GET ORDAINED

AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG

Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.

Maryland to discuss marriage licenses updates, gender neutral language for same-sex couples in 2021

Published Tuesday, Jan. 26th, 2021


Proposed legislation in Maryland seeks to update the law that instructs its counties’ marriage licenses and certificates, in order to better recognize same-sex couples. 

 

Maryland’s new HB 449 would change the terms used in the current law, updating designations of “husband” and “wife” to the gender-neutral terms “Party One” and “Party Two.”  

 

These small alterations have a big effect. If the legislation passes, new county licenses and certificates (that don’t already use gender-neutral terms) issued after October 2021 will look similar to this: 

 

State of Maryland and County of ........... 


To any individual authorized by the laws of this State to perform a marriage ceremony. You are hereby authorized to join together in matrimony according to the rules and ceremonies of your church, society or religious sect and the laws of this State, or according to the laws of this State, the following individuals:


...................................................................
(state here name of intended [husband] PARTY ONE)


...................................................................
(state here name of intended [wife] PARTY TWO)


Given under my hand and seal of the Circuit Court for ............., this ........... day of .................. (state here month and year).

 

We love to see it!

 



For more information on what a marriage license is - and what to do with it! - head to one of these Wedding Officiant Training Pages:

 

 


Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

How To Officiate By State

Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter!

GET ORDAINED
WITH AMM

Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!