How to Officiate a Wedding in Maryland

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Maryland?

Maryland is one of the easiest states to officiate a wedding. The statute broadly recognizes any official of a religious order authorized by that order’s rules and customs. No registration, no hoops.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — Maryland makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required.

Statute: Maryland Family Law § 2-406 — any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $30–$85 (varies by county)
Waiting period 48 hours (2 days)
License valid for 6 months
Return deadline 5 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed None required

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local Circuit Court Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Only one party needs to appear with valid photo ID. 48-hour waiting period. Valid for 6 months.

Pro tip: Maryland’s license fees vary widely by county due to different surcharges — the base fee is only $10, but counties add surcharges for domestic violence programs. The couple should check their county’s total cost.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. No witnesses are required by Maryland law, but having someone sign as a witness never hurts. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Circuit Court Clerk within 5 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

Maryland Tips

  • Very FSM-friendly — broad “authorized by the rules and customs of that order” language
  • No registration, no hoops
  • No witnesses required — simplifies logistics
  • 48-hour waiting period — remind the couple to get the license at least 2 days before the ceremony
  • 6-month license validity is generous
  • 5-day return deadline — don’t let it slip
  • Only one party needs to appear for the license application

County-Specific Info

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Circuit Court Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Circuit Court Clerk.