Maine Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

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Maine Wedding

Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Maine

  • Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes

  • Minister Registration Required: No (except for non-residents seeking temporary registration)

  • Minister’s Residency: Not Required

  • Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

  • Marriage License Waiting Period: None

  • Marriage License Valid For: 90 Days

  • Marriage License Return Deadline: 7 Working Days After Ceremony

Steps to Perform a Wedding in Maine

1. Minister Eligibility

Ministers officiating weddings in Maine must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be ordained by a recognized religious organization, such as Ministries of Love.
  • Non-resident ministers may apply for a temporary registration certificate through the city clerk if needed.
  • Proof of ordination may be requested by the city clerk or other authorities. The Classic Wedding Package is recommended to provide the necessary documentation.

2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
  • Minister Presence: Required.
  • Witnesses: Two adult witnesses are required.
  • Consent and Pronouncement:
    • The couple must formally declare their intent to marry.
    • The officiant must pronounce them as married.

Couples have full freedom to customize the ceremony beyond these legal requirements.

3. Marriage License Requirements

What the Couple Needs to Know:

  • Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
  • Where It’s Valid: Any county in Maine.
  • Pick-Up: In person.
  • Cost: $40.
  • Identification: Valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Special Cases:
    • First cousins must submit proof of genetic counseling.
    • Proof of divorce, annulment, or spousal death required if applicable.

The couple must personally apply and swear an oath to the accuracy of their information.

4. Marriage License Facts

  • Waiting Period: None; the license can be used immediately.
  • Validity: 90 days.
  • Return Deadline: The officiant must return the completed license within 7 working days of the ceremony.

5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant must ensure:

  1. Both members of the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses are physically present.
  2. The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
  3. The officiant pronounces the couple as married.

Witnesses must sign the marriage license.

6. Return the Marriage License

After the ceremony:

  1. The officiant must complete their section of the marriage license, including:
    • Title: Minister.
    • Church or Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love.
    • Address: The officiant’s personal address if required.
  2. Ensure the couple and witnesses have signed the license.
  3. Submit the completed license to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the issuing clerk within 7 working days to avoid penalties.

Additional Notes

  • Residency: Couples and officiants do not need to reside in Maine.
  • Age Restrictions: Applicants must be at least 18 years old unless they meet exceptions for minors.
  • Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are fully recognized.
  • Kinship Restrictions: Marriages closer than second cousins are prohibited unless first cousins complete genetic counseling.

Legal Reference: Maine Marriage Laws

Maine law recognizes weddings performed by ministers of Ministries of Love, provided all requirements are met.

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