Prince Georges County marriage records are official documents that prove a legal marriage took place in this Maryland county. These records include marriage licenses, certificates, and registry entries dating back to the colonial era. Each record contains key details like the full names of both spouses, license issue date, ceremony date, officiant name, and wedding location. The records exist in paper form at the County Clerk’s Office and in a searchable digital database managed by the Maryland State Archives. People use these records for genealogy research, legal name changes, or as proof of marriage for benefits or immigration.
How to Get Prince Georges County Marriage Records
Anyone can request a copy of a marriage record from the Prince George’s County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Both certified and uncertified copies are available. Certified copies carry a raised seal and are legally valid for official use. Uncertified copies are cheaper but not accepted for legal purposes. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through approved third-party services. The standard fee is $8 for a simple copy and $25 for a certified version with the official seal. Processing usually takes up to ten business days after payment is received.
To order by mail, send a completed application form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order to the Clerk’s Office at 10520 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. In-person requests can be submitted Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Walk-in service is available, but appointments help reduce wait times. Online requests are not directly handled by the county but can be processed through authorized vendors like VitalChek.
Where to Find Historical Marriage Records
For marriages that occurred before 1950, the Maryland State Archives holds the most complete collection. These records are stored in three formats: original paper documents, microfilm reels, and digital scans. The archives digitized many records in 2014, making them easier to access. Researchers can view microfilm copies on-site or request scanned images for a small fee. The online portal allows keyword searches by name, date, or location.
The LDS Genealogy Library also hosts a free index of marriage licenses from 1777 to 1886. This collection comes from the Maryland Compiled Marriages database and includes bride and groom names, license dates, and clerk signatures. While the index is online, original documents are preserved on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. High-resolution scans can be ordered for academic or personal use.
Marriage License Requirements in Prince George’s County
To get married in Prince George’s County, both partners must apply together at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. They must bring valid ID such as a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or military ID. Each person must swear under oath to their full legal name, current address, age, and whether they’ve been married before. The application fee is $50, and there is a mandatory 48-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the wedding can take place.
The license is valid for 180 days and can be used for ceremonies anywhere in Maryland or other states that accept Maryland licenses. The officiant must return the signed license to the Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the ceremony. Once recorded, the marriage becomes official and a certificate can be issued. Couples cannot use a license from another state or county—only one issued by Prince George’s County is valid for ceremonies held there.
What Information Is Included in a Marriage Record?
Every Prince Georges County marriage record contains specific details required by Maryland law. The license shows the names of both spouses as they appear on their IDs, the date the license was issued, and the names of witnesses if provided. After the ceremony, the officiant adds the wedding date, location, and their signature. The final certificate includes all this information plus the clerk’s filing stamp and registration number.
These records do not include personal details like Social Security numbers or financial information. They are public documents, meaning anyone can request a copy unless a court has sealed the file. Some older records may have missing fields due to changes in record-keeping practices over time. For example, early colonial records might only list the couple’s names and the year of marriage.
Using Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogists often start with marriage records to build family trees. Prince Georges County records span more than 200 years, offering rich data for tracing ancestors. The Index of Marriage Licenses from 1777 to 1886 is especially useful because it lists every known license issued during that period. Researchers can cross-reference these entries with church records, census data, and probate files to confirm identities and relationships.
Many records are now digitized and searchable online through the Maryland State Archives and Ancestry.com. Users can download CSV files or view high-resolution images of original documents. The LDS Genealogy Library provides citation guidelines for academic work, helping researchers properly credit sources. For records not available online, appointments can be made to view microfilm at the state archives in Annapolis.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies: What’s the Difference?
A certified copy of a marriage record has a raised seal and an official signature from the Clerk’s Office. It is legally valid for court cases, name changes, Social Security updates, and international travel. An uncertified copy is a plain printout without the seal and is only suitable for personal reference or genealogy. Most government agencies and employers require certified copies.
Fees differ based on the type of copy. A simple uncertified copy costs $8, while a certified version costs $25. Expedited processing is available for an extra $5, reducing wait time to three business days. Certified copies can only be issued by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or municipal offices within the county. Third-party vendors can obtain them on your behalf but charge additional service fees.
Municipal Offices That Provide Marriage Records
In addition to the main Clerk’s Office, several town and city halls in Prince George’s County offer marriage record services. These local offices handle requests for residents within their jurisdictions. For example, Bowie City Hall serves Bowie residents, while Berwyn Heights Town Hall assists those from Berwyn Heights. Each office sets its own hours and fees, though most charge between $8 and $25 per copy.
Contact information for key municipal offices includes:
– Bowie City Hall: 15901 Excalibur Road, Bowie, MD 20716 | (301) 262-6200
– Berwyn Heights Town Hall: 5700 Berwyn Road, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740 | (301) 474-5000
– Brentwood Town Hall: 4300 39th Place, Brentwood, MD 20722 | (301) 927-3344
Most accept walk-ins, mail, and phone requests. Online portals are available through third-party sites like VitalChek.
Common Reasons People Request Marriage Records
People request marriage records for many legal and personal reasons. Common uses include updating a last name after marriage, applying for spousal benefits, proving marital status for immigration, or verifying identity for government programs. Lawyers often need certified copies for divorce proceedings or estate settlements. Genealogists use them to trace family history across generations.
Some individuals request records to resolve disputes about past marriages, such as confirming whether a previous marriage was legally dissolved. Others need them to correct errors on official documents like passports or Social Security cards. In rare cases, people seek records to investigate potential fraud or bigamy.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Request?
Standard processing time for marriage record requests is up to ten business days after payment is received. Mail-in requests may take longer due to postal delays. In-person pickups can sometimes be same-day if the record is already digitized and staff are available. Expedited service reduces the wait to three business days for an additional $5 fee.
During peak periods like wedding season (May through October), processing times may increase slightly. The Clerk’s Office recommends submitting requests well in advance of deadlines. For urgent needs, call (301) 952-3310 to check availability and schedule an appointment.
Fees and Payment Options
Fees for marriage records vary by type and delivery method. A basic uncertified copy costs $8. A certified copy with a raised seal costs $25. Expedited processing adds $5. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order when submitting in person. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to “Clerk of the Circuit Court.” Credit cards are not accepted directly by the county but can be used through third-party vendors.
Third-party services like VitalChek charge higher fees—typically $30–$50 per record—but offer faster shipping and online tracking. These services are convenient for out-of-state requesters but not necessary for local residents.
Privacy and Access Rules
Marriage records in Prince George’s County are generally public information. Anyone can request a copy without proving a direct relationship to the individuals named. However, some records may be restricted if a judge has ordered them sealed—for example, in cases involving domestic violence or adoption. Juvenile marriage records are also confidential.
While the records themselves are public, the county does not publish full databases online to protect privacy. Instead, researchers must search by name or date through official channels. The Maryland State Archives follows strict guidelines to balance public access with personal privacy.
Tips for First-Time Requesters
If you’ve never requested a marriage record before, start by gathering as much information as possible. Know the full legal names of both spouses, the approximate year of marriage, and the city where the ceremony took place. This helps staff locate the correct file quickly. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting in person.
Double-check spelling and dates before submitting your request. Errors can delay processing or result in receiving the wrong record. If you’re unsure about details, call the Clerk’s Office at (301) 952-3310 for assistance. Staff can search their system over the phone to confirm a record exists before you pay.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The main office for marriage records is the Prince George’s County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, located at 10520 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Phone: (301) 952-3310. Email inquiries can be sent through the court’s official website contact form.
For vital records like births before 1939 or deaths before 2015, contact the Maryland Department of Health at (410) 764-3038. Their Baltimore office handles older records not maintained by the county. Visit https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/home.aspx for forms and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Prince Georges County marriage records, with clear, direct answers based on current policies and procedures.
Can I get a marriage record if I don’t know the exact date?
Yes. The Clerk’s Office can search by names alone if the date is unknown. Provide the full legal names of both spouses and an approximate year range. Staff will check their database and microfilm archives. If multiple matches exist, you may need to review options before selecting the correct record. There is no extra charge for this search service.
Are same-sex marriage records handled differently?
No. Since Maryland legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, all marriage records are treated identically regardless of gender. The application process, fees, and documentation requirements are the same for all couples. Historical records prior to 2013 only reflect marriages recognized at the time.
Can I request a record for someone who died?
Yes. Marriage records remain public even after one or both spouses pass away. You do not need to prove a familial relationship. Simply provide the deceased person’s name, spouse’s name, and marriage date if known. Certified copies can still be issued for estate or legal purposes.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Clerk’s Office?
Appointments are not required but strongly recommended, especially during busy seasons. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times may be longer. To schedule, visit https://circuitcourtscheduling.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ScheduleAppointment.aspx?DepartmentID=17 or call (301) 952-3310.
Can I use a marriage license from another state in Prince George’s County?
No. Maryland law requires that marriages performed in Prince George’s County use a license issued by the local Circuit Court Clerk. Licenses from other states or counties are not valid for ceremonies held in this jurisdiction. Both parties must apply in person at the Upper Marlboro office.
How far back do digital records go?
Most digitized records start from the mid-20th century. Older records (pre-1950) are available on microfilm or as scanned images through the Maryland State Archives. The Index of Marriage Licenses covers 1777–1886 and is fully searchable online. For records between 1886 and 1950, researchers may need to visit the archives in person.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income requesters?
No. The county does not offer fee waivers or discounts for marriage record requests. All applicants pay the same fees regardless of age or income. However, some nonprofit genealogy organizations provide limited financial assistance for research-related requests.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official sources:
– Prince George’s County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office: 10520 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 | (301) 952-3310
– Maryland State Archives: 350 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401 | (410) 260-6400
– Maryland Department of Health – Vital Statistics: 201 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | (410) 764-3038
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Clerk’s Office); 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (State Archives)