrett County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $5 of each fee to the Garrett County Historical Society.
(8)
In Montgomery County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay:
(i)
$2 of each fee to the Montgomery County Historical Society, Incorporated; and
(ii)
$3 of each fee into the fund for the enhancement and beautification of the Montgomery County Courthouse and facilities.
(9)
(i)
In Prince George’s County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $3 of each fee to Prince George’s Heritage, Inc.
(ii)
Prince George’s Heritage, Inc. shall report annually to the Prince George’s County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section, including a detailed record of the expenditures and receipts of all funds collected before July 1, 1987.
(iii)
The Prince George’s County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of Prince George’s Heritage, Inc.
(10)
In Harford County, from the $25 fee for performing a marriage ceremony, the clerk shall pay $20 of each fee to the Historical Society of Harford County, Inc.
(11)
(i)
In Washington County, from the remaining $15, the clerk shall pay $10 of each fee to the Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated.
(ii)
The Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated, shall report annually to the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section.
(iii)
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of the Washington County Historical Society, Incorporated.
(12)
(i)
In Frederick County, the clerk shall pay the remaining $15 to Heritage Frederick.
(ii)
Heritage Frederick shall report annually to the Frederick County Executive and the Maryland Historical Trust on the use of all funds received under this section.
(iii)
The Frederick County Executive or the Maryland Historical Trust may request at any time an audit of the financial records of Heritage Frederick.
(b)
(1)
A clerk or deputy clerk may not violate any provision of this section.
(2)
A clerk or deputy clerk who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of neglect of duty and on conviction is subject to removal from office.
Subtitle 5. Records
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-501 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 5. Records
§ 2–501LinkCopy Citation
Each clerk shall keep in the clerk’s office a marriage license book or electronic record, which shall contain:
(1)
a complete record of each license issued;
(2)
a complete record of all matters the clerk is required to ascertain that relate to the rights of an individual to obtain a license;
(3)
in regular order, the items testified to by the applicants for a license as required under this title;
(4)
properly indexed, the name of each individual who intends to be married; and
(5)
the date each certificate was filed and the name of the authorized official who performed the ceremony.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-502 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 5. Records
§ 2–502LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “foreign marriage” means a marriage ceremony:
(1)
performed outside this State; and
(2)
in which 1 or both of the parties were or are citizens of this State.
(b)
Each clerk shall keep a foreign marriage record book in the clerk’s office. The clerk shall record a foreign marriage when presented with either:
(1)
a certificate of marriage signed by the individual who performed the marriage ceremony; or
(2)
an official certified copy of a marriage record.
(c)
On request, the clerk shall provide, under the seal of the court, certification of a foreign marriage in the same manner as the clerk issues certification of a marriage ceremony performed in this State.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-503 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 5. Records
§ 2–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
At the intervals that the Secretary of Health sets, each clerk shall send to the Secretary:
(1)
a copy of the record of each marriage that the clerk licenses and records;
(2)
a report of each divorce that the court grants;
(3)
a report of each annulment of a marriage that the court:
(i)
grants; or
(ii)
effects by entering a conviction of bigamy or of marrying within any prohibited degree; and
(4)
a report of any change in a marriage, divorce, or annulment record, in which the clerk shall certify that the change is correct and conforms to the corresponding record of the clerk.
(b)
The report of a divorce or annulment or of a change in a marriage, divorce, or annulment record shall be made on the form that the Secretary of Health provides.
(c)
(1)
The Secretary of Health may make photostatic, photographic, or microphotographic copies of the original marriage records of a clerk.
(2)
The Secretary of Health may not remove any original marriage record from the custody of the clerk.
(3)
The Secretary of Health shall:
(i)
make the copies in a manner that does not interfere with the orderly transaction of business by the clerk; and
(ii)
bear the cost of making the copies.
(d)
The clerk may not receive any extra compensation for sending a report or record to the Secretary or for making records available to the Secretary.
(e)
A clerk who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $10 for each offense.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 2-504 (2026)
Title 2. Marriage
Subtitle 5. Records
§ 2–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
On written request, made under penalty of perjury, of both parties to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall issue a new marriage record in accordance with this section if the clerk received satisfactory proof that a court of competent jurisdiction, regardless of location, has issued an order for a change of name for a party to the marriage.
(2)
On the presentation of a death certificate for a party to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection from the other party to the marriage.
(3)
On the presentation of an order of the court instructing a marriage record to be changed, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection without a written request of both parties.
(b)
(1)
A new marriage record issued under this section shall:
(i)
if the original marriage record designates the gender of the parties, including by using the terms “bride”, “groom”, “wife”, or “husband”, designate the parties using gender–neutral language; and
(ii)
if the name of a party to the marriage has been changed at any time, reflect the name that was most recently established and for which a certified order of change of name or other appropriate evidence has been submitted to the clerk.
(2)
A new marriage record issued under subsection (a) of this section may not:
(i)
be marked “amended”; or
(ii)
show on its face that a change has been made to:
(1)
a name of a party; or
(2)
if applicable, a gender designation.
(c)
(1)
If a new marriage record is issued, the clerk shall:
(i)
substitute the new electronic marriage record for the existing marriage record then on file; and
(ii)
report and transmit a copy of the new marriage record to the Secretary of Health in accordance with § 2–503 of this title.
(2)
After a marriage record is changed under this section, any certified copy of the marriage record that is issued shall be a copy of the new marriage record, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders the issuance of a copy of the original marriage record.