Elkton, MD is a small town located on the east coast of the United States. The town is known as the marriage capital of the east coast due to the high number of weddings that take place there each year.

Because it was a convenient spot for couples coming from the northeastern states, it was one of the busiest marriage mills in the US during the early 1910s. In this guide, we’ll go over this town’s rich history and how it became the marriage capital of the east coast.

Early 20th Century and Elopement 

Delaware was one of the last states without a waiting period for marriage licenses, but in 1913 the legislature imposed a 24-hour waiting period for residents and a 96-hour wait time for non-residents. This closed the door to many couples seeking a quickie license and left Maryland as the closest place for many couples to get married quickly.

Elopements were seen as a quick, uncomplicated way to get married. However, some people romanticized the idea while others frowned upon it.

How Entrepreneurs Helped Couples Marry 

Elkton was a popular destination for marriages in the early 1900s, thanks to enterprising cabbies who offered honeymoon package deals to couples arriving on the “Honeymoon Express” train. The cabbies were so successful that they helped create an economic windfall for the town.

The competition between the cabbies was so fierce that they would often get into fistfights.

In the 1920s, this group of entrepreneurs helped couples navigate the wedding process. This included a trip to the county clerk’s office, locating one of the many “marrying parsons” in town, and finding the best deal for a ring and flowers. By the 1930s, the ministers were performing over 40 marriages a day.

The Rise of Elkton’s Reputation in Media

Elkton was once known as the elopement capital of the United States. This small town in the middle of the state was a popular destination for couples looking to get married without the hassle and expense of a traditional wedding. 

Elkton’s reputation was well-known, and it was featured in popular books and articles, radio programs, movies and plays throughout the mid-20th century.

Moviegoers were very familiar with the position of the town, which is why the line “the Philadelphia Story” in the 1940 film was unimportant.

Why Go to Elkton?

If you’re looking for a charming and intimate place to get married, Elkton, Maryland is the perfect spot. This small town has a well-deserved reputation for being a popular destination for couples looking to elope.

There are a number of reasons why Elkton is such a great place to get married. Elkton is also home to a wide variety of charming bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and wedding venues.

In addition, Elkton is a very historic town. There are a number of beautiful Colonial-era buildings and churches in the town that make perfect venues for a small wedding. Plus, the town is home to a number of friendly and helpful residents who are always happy to help out couples planning a wedding.

Conclusion

Elkton, Maryland, is a town that is known for its large number of weddings. The town has a number of wedding-related businesses, which likely helps to support the local economy.

Have a fairytale wedding at Elkton with Elk Forge Bed and Breakfast. We are a romantic bed and breakfast in Maryland where you can celebrate your big day. Get in touch with us today to learn more.