What is the process for getting a marriage license in Maine?

Because marriage license are issued at the city and town level in Maine, the process may be different depending on where you are applying. However generally you will need to file an “Intention of Marriage” form and file it with the Town Clerk. You will also need to provide any required documentation and pay the appropriate fee before the license will be issued.

 

CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE The links below will take you to the county website where the city is located. Not all counties have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.

Portland

Where should we apply for the license?

You must apply in person at the appropriate Town Clerk’s office. If both you and your fiance are residents of Maine, you may apply in a town where either one of you lives; if you live in separate towns, you only apply in one of the towns, not both. If only one of you is a resident of Maine, you should apply in the town where the resident lives. If neither of you are residents, you may apply in any town in Maine. The license is good for weddings throughout the state regardless of what town issued the license.

What do we need to bring with us when we go to apply for the license?

While some towns may have additional requirements, you will generally need to bring photo ID and your social security number for the application. If you or your fiance were previously married, you will also need to bring a certified copy with a raised seal of the final divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse. Any other requirements for your town can be found by clicking on the links above.

Once we receive the license, do we need to get married in a certain amount of time?

There is no period that you must wait to use the license, but the license does expire 90 days after it is issued. If you do not use the license within those 90 days, then you and your fiance will need to reapply for a new license. The license fee is nonrefundable so you will need to pay the fee again if you reapply.

Do we have to be married by a minister?

No, there are several different people who can conduct the wedding ceremony and legally solemnize your vows.

These include:
- Any Maine judge or justice
- Lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar who reside in Maine
- Maine notaries
- Ordained ministers, clergymen, or licensed preachers Judges, notaries, and justices of the peace from outside of Maine cannot legally marry couples in Maine.