Required Documentation and Paperwork

Baptismal certificates of both parties must be obtained. For Catholics, new copies (issued from the church of baptism) are necessary and must be issued within six months of the wedding date. If neither the bride nor the groom is a member of the Cathedral parish, they must obtain written permission from one of their pastors for the wedding to be held in the Cathedral.

For Catholic couples, Banns of marriage should be announced in parishes of both the bride and the groom. This is the responsibility of the officiating priest or deacon.

A civil marriage license must be obtained for Baltimore City from the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse, Room 628, 100 N. Calvert Street. At the time of posting this on our website, the license fee is $35 and must be paid in cash. One of the parties must appear in person to apply for the license. The license is good from 2 days after the application is made until six months from the date of issue. For more information please call the Marriage License Bureau at (410) 333–3780.