Courthouse Wedding Cost in Maryland

Picture of By  Annie Collins

By Annie Collins

Getting married in a courthouse is a popular and affordable alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony in Maryland. If you want to save money and avoid the hassle of planning a full scale wedding a civil wedding is a great option. Courthouse weddings are available in cities like Baltimore, Germantown, and Ellicott City, with costs varying depending on the location.

If you’re considering a courthouse wedding in Maryland, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $80 for the ceremony and marriage license combined.

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Maryland?

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Maryland?

Marriage License$35 – $55 (varies by county)
Marriage Ceremony$25
Photographer (optional)$500 – $3,000+

The primary costs associated with a courthouse wedding in Maryland include the marriage license fee, the ceremony fee (if not included), and the optional cost of hiring a photographer to document the event. Marriage license fees in Maryland vary by county, ranging from $35 to $55. The ceremony fee is typically $25 across the state. If you choose to hire a photographer, prices can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the photographer’s experience and package offerings.

Marriage License Cost in Maryland

To get legally married in Maryland, you must obtain a marriage license from the county where your wedding ceremony will take place. Marriage license fees vary by county, with costs ranging from $35 in Baltimore to $55 in Germantown. In Ellicott City, the marriage license fee is $50. While fees may differ county to county, the marriage license and ceremony is the only legal requirement for getting married in Maryland.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Baltimore (Baltimore County)

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Baltimore, you’ll be getting married at the Baltimore County Circuit Court. The marriage license fee in Baltimore is $35, payable by cash, credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover), check, or money order made out to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The courthouse wedding ceremony fee is an additional $25.

If you hire a photographer in Baltimore, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000. In total, a courthouse wedding in Baltimore can cost between $60 and $3,060, depending on whether you opt for a photographer. This makes Baltimore one of the more affordable options for a courthouse wedding in Maryland.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Germantown (Montgomery County)

Germantown, located in Montgomery County, is another popular location for courthouse weddings in Maryland. The marriage license fee in Germantown is $55, and the courthouse wedding ceremony fee is $25.

With photographer costs ranging from $500 to $3,000, a courthouse wedding in Germantown can cost between $80 and $3,080. This puts Germantown on the higher end of the spectrum for courthouse wedding costs in Maryland.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Ellicott City (Howard County)

For those considering a courthouse wedding in Ellicott City, located in Howard County, the marriage license fee is $50, payable by cash or credit card. The courthouse wedding ceremony fee is $25.

When factoring in the optional cost of a photographer ($500 to $3,000), a courthouse wedding in Ellicott City can cost between $75 and $3,075. This places Ellicott City in the middle range of courthouse wedding costs in Maryland.

Maryland Courthouse Wedding Photographer Price

When planning your courthouse wedding in Maryland, keep in mind that not all wedding photographers offer courthouse wedding packages. Be sure to verify with potential photographers that they are willing to accommodate a courthouse wedding.

Prices for courthouse wedding photography in Maryland typically range from $500 to $3,000 or more. To find a photographer that fits your budget, request quotes from multiple professionals and compare their offerings.

Maryland Courthouse Wedding Packages

Some courthouses in Maryland offer all-inclusive wedding packages that cover the marriage license submission, ceremony, and photography. While these packages can simplify the planning process, they are generally more expensive than arranging each element separately. If you’re working with a tight budget, it may be more cost-effective to handle the license, ceremony, and photography independently.

Final Thoughts

A courthouse wedding in Maryland is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony. With marriage license fees ranging from $35 to $55, a ceremony fee of $25, and optional photography costs starting at $500, you can expect the cost of a courthouse wedding to fall between $60 and $3,080, depending on your location and whether you choose to hire a photographer.

One of the primary benefits of a courthouse wedding is the ability to save money on venue rental, catering, and other expenses associated with traditional weddings. By understanding the costs involved and exploring your options, you can plan a beautiful and affordable courthouse wedding in Maryland.

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