Getting Married in Maine
How to Get a Marriage License
Marriage licenses are issued at
the town or city level. Both the bride and groom must visit the town office in
person to apply for the marriage license.
- If both of you are residents of the state of
Maine, you should both apply at the town office where at least one of you
is a resident. If you are residents of different Maine towns, you both may
apply in one town or the other - you do not need to apply separately in
each town.
- If one is from out of state, then both of you
should apply in the town where one holds residency.
- If neither of you is a resident of Maine,
then you may apply in any Maine town office. It need not be the same town
where you plan to be married.
Your marriage license is valid
for 90 days and can only be used within the State of Maine. There is no longer
a Waiting Period from the time your marriage license is issued until your
wedding can take place. The person performing the ceremony is responsible for
filing the marriage certificate with the town office that issued the marriage
license.
Requirements
To obtain a marriage license:
- Photo ID such as a driver's license may be
required.
- If this is not the first marriage for one of
you, bring a certified copy (raised seal) of the divorce from or death
certificate of the last spouse.
- Applicants must be over 18 years old. Written
parental consent is required for an applicant under 18. Written parental
consent and written consent of a judge are required for an applicant under
16.
- No blood test is required.
- You may want to check with the municipal
clerk where you are filing before-hand to find out what that
municipality's policies are.
Officiants
The following individuals are
authorized to perform marriages in Maine:
- Ordained ministers of the gospel
- A person licensed to preach by an association
of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body
- Judges or justices (residents of Maine only)
- Lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar (residents
of Maine only)
- Maine Notaries - Search for Maine
Notaries by Location or Name
Maine does not have Justices of
the Peace. Out-of-state Notaries and Justices of the Peace cannot officiate
weddings in Maine.
Laws