Getting Married in Maine? Find what you need to know to make your marriage legal in the great State of Maine.
In order to get married in Maine, you need to apply and receive a Maine marriage license. This document allows you to officially and legally be married. The obtain the very latest rules for acquiring a Maine marriage license you should check with the clerk of court's office in the town, city or region where you plan to have your Maine Wedding take place. Check our Maine Towns section for listings of all Maine towns and cities.
In most cases,you will need to apply for a marriage license at least one month prior to your wedding ceremony date.
When you apply for your marriage license, you will need a proof of identification and age. You will also need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application. Just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You still need to have a Justice of the Peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you should give your chaplain or wedding officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, it will be signed and sent to the proper government agency for validation.
Getting Married In Maine - Official Documents
ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license along with a certified copy of your birth certificates. You should know your Social Security numbers. You should both also know your parent's full name, mother's maiden name, and the states in which you were born.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.
Residency Requirement: If both persons reside in the State of Maine, in the same municipality they need to file with their municipal clerk. If both persons reside in the State of Maine, in separate municipalities, they must file with at least ONE municipal clerk, they do not need to file with both. If one party to a marriage is a resident and one party resides outside the State of Maine, then they need to file intentions at the office of the clerk where the resident resides. If both parties to a marriage are non-residents of the State of Maine, then they must file intentions at ANY municipal office in the State of Maine and they are then free to marry anywhere within the state.
Waiting Period: No waiting period.
Previously Married Persons: Previously married persons must still provide certified documentation showing that their previous marriage has ended and that they are free to marry.
Fees: $10.00 PER PERSON, a total of $20.00. This charge does not include the cost of a certified copy of the marriage certificate after the marriage is solemnized. The bride and groom are responsible to purchase that after the license has been filed. The fees for that are:
• $7.00 at the municipal office level ($3.00 for additional copies ordered at the same time)
• $10.00 at the state level ($4.00 for additional copies ordered at the same time)
Other Tests: No blood test requirement.
Under 18: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
• A license shall not be issued to anyone under the age of 18 without written parental consent.
• A license shall not be issued to anyone under the age of 16 without written parental consent and the written consent of a judge.
Cousin Marriage: Yes. First cousins may marry in Maine provided they present the municipal clerk with a certificate of genetic counseling from a physician.
Officiants: As of July 1, 1981 the Maine Secretary of State's Office no longer requires a license be issued for ministers of the gospel for the purpose of solemnizing marriages in Maine. Currently, Maine relies solely on the language of the law regarding who is authorized to solemnize marriages in Maine. According to Title 19-A M.R.S.A. section 655, the following persons are authorized to perform marriages in Maine:
A. If a resident of this State:
(1) A justice or judge;
(2) A lawyer admitted to the Maine Bar; or
(3) A notary public under Title 4, chapter 19, and
B. Whether a resident or nonresident of this State and whether or not a citizen of the United States:
(1) An ordained minister of the gospel;
(2) A clerick engaged in the service of the religious body to which the cleric belongs; or
(3) A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.
Other Requirements: Persons are required to provide social security numbers when applying for a Maine marriage license.
Valid: License is valid for 90 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Maine.
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