Marriage in maryland

In Maryland, you must obtain your marriage license from the county where your wedding ceremony will take place. The process requires an in-person visit to the local Clerk of the Court. It's recommended to check the specific jurisdiction's website in advance to ensure you have all necessary documents. Some counties only accept cash for the license fee. Be aware that in some areas, the license must be obtained at least 48 hours before your ceremony. Typically, marriage licenses are valid for up to 90 days, but in some cases, they may be valid for up to 6 months.

In Maryland, your wedding ceremony can be officiated by an official of a religious group, a court clerk, designated county officials, or a judge. However, if you'd like a family member, friend, or loved one to officiate, they can legally do so by becoming ordained through a religious group. This process is simple and can often be completed online through services like ULC.org, where for a small fee, they can become an ordained minister and legally officiate your ceremony.

After your ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing the necessary paperwork, typically three documents: one for the officiant's records, one for the couple, and one that is submitted to the Clerk of the Court. It's recommended to wait 2-3 weeks for processing. Once that's complete, you can request a certified copy of your marriage license, which is required for changing your name. It’s advisable to obtain two copies. Due to the pandemic, many jurisdictions now allow you to request this certified copy by mail. Detailed instructions for this process can be found in the packet you receive when you apply for your marriage license.

Once you have your certified copy, you can begin the process of changing your name. The first step is to visit the Social Security Administration to update your records. The application can be found here. To locate your local Social Security Administration office, you may search here. Once this process is completed you will then obtain a new social security card.

Once you've updated your Social Security card, the next step is to change your name with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). For detailed instructions on how to complete this process, you can find more information here.

After receiving your updated identification card from the MVA, you can begin changing your name with other organizations, including legal documents, insurance companies, and more. It’s also recommended to update your passport. Depending on your situation, there are different ways to manage this process. You can find further details and instructions here.

In conclusion, while the process of changing your name can be a bit lengthy and, at times, a little overwhelming, it’s also an exciting step in your new journey together. If you have any questions or need guidance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to help. You may also want to connect with a local wedding group or someone who has gone through this process in your jurisdiction for additional insights. Wishing you both a lifetime filled with love, happiness, and endless memories as you embark on this beautiful new chapter!