Maryland § 2-403

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-403, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2-403.

    (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)”;

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-403

What does Maryland Code § 2-403 cover?

Section 2-403 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 2-403?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-403" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 2-403 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.