Maine Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Get Ordained
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:
- Both members of the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses are physically present.
- The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple as married.
Witnesses must sign the marriage license.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- 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.
- Ensure the couple and witnesses have signed the license.
- Submit the completed license to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the issuing clerk within 7 working days to avoid penalties.
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
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.
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:
- Both members of the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses are physically present.
- The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple as married.
Witnesses must sign the marriage license.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- 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.
- Ensure the couple and witnesses have signed the license.
- 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.