Eloping is one of life’s greatest adventures and is ideal for any couple interested in a smaller, more intimate, wedding. When it comes to destinations, Maryland is really wonderful for eloping and I’m going to detail how to legally elope in Maryland here!
Maryland offers diverse scenery with beautiful beaches, enchanting forests, and distant mountains that give a dose of nature to every wedding experience. From the stunning waterfront of Chesapeake Bay to the rolling hills of Catoctin Mountain Park, there are endless destinations to choose from!
Maryland is steeped in history too, making the backdrop of a city wedding full of character, cobbled streets, and old historic buildings.
What really matters is what you, as a couple, want. This is your elopement and that means you can create anything you desire! Isn’t that amazing? Viva la vida!
Ok, so you’ve decided, “Maryland it is”! Let the planning begin! But then you suddenly turn to each other and think can you elope in Maryland!? It’s a resounding YES and it’s actually simple to do:
Head on over to the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you plan to tie the knot. Make sure to bring some identification with you like a driver’s license or passport, and be ready to fill out some paperwork.
In Maryland, you’ve got to be at least 18 years old to get hitched without parental consent. If you’re younger, you’ll need to have your folks sign off on your love.
There’s a 48-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can say your “I do’s.”. Once you do have your marriage license, it’s valid for 6 months.
This could be a judge, a religious official, or a clerk of the court. Whoever you choose, they’ll need to sign your marriage license to make your elopement legit. You might be wondering: Can anyone officiate a wedding in Maryland? In Maryland, you must be ordained first. Only persons authorized by the state can officiate. This includes judges, clerks of the court, religious officials, or out-of-state officials (persons authorized to perform a marriage in other states).
Go on your elopement adventure, say your vows, and sign your marriage license! And then VOILA! You’re officially hitched! And life just got so much sweeter! Just make sure to return your marriage license to the clerk of the circuit court within five days of the ceremony to make your marriage legally recognized.
Oh wow, there are many choose-your-own-adventure elopements in Maryland, and remember, they’re perfect if they suit YOU as a couple — in whatever shape or form you decide to structure your day.
Annapolis is a city that combines the nature of a quaint waterfront town with history. It’s a beautiful spot for an elopement, let me paint a picture of how to get married in Maryland:
There are some really special Maryland elopement locations: the Chesapeake Bay with its wonderful waterfront and fantastic opportunities for elopement photography in Maryland, or even the more secluded Deep Creek Lake where tranquil waters frame the mountains behind.
Assateague Island is the perfect spot for couples who love the beach, where sunsets glow and wild ponies roam! Catoctin Mountain Park sends a couple higher up in elevation, perhaps to suit their mood, to where the views are unforgettable.
Or if you’re looking for some colorful whimsy, a couple can head to Brookside Gardens where old trees and bright flowers will dote on you throughout your wedding day!
There’s so much beauty to tap into in Maryland, and an elopement is the perfect reason to explore it! All of these destinations offer elopement packages and micro wedding packages in Maryland too, making it a comfortable and easy ride.
When planning an elopement, you’ll need a small team to help guide the experience leaving you free to be in the present moment. As a Maryland elopement photographer, I have great recommendations and a good understanding of the industry — I’d be more than happy to discuss any details of the wedding that you want a second opinion on!
And if you’d like me to photograph this experience, I’d be over the moon! Please contact me if you have any questions or even if you already want to get stuck straight into the fun stuff! There’s no time like the present, and there’s no present like a Maryland elopement.
Juliana Wall Photography offers bespoke elopement and micro wedding photography for Virginia and Washington, D.C. couples seeking a personalized experience.