We experienced another opportune location for same-sex marriages, especially couples from Virginia and West Virginia looking for alternatives. Most recently we met a couple from West Virginia in Frederick, Maryland. Initially, they had planned on arranging their ceremony in Washington, DC, but it just so happened that the government shutdown was causing a lot of concerns. It was just the two of them, no other attendees, and they wanted a personalized wedding, versus a short civil ceremony at the Courthouse. There was considerable flexibility for rearrangement, and most hotels in Frederick tend to be less costly than in DC and certainly have more vacancies in the middle of the week.
We love to travel to Washington, D.C. ... but Maryland has some advantages
For same-sex couples who are forced to travel to these two locations from all states south, Maryland has less waiting time with processing a license. One must wait 48 hours in Maryland, whether being married by an Officer of the Court, or a qualified minister away from the Court. In DC the minimum waiting time is 3 working days for the Clerk to process the license after application, and then have a ceremony performed by a minister away from the Court. However, if a couple wishes to be married by an Officer of the DC Court, that requires a bit more planning. The minimum waiting time from application to return for pickup of the license is ten (10) days, and also have an appointment for a civil ceremony at the Courthouse.
Whatever is offered next is worth knowing early, but always call the Clerk for late info
The Circuit Court for Frederick County is located at 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Their hours are 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. We went along with the couple to return their completed license the next morning after an intimate wedding ceremony at the hotel the night before. This was the first time that we had stayed over at a wedding location and personally provided the license, but the couple had a deadline for obtaining a military identification for one partner, so we were happy to delay one night and accompany them to the Clerk's office so they could quickly obtain stamped copies before returning home.
More things to know regarding Marriage Licenses in Frederick, Maryland- $75.00 CASH ONLY (Non-refundable) - No Checks or Credit Cards
- You must wait 48 hours before you can be married.
- After the 48 hours has passed, the license is valid for 6 months.
- License must be used in Frederick County only. Note: If you obtain a license in another Maryland County, then you must have the ceremony in that county.
- Only one party (partner) must be present to apply.
- When you apply in person the Clerk's Office requires the following info for both parties
- Full names
- Current Physical Address
- Ages
- State or Country of birth (if born outside of the U.S.)
- Marital Status - If there have been previous marriages, please supply the month, day, year, county and state of how EACH AND EVERY ONE ended, whether by divorce or death.
- Social Security numbers are mandatory; however, they will not be public record.
- And finally - if a couple wants a Civil Ceremony, those are performed between the hours of 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday - Friday. The ceremony fee is $25.00 payable by cash only. No appointments are taken. There are a number of helpful staff members in the Clerk's Office, but we were served by "Bonnie," just in case you need a contact. The phone number is (301) 600-1964.
When we enjoy a hotel, we let it be known
The wedding for the aforementioned couple was performed in their hotel suite at the Hilton Garden Inn, 7226 Corporate Court, Frederick, Maryland 21703. There was adequate room for another half dozen guests, had that been needed; however, this hotel with a nice restaurant and helpful staff, has many expandable first floor meeting rooms which are used for larger weddings with receptions. We talked to Cathy Vargo, Catering & Sales, who was delighted to learn of the wedding, and suggested that interested parties should call or e-mail her for assistance in the future. E-mail cathy.vargo@hilton.com. Phone (240) 566-1504. We think you will enjoy the visit to this lodging facility with family and friends, or just as a couple. Frederick, Maryland may just be the town to start your married life!
Blessings ... Reverends Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg III
