Courthouse Weddings and Licensing in Baltimore City, MD
- Debbie Donohue
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies and Licensing Information for Baltimore City, Maryland. Did you know that courthouse weddings no longer need to be "AT" the actual courthouse?
Baltimore City is a great place to live, work, and explore with attractions like the Inner Harbor. Little Italy , Fort McHenry where the Star-Spangled Banner was written. It’s an interesting city to spend time in. So, whether you live in Federal Hill, Canton, Hampden, Mount Vernon, Fells Point, or anywhere in the Baltimore city limits, many couples begin their journey by searching for a courthouse ceremony that is close to home and feels easy, stress‑free and affordable. The most popular search term for engaged couples is “Wedding Venues Near Me”. We hope you click here to read our most recent blog about choosing a wedding venue or place to have your ceremony that is close to home.
A Courthouse Wedding in Baltimore City can be great and meets your needs if that need is quick, and close by. Sadly, sometimes couples do not realize that the courthouse experience is often far more administrative than romantic. Many couples in Baltimore City want the ease of a civil ceremony but don't want to get married in a government building.
What you can expect at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse at 100 Calvert Street:
A brief, no‑frills ceremony that lasts about 15 minutes from beginning to the end
A government office setting
Feeling like just another number in a long line of appointments
Very limited guest space typically you can bring 4- 6 guests
Difficult parking- garage paid parking in the city.
No décor to personalize your wedding, no photography areas, and no privacy
A ceremony performed in a small room or office, not a dedicated wedding space
No outdoor areas for photos or celebration
The Security Lines- getting into the city courthouse requires going through metal detectors and standing in long lines with people there for jury duty or traffic tickets and court cases.
Criminal and Civil court cases are also taking place which can affect the aura of your blissful day
Most times professional cameras are not allowed inside due to the current court cases taking place.
Weddings are available Monday- Friday from 8:30 AM and the last one is performed at 2:00 PM.
Especially long lines om Fridays
You are required to bring one person to act as your wittiness.
For some couples, this is perfectly fine. But for many, the courthouse setting feels like a letdown for such a wonderful meaningful day. It is simply too impersonal for such a meaningful movement. This is why courthouse‑style ceremonies at Prosperity Mansion and Farm have become incredibly popular, especially for couples who feel like they deserve more.
What is the dress code for a courthouse wedding at Prosperity Mansion and Farm
At Prosperity Mansion and Farm, you set the dress code. Your ceremony should feel authentic to who you are, so wear whatever makes you comfortable and happy. Our motto is” All are welcome here no matter where you are in life’s path so long as you come with an open heart”
Couples arrive in everything from shorts and a T‑shirt to jeans, sundresses, suits, or even a full tuxedo. Brides do the same—some choose casual attire, while others wear a cocktail dress or a full‑length gown. Every choice is welcome.
Whether your style is relaxed, elegant, or somewhere in between, you’ll look perfect for your special moment here.
What Baltimore City Couples Love Most About Prosperity Mansion and Farm
This is why so many Baltimore City couples choose a courthouse‑style ceremony at Prosperity Mansion and Farm instead of the courthouse itself. Couples consistently share that they chose Prosperity Mansion and Farm because:
They wanted something more special than a courthouse
They wanted beautiful photos to remember the day
They wanted a ceremony that felt romantic, not rushed
They did not want to stand in the assembly line waiting to say “I DO”
They wanted a place that felt private and personal
They wanted a venue that was affordable but still beautiful
They wanted a great place to spend the day or evening after the ceremony such as historical downtown Frederick, MD.
They wanted an After Party to keep the party going
They wanted free safe parking
They wanted to bring some decor to enhance the vision of what their wedding day should be
They wanted a cake cutting and or champaign toast for pictures and to celebrate the moment
They wanted to be able get married 7 days a week
They wanted no lines and people that were complete strangers
They wanted amazing picture to look back on and have fond memories of such a special day
They wanted for them and their guests to feel safe and relaxed
Location- A Car Ride Away
Prosperity Mansion and Farm is located about an hour or a little more drive from Baltimore City. Making it a convenient and charming option for couples who want something more meaningful than a courthouse ceremony. This Frederick, MD wedding venue is just a car ride away. You do not need to rent a hotel room to spend the night or take off work since we are available 7 days a week
While a ceremony at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse on Fayette Street is a practical way to get your license, the reality of a downtown wedding involves navigating one-way streets, expensive parking garages, and clearing security lines alongside everyday court business. For many couples, the 'quick' 10-minute ceremony is preceded by an hours of city traffic and courthouse bureaucracy.
NOTE / PRO TIP
Make sure that you want to be married IN Baltimore City before you purchase the marriage license because you need to have the license FROM the county in which you decide to be married.
Schedule a FREE tour of the wedding venue that you are considering tying the knot to make sure that its soul speaks to you
Here is what is included for your Courthouse wedding at Prosperity Mansion and Farm in Frederick, Co, MD:
3-4 distinct ceremony areas for your wedding ceremony – weather permitting
Inclement weather back up plan
Officiant (you may also bring your own)
Set up of Ceremony Chairs
Luxury Restroom Trailer heated and air conditioned
Handicap unit
Free Onsite Parking- Located off Detour Rd
Tables with chandeliers for Cake Cutting and or Champaign toast.
Beautiful grounds for photos- Many areas set up for pictures
No witnesses are needed at Prosperity Mansion and Farm
Marriage License Requirements for Baltimore City
Baltimore City Courthouse Location and Requirement-
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse at 100 Calvert Street, room 627 Baltimore , MD 21202
Baltimore City Courthouse can be reached at 41- 333-3780
No appointments- first come first serve basis
You both must be 18 years of age or older
Provide proof of :
Current address regardless of what city and state in which you currently reside
Social Security Numbers
State or Country where each person was actually born
If married before proof of divorcee or death certificate
$85 in cash for the application and $35 in cash on the wedding day
Open Monday – Friday closed on weekends and holidays
Hours to obtain a license is *;30 AM till 4:00 PM
Hours for your ceremony is 8: 30 AM till 2:00 PM
There is a 48-hour waiting time to consummate your wedding once the license has been approved.
Again- verify these requirements for up-to-date accuracy with the actual courthouse in the county where you will be getting married. .
Prosperity Mansion and Farm offer THREE levels of weddings to suit all budgets and vision:
1) Courthouse weddings, Intimate weddings . Elopements and Vow Renewals- for just the two of you or up to 30 of your closest family and friends and 1-2 or 3 hours of event time. Open 7 days a week year round
2) Micro / Small weddings- up to 50 guests and 5-6 hours
3) Full day, DREAM weddings- from 2- 200 guests and 8-10 or 12 hours of event time
Contact us for more information-
Website – www.prosperitymansion.com
Email- prosperity_mansion@yahoo.com
Call- 443-350-8100
Read our blogs for wedding tips and advice and the article about "Weddings Venues Near Me"
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