Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

I have been asked by a family member to marry them at their ceremony in Baltimore (City) in February. I am looking to get ordained through an online service from American Fellowship Church (http://www.amfellow.org/) and I contacted the Baltimore City Clerk's office to find out if there were any other requirements in order for me to be considered properly ordained and allow me to perform the ceremony. The clerk thought that there was a specific requirement as to the religious body being recognized by the State of Maryland as well as to congretation or meetings or some sort but wasn't 100% sure. The clerk suggested I contact a Maryland Attorney who practices family law to get all the information. As I do not know of one, personally, I thought of asking here. So, what else (other than being ordained) do I need to do or make sure I abide by in order to properly officiate my family member's wedding ceremony. Additionally, I am not a resident of Maryland. Thank you in advanced for your help!


Asked on 12/21/11, 7:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Under MD law, specifically Sec. 2-406 of the Family Law Article, a marriage ceremony may be performed by any official of a religious body or order authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony. So in your case you would have to see if the church from which you are seeking to get ordained includes performing marriages as part of its rules and/or customs.

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Answered on 12/21/11, 9:08 am


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