Marriage Laws: Maine

ID Requirement: Picture ID, a certified copy of your birth certificates and social security cards. Both the bride and groom must appear in person.

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: None

Fees: $20.00. (Additional fees may apply for copies of license)

Other Tests: None

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.

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 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. The following persons are authorized to perform marriages in Maine: If a resident of this State: A justice or judge or A lawyer admitted to the Maine Bar; or A notary public under Title 4, chapter 19, and Whether a resident or nonresident of this State and whether or not a citizen of the United States: An ordained minister of the gospel; A cleric engaged in the service of the religious body to which the cleric belongs; or A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days.