Marriage License Savings · MD

Maryland Marriage License Discount

Q: How much is the Maryland marriage license discount?

Maryland law allows counties to set their own discount amount for couples who complete a qualifying premarital preparation course. Fees and discount amounts vary by county — check with your local circuit court clerk for the exact figures.

Q: Does Maryland waive the waiting period with premarital counseling?

No. Maryland's 48-hour waiting period (the license becomes effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day) is a statewide rule and is not waived by completing premarital counseling. A waiver requires a court order for reasons unrelated to counseling.

Q: Who can provide qualifying premarital counseling in Maryland?

Licensed professional counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and certain ordained clergy or other approved providers can provide qualifying premarital preparation in Maryland.

Maryland rewards couples who complete premarital counseling with a marriage license fee reduction.

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Varies by county

Requirements

Complete a qualifying premarital counseling program, then present your certificate at the county clerk's office when applying for your license.

Min. hours4 hrs

FormatsOnline · In-person

ProvidersLPC · LMFT · Psychologist +3

CertificateCustom form OK

Accepted providers

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Ordained Clergy
State-approved program provider

Providers must be registered with Maryland.

Certificate requirements

Both partners' full names
Completion date
Provider name and credentials
Total hours completed

Certificate valid for 365 days from completion date.

Where to submit

Where: clerk

How: filing with the clerk a valid certificate of course completion

When: within 1 year before the date of the application for the license

Online submission not accepted — you must appear in person.

Download Maryland Certificate Form

Step-by-Step Guide

Find a licensed premarital counselor or qualifying clergy member in Maryland
Complete at least 4 hours of premarital preparation as a couple
Receive your certificate of completion
Present the certificate at your county circuit court clerk when applying for your license
The clerk applies the county-set discount to your license fee

Certified Premarital Counselors in Maryland

These professionals in Maryland can provide premarital counseling that qualifies for the marriage license discount.

View All Maryland Counselors

Maryland Marriage License Discount — FAQ

Common questions about the Maryland marriage license discount for premarital counseling

4 questions

How much is the Maryland marriage license discount?

Are there online premarital counseling options in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland accepts online and virtual premarital counseling programs for the marriage license fee reduction, as long as the provider is a licensed professional counselor, therapist, psychologist, social worker, or qualifying clergy member. Look for counselors who list "Online" or "Telehealth" as a session type. The 4-hour minimum requirement and certificate of completion still apply regardless of whether sessions are in-person or virtual.

Does Maryland waive the waiting period with premarital counseling?

Who can provide qualifying premarital counseling in Maryland?

Sources & Verification

Last verified: February 19, 2026

Statute§2–404.1

State Statute

Laws - Statute TextRetrieved February 19, 2026

State Statute

Laws - Statute TextRetrieved February 19, 2026

State Statute

Laws - Statute TextRetrieved February 19, 2026

Maryland Marriage License Discount

Requirements

Accepted providers

Certificate requirements

Where to submit

Step-by-Step Guide

Certified Premarital Counselors in Maryland

DianaHarden

Jill Bers

Tiffany Martin

Believe in Yourself Therapy with Rabbi Roll

Aaron Schneider

Romel Santiago

Maryland Marriage License Discount — FAQ

Sources & Verification