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

• An Introduction to the Marriage License
• How an Officiant Should Handle a Marriage License
• How To Fill Out a Marriage License
• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• Marriage License Information by State