Instructions for the Comparable Official:

            
           Maryland law requires that either the bride or groom appear in person at the Clerk of Circuit Court in the County where the marriage ceremony is to be performed in order to apply for a marriage license.  However, Maryland Family Law Article 2-402 states that if neither of the parties to be married resides in Maryland or in the Maryland County where the marriage is to be performed, the parties may (for their convenience) submit a Non-Resident Marriage Application.

           
           The Non-Resident Marriage application requires that at least one of the parties (bride or groom) appear in person before the Clerk, or other comparable official, in the jurisdiction (county, state, or country) where the person resides, and provide, under oath, the information required on the application.

           
           To be a comparable official, you should be authorized to administer oaths and issue marriage licenses as part of your duties as a public official.  A notary public is NOT a comparable official.

           
             By signing and placing your official seal on the application, you are indication that:

1.     One of the parties has appeared before you and provided, under oath, the same

      information required on the application.

     
2.     The party has solemnly affirmed or declared that the facts set forth on the

      application are true to the best of their knowledge and belief.

      Please sign and seal the affidavit, print you name, title, and office phone number on the affidavit, in 
      the event that we need to verify the application.

           
           We understand that you are not bound by Maryland Law and therefore, not required to provide this service.  We do appreciate your cooperation and assistance.  For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 410-535-1600 ext. 2264.