Courthouse Weddings in Frederick Maryland: FAQs and What to Expect
- Debbie Donohue
- Feb 11
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 13
If you’re considering a courthouse wedding in Maryland, you’re likely looking for a day that is simple, stress-free, and affordable. However, many couples find their 'wedding balloon' deflated when they arrive at a government building expecting a romantic atmosphere, only to find fluorescent lights, strangers everywhere and a rushed block of time for their entire wedding experience. Below, we’ve answered the most common FAQs regarding Maryland courthouse weddings and compared them to a Courthouse Wedding, here at Prosperity Mansion and Farm in Frederick County. This guide provides straightforward answers to the questions most commonly asked. Remember ............Courthouse Weddings No Longer Need to be “AT” the Courthouse!
FAQ - PARKING- Is there free parking or at least a lot of easy parking at the courthouse?
Parking at any courthouse is always somewhat of a challenge due to the number of people all arriving for various legal issues during the same time. The bigger the courthouse such as in Baltimore and larger community’s, the more issues and cost can be associated with barking. But all courthouse will be challenging even in Frederick, MD and smaller cities. The Frederick County Courthouse is located in the heart of historic downtown Frederick. While there are parking garages nearby (like the Court Street or West Patrick Street garages), they require a fee and a bit of a walk. Street parking is metered and highly competitive. There is parking available, you may need to drive around for a while looking for somewhere to park or pay to park in a garage. With all the different types of court cases and legal issues taking place, parking is at a premium so be prepared to pay for that privilege.
Prosperity Mansion and Farm, is located just a short drive from downtown Frederick, in the serene beautiful countryside of Frederick County, MD. Parking is free, private, and just steps from your ceremony site. You won’t find any parking meters with meter maids in wait to ticket you and your guests or crowded pay garages here. Just a calm, safe, and easy arrival for you and your guests.
FAQ : Will my guests and I have to go through security or metal detectors?
Yes. It is important to remember that a courthouse is a high-security government building. Regardless of the occasion, everyone entering, including the couple in their wedding attire, must pass through metal detectors and have their bags x-rayed or searched by armed security officers. Because the courthouse handles everything from criminal matters to legal disputes, you will be sharing the hallways and waiting areas with the general public and individuals involved in legal proceedings. This can often feel like a stark, impersonal reminder of where you are.
The Prosperity Mansion and Farm Difference: At Prosperity Mansion and Farm, your safety, privacy and peace of mind are our priority. You and your guests will never be subjected to security lines, metal detectors, or searches. Instead of armed guards and government hallways, you are greeted by birds singing, gardens and historic charm. Our wedding venue in Frederick, MD is a private sanctuary, ensuring that the only people present on your big day are the loved ones you’ve invited to celebrate with you.
FAQ : Can I make an appointment so that I have a secure spot and time for my wedding ceremony?
Each courthouse is different regarding appointments. All courthouse ceremonies take Monday through Fridays and closed on holidays. Typically, ceremonies are scheduled starting at 9:00 AM and the last one at 3:00 PM. The number of guests that you may bring vary too. At the courthouse in Frederick, MD you may invite 4 – 6 guests. It seems that the average length of the ceremony is 30 minutes total and if you are late its deducted from that 30-minute slot. Call each city to verify the rules at each location.
Prosperity Mansion and Farm is pleased to offer courthouse weddings 7 days a week, year-round with some holidays being open for weddings. All weddings are by appointment only and you may come for a tour prior to booking your wedding at this outdoor garden wedding venue. At this private garden venue, you are allowed to bring up to 30 guests and have the luxury of your event lasting 1-2 or 3 hours.
FAQ’s: Are there any “getting ready rooms” or do I need to come dressed and ready to go?
The courthouse has no rooms for dressing, doing hair and makeup etc. You are paying for short and super simple. Because courthouses are public office buildings, there are no private areas. Couples have to arrive fully dressed, which often means sitting in car seats and walking through public parking lots in their wedding attire. There is no private "reveal" or a mirror to check your veil; you simply walk from the sidewalk to the courtroom.
At Prosperity, we believe even a simple ceremony deserves the dignity of a private space that a government building simply can't provide. We offer you 1 -2 hours of access to our two beautiful "Getting Ready" suites, a charming, vintage Bridal Cottage and a rustic, relaxed "Man Cave." available for onsite dressing. These spaces allow you to arrive early, and in a relaxed way do hair , makeup and dress so that you experience the moment. This also allows you to have that "A-HA" moment that many brides want. If you prefer to save money and arrive "ready to go, you are more than welcome to do so! We like giving our couple’s choices. Unlike the courthouse, we give you the option to have that quiet, private time dress have a bite and relax before you walk down the aisle. This is a feature that almost every bride selects just because it sets the tone for the rest of the event. This is especially valuable to couples driving from further away. They can look fresh when thy walk down the aisle.
FAQ’s: Where do I actually get my marriage license?
Great question because many engaged couples think that they can go to the closest courthouse to get a license. You are REQUIRED to obtains the marriage license from the courthouse in the county in which you will be married. Couples from all over Maryland as well as out of state can get married anywhere they choose. There are no restrictions on that. Hence elopements and other types of weddings.
Prosperity Mansion and Farm hosts Courthouse weddings, Pop up weddings, Intimate weddings and Elopements for couples as close as here in Frederick County and as far away as California. Most of our couples are from Anne Arundel Co, Baltimore, Carroll Co, Howard Co, Frederick Co, Montgomery Co , Washington, Co, Washington D,C and Pennsylvania. All are welcome here just remember to get your license from Frederick Courthouse at 100 West Patrick St , 301-600-1976
FAQ: What is the Cost?
The courthouse is undeniably the least expensive option. In Frederick, MD, you will pay approximately $75 for the marriage license and an additional $25 for the civil ceremony (cash or money order only). For $100, you are legally married. However, it’s important to remember that this price only covers the legal transaction. You are paying for a 30-minute window in a government office.
At Prosperity, we offer an affordable alternative that bridges the gap between a "legal transaction" and a "wedding day." While our packages cost more than a courthouse fee, the value you receive is incomparable with affordable prices starting at $300. Contact us for a free brochure that shows all levels of weddings, prices and as well as what's included.
FAQ's: I see that Prosperity Mansion and Farm is in a town that I do not know called Keymar, where is that?
Keymar, is a tiny quite place in the countryside of Frederick County Maryland, 25 minutes from downtown historic Frederick and Westminster, one block from the border for Carroll County, Maryland, 15 minutes from Adams County PA, 35 minutes to Howard County and Washington County etc. , 1.25 minutes to Baltimore, Washington, D.C and Montgomery Co, MD. We are just a car ride away from all Maryland counties and a great place to stay for a few hours or overnight in downtown Frederick, MD. Check out having an "After Party" for just the two of you are the whole gang.
Here are more reasons why couples are skipping the local Courthouse weddings and heading to the countryside in Frederick, MD instead.
A wedding at the courthouse often feels like a business transaction, walking through a metal detector, cold halls, fluorescent lights, and public waiting areas.
At Prosperity Mansion and Farm, you get a dedicated historical landmark, gardens etc. You can have the intimacy of a civil ceremony while surrounded by 230-year-old Egyptian doors, lush gardens, and rolling hills.
One of the biggest regrets of courthouse weddings is the lack of a beautiful backdrop for photos. When you choose Prosperity Mansion, you gain access to:
A Private Tour- We are proud to schedule a private tour so that you may see what we have to offer to make the best decision for your special day.
A Deposit will secure your Date- You cannot secure or secure a day or time at the courthouse, it’s a first come first serve basis. A deposit will allow you to actually own a day and time slot to plan your special event.
Four totally different ceremony sites- all with their own personality and look.
Gardens: Featuring season flowers, fountains and views.
The Bird Sanctuary: A new unique, serene addition specifically designed for amazing wedding portraits.
A courthouse ceremony is often over in minutes- with no room for extras. Prosperity Mansion and Farm in Frederick County, MD offers a Courthouse & Intimate Package (for 2 to 30 guests) that allows for a 1-to-2- 3-hour experience.
Personalized Vows: Use your own officiant or one provided by the venue who will actually get to know you.
Cake & Champagne: Unlike the courthouse, Prosperity has designated, decorated areas for a celebratory toast or cake cutting to create even more photo looks as well as a cherry on the sundae or your wedding celebration.
Lawn Games: Guests can enjoy giant chess, checkers, and corn hole, making the day feel like a true celebration.
Free Private Parking: No hunting for street parking in downtown Frederick.
Climate-Controlled Restrooms: Upscale, private restroom trailers for you and your guests. Plus, handicap units
Safe Secure Private Environment- Consider WHO and what you can expect being AT a real courthouse. Why do you think everyone must go through a metal detector with armed guards. That is as far from the ambiance at our countryside wedding venues where two cars are a traffic jam.
Historic Getting-Ready Suites: Access to the vintage Bridal Cottage (circa 1794+ carriage house) or the "Man Cave" (a 1700s creamery).
What do you deserve? Your wedding day, no matter how small, is a chapter in your love story. At out outdoor / garden wedding venue in Frederick, County Maryland, you get the simplicity of a courthouse wedding with the soul of a historic wedding venue and all of the benefits listed above.
Prosperity Mansion and Farm also have THREE wedding packages in additional to our popular Courthouse weddings to fit Your Vision
We know that every couple is unique. Whether you want the full fairy-tale experience or just a quick, beautiful place to say "I do," Prosperity Mansion and Farm in Frederick, MD, has a package designed for you.
1. Full-Day "DREAM" Weddings The ultimate wedding experience. Enjoy an entire day and soak in every moment at your leisure. Truly an experience that you and your guests will never forget.
2. Micro & Small Weddings The perfect middle ground. Designed for couples who want the beauty of a formal wedding but on a smaller, more intimate scale with their closest inner circle.
3. Courthouse Weddings & Elopements The stress-free alternative to the downtown courthouse. This includes Elopements, Intimate Ceremonies, and Pop-up Weddings. Our motto is "Marry Now and Party Later". Later can mean right after your Courthouse event of later as in a year or more later, you can return and have a full day DREAM wedding or a Micro / Small wedding. What a great anniversary celebration down the line. 💕
At the end of the day, both options, the actual courthouse or a courthouse style wedding at Prosperity Mansion and Farm, will make you legally married. But only one leaves you with a beautiful story to tell for years to come. The courthouse is an inexpensive "transaction," whereas Prosperity Mansion and Farm is an "investment" in a memory. Don't settle for just "legal" when you can have legal and "magical." We invite you to come schedule a tour and see the grounds for yourself. Discover why so many engaged couples are choosing Prosperity Mansion and Farm in Frederick MD for their big day. Couples from all counties are welcome to celebrate their special day at our whimsical setting.
Contact Us
Website- www.prosperitymansion.com
Email- prosperity_mansion@yahoo.com’
Call- 443-350-8100
© Prosperity Mansion and Farm, Frederick County, Maryland. All original content is protected. Please do not copy, reuse, or reproduce without written permission.
Comments