SO STOKED FOR YOU TO BE HERE!


CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ENGAGEMENT! GETTING MARRIED IN BETHESDA IS SO EASY THAT I'VE MADE A QUICK EASY TO FOLLOW STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE.


HERE'S YOUR CHECKLIST.

  1. Get your marriage license!
  2. Walk-In to Clerk of Montgomery County Circuit Court (M-F 8:30AM-3:30PM)
  3. Bring a Photo ID, Military ID, Passport, or Drivers License
  4. Bring your proof of social security
  5. Bring $55, cash or card
  6. You and your partner must be 18 or older
  7. Fill out and complete your Marriage License, wait 48 hours to get your license.
  8. Schedule a Ceremony with an Officiant or the Courthouse(They are always 2 months booked out)
  9. Congrats you're married!


Other Fees:

  • Civil Ceremony (if being done at the court): $25.00 (cash or money order)
  • Duplicate License (replacement license prior to marriage): $10.00
  • Copy of License (non-certified): $.50


IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriages.
  • Be aware of the degree of any blood or marital relationship between the parties, as this must be disclosed during the application.
  • Maryland law requires that the marriage license be obtained at least 48 hours before the ceremony. Plan accordingly!


Once you've obtained your Marriage License, you can either go through

How to get married at the Montgomery County Courthouse?

Getting married at the Courthouse requires an appointment and $25 in cash. I've recently inquired and told me that the next available spot is Mid-July 2024, or 2 months out. However, if you want to get married sooner, you don't have to go through the courthouse to get married. You can get married by a church, priest, a family member, or a friend.


Here's how to get married using an officiant.

Getting married using an officiant

Hiring an officiant is super easy depending on the type of marriage you're gonna go for. There are religious or non-religious ceremonies. Ask your officiant which they are comfortable with performing.


Local Bethesda Officiants start at $300.

Getting a friend officiate the wedding.

You can definitely have a friend or family member marry you though Universal Life Church. For more information check out ULC.

Hiring a courthouse or elopement photographer in Bethesda

Once you have your marriage license and officiant (or have your an appointment at the courthouse)you'll probably want a professional photographer document your elopement.


It's super easy to hire a photographer, just send your contact info, we'll reach out to you, its $350 for 60 minutes or $400 for 90 minutes.


If you hire both Officiant and Photographer, it's $600.