Severn Marriage Records

Severn marriage records are handled by the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. Severn is an unincorporated community in central 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 is the office for all Severn marriage records. 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. Severn is in the central part of Anne Arundel County, about 10 miles from the Annapolis courthouse, typically 15 to 25 minutes by car.

Severn is one of the larger unincorporated communities in Anne Arundel County but has no city government and no local court office. All marriage services are centralized in Annapolis. The clerk's office at Church Circle handles new license applications, certified copy requests, civil ceremony scheduling, and record searches for everyone in the county, including Severn residents.

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

Applying for a Marriage License in Severn

Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the clerk's office in Annapolis. 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 proof showing how that marriage ended, with 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 ceremony in Maryland. 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.

Under Md. Code, Family Law § 2-406, the ceremony must take place in Anne Arundel County. Severn is in Anne Arundel County, so ceremonies in or near Severn are valid for an Anne Arundel County license. If you plan to hold your ceremony in a different county, apply there instead.

Civil Ceremonies for Severn Residents

The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court performs civil marriage ceremonies for $25. Ceremonies are by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to noon and 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 ends.

Anne Arundel County allows up to 18 guests at civil ceremonies. That is one of the more generous limits in Maryland. 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. Severn residents need to drive to Annapolis for the ceremony. The $25 fee is separate from the $55 license fee.

Certified Copies of Severn 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 approximate 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 official court seal, which is required for name changes, passport applications, estate work, insurance claims, and government forms. A plain copy does not have the seal and is not accepted for most official purposes. For other court records, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides online access, though it does not include marriage license images.

Historical Marriage Records for Severn

Anne Arundel County was established in 1650 and is one of the oldest counties in Maryland. Marriage records from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries are held at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis, which is just a few miles from Severn. That proximity makes visiting the Archives more convenient for Severn residents than for those in many other parts of the state.

The Maryland State Archives marriage records guide explains what Anne Arundel County collections are available and how to access them. Online name indexes are available for some date ranges. The FamilySearch Anne Arundel County genealogy wiki lists indexed collections and provides research guidance for the county.

The Internet Archive's Maryland marriage records collection covers 1914 to 1988 and includes Anne Arundel County records. This collection is searchable online at no cost, which is useful for researchers working on mid-20th century marriages before visiting the courthouse or the Archives.

For records from the mid-20th century forward, the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis is the direct source. The Maryland State Archives at 350 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis is also close, making in-person visits practical for Severn researchers with questions about older records. The Archives search room is open Tuesday through Friday and on the first Saturday of each month.

Nearby Cities

Severn is in central Anne Arundel County, close to several qualifying cities in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.