Glen Burnie Marriage Records

Glen Burnie marriage records are handled by the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. Glen Burnie is an unincorporated community in the northern part of Anne Arundel County, and all marriage licensing and records services run through the county courthouse.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court - Marriage Office

The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County handles all marriage records for Glen Burnie residents. The courthouse is at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401. Phone is 410-222-1397. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Glen Burnie is about 15 miles from the Annapolis courthouse, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car.

Glen Burnie is one of the larger communities in Anne Arundel County by population, but it has no separate city government or local court office. All marriage services are centralized at the Annapolis courthouse. That includes new license applications, certified copy requests, civil ceremony scheduling, and any record searches. One office handles everything for the entire county.

The Anne Arundel Circuit Court marriage licenses page at circuitcourt.org is the official source for current fees, application requirements, and civil ceremony details. The clerk's office page has general contact information and department listings. Review both before your visit.

Applying for a Marriage License in Glen Burnie

Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the clerk's office in Annapolis to apply for an Anne Arundel County marriage license. You cannot apply alone or by mail for a standard license. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. If either party was previously married, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended, including the date and place of the divorce or death.

The license fee is $55. Under Md. Code, Family Law § 2-401, a valid license is required before any Maryland marriage ceremony. After the clerk issues the license, a 48-hour waiting period applies under Md. Code, Family Law § 2-405. The license becomes effective at 6:00 AM on the second calendar day after application. It is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Under Md. Code, Family Law § 2-406, the ceremony must take place in Anne Arundel County. If you plan to hold the ceremony in a different county, apply in that county instead. After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the license to the clerk's office, which creates the official Anne Arundel County marriage record.

Civil Ceremonies for Glen Burnie Residents

The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court performs civil marriage ceremonies for $25. Ceremonies are held by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to noon and again from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Call 410-222-1397 to schedule after your license has been issued. Do not book before the 48-hour waiting period has passed.

Anne Arundel County allows up to 18 guests at civil ceremonies, which is more generous than many Maryland counties. As of December 1, 2024, everyone getting married at the courthouse must present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Late arrivals may lose their appointment slot. Glen Burnie residents need to drive to Annapolis for the ceremony since the ceremony takes place at the courthouse on Church Circle. The $25 fee is paid separately from the license fee.

Certified Copies of Glen Burnie Marriage Records

Certified copies of Anne Arundel County marriage records cost $5.50 each. You can request them in person at the Annapolis courthouse or by mail. For mail requests, write to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401. Include both parties' full names as listed on the license, the year of marriage, the number of copies you need, and a return address and phone number. Payment by check or money order payable to "Clerk, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County."

Certified copies carry the court's official seal, which makes them legally valid for name changes, passport applications, estate work, insurance claims, and government forms. A plain copy does not carry the seal and is not accepted for most legal or official purposes. Always request certified copies when the record is needed for anything formal. For other types of court records, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides online access.

Historical Marriage Records for Glen Burnie

Anne Arundel County was established in 1650 and is one of Maryland's oldest counties. Marriage records from the early periods of the county are held at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis. Records from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries are generally accessible through the Archives. The courthouse in Annapolis holds records from the mid-20th century forward.

The Maryland State Archives marriage records guide explains what Anne Arundel County collections exist and how to access them. Online name indexes are available for some date ranges. For records from the 1800s and early 1900s, the Archives search room in Annapolis is the most direct resource. The search room is open Tuesday through Friday and on the first Saturday of each month.

The FamilySearch Anne Arundel County genealogy wiki lists indexed collections and provides research guidance for the county. For 20th-century records, the Internet Archive maintains a collection of Maryland marriage indexes covering 1914 to 1988 that includes Anne Arundel County. These are searchable by name online at no cost, which is useful for researchers looking for mid-century marriages before visiting the courthouse or the Archives.

The Maryland State Archives at 350 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis is just a short drive from Glen Burnie. Researchers can visit in person or submit requests by mail or through the Archives' online ordering system for some records. Having the Archives so close is an advantage for Glen Burnie residents doing family history research.

Nearby Cities

Glen Burnie is in northern Anne Arundel County, close to several qualifying cities in the Baltimore area and beyond.