Maine Marriage Records

In Maine, three distinct categories of records are accessible to the public. These include marriage licenses, marriage verifications, and marriage certificates. These records collectively document legally recognized unions that have taken place in Maine. Each record type, while distinct in its purpose and content, collectively provides a comprehensive account of the marriages recognized under Maine law.

Maine marriage records usually contain the following essential details:

• The exact date of the marriage
• The previous marital status of the couple
• The names of the bride and groom, including their parents' names
• The county where the marriage ceremony was performed

Marriage records are essential for various purposes. Couples often require a certified copy of the record when applying for pension, disability, or social security benefits. Additionally, a certified copy of the marriage record may be necessary for adoption or passport applications, as mandated by Maine law.

What Types of Marriage Records are available in Maine

In Maine, marriage records are governed under Title 19-A, Chapter 701 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated. Marriage licenses, marriage verifications, and marriage certificates are three unique sorts of public records. Although these phrases are frequently used interchangeably, they have separate meanings and uses in Maine law.

Marriage Certificate

Under Maine law, Title 19-A, Chapter 23, of the Maine Revised Statutes, a marriage certificate is the final document issued to a married couple and serves as legal proof of the solemnization of their marriage. It is distinct from a marriage license, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a marriage certificate.

A Maine marriage certificate must contain the following information:

• The full legal names of both parties to the marriage
• The date and place where the marriage was solemnized
• The name, signature, and official capacity of the person who solemnized the marriage
• The names of at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony

The law requires that the person authorized to solemnize the marriage must, within 7 days following the date of the marriage ceremony, return the completed marriage license to the clerk who issued the license or to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Maine law specifies various individuals who may solemnize marriages, including justices, judges, lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar, and ordained ministers, among others.
Couples can obtain certified copies of their marriage certificate from the municipal office where the license was issued or from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Data, Research, and Vital Statistics office.

To obtain certified copies of a marriage certificate, requesters must submit a completed application form containing the following information:

• Name of spouses
• Parents names
• Location of marriage
• The location where the marriage license was obtained
• Purpose of request

Marriage License:

A Maine marriage license is the state's formal approval for a couple to marry. This approval is required because Maine does not recognize informal marriages solemnized without a license. A Maine marriage license differs from a marriage certificate in that it is issued at the beginning of the marriage procedure. A couple with only a marriage license is not legally married.

To obtain a Maine license, applicants must meet several requirements, some of which include the following:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Applications must be made in the county of residence of at least one spouse

Non-residents who apply must marry in the county where the license is issued. If both applicants are non-residents of Maine, they may apply at any Municipal Office within the state.

The application fee for a Maine marriage license is $40.

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• Government-issued photo IDs
• Certified copies of previous marriage dissolution documents

A marriage license issued in Maine is valid for 90 days. If the couple fails to solemnize their marriage within this timeframe, they must reapply for a new license.

A Maine marriage license is only valid for marriages performed within the state of Maine. However, the couple is not required to marry in the same Town or City where they applied for the license.

Marriage Verification

A marriage verification is an official statement confirming that a marriage has been recorded in the state's vital records system. In Maine, marriage verifications are available from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Data, Research, and Vital Statistics office. These verifications are typically used for legal purposes, such as proving a name change or applying for benefits.

Are Maine Marriage Records Public?

No, marriage records in Maine are not considered public records in the same way as many other government-maintained documents. Despite the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), which generally provides broad access to government records, marriage records are subject to specific confidentiality protections under Maine law.

How to Find Marriage Records in Maine

In Maine, marriage records are maintained by the Office of Vital Records. Individuals who seek marriage requests in Maine can either visit the Maine Office of Vital Records website or visit the office of Vital Records in person at

244 Water Street,
Augusta, ME 04330-0011

Here’s the procedure individuals can follow to obtain a marriage record in Maine:

• They are to have a completed Marriage Record Request Form or fill one out at the office
• Provide required identification and proof of relationship
• Pay the required fee using cash, check, or credit/debit card
• The fee for a certified marriage record in Maine is $15
• Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $6 each

Applicants must submit a completed request form that includes the following details:

• The names of the couple
• The date of marriage
• The city or town where the marriage took place
• Their relationship with the couple

How to Get a Marriage License in Maine

In Maine, individuals can obtain a marriage license from the municipal clerk's office in the town or city where they plan to get married. While the application process may vary slightly in each county, most residents can obtain a license by following several general steps.

Step 1. Meet the State Requirements

In order to get a license, intending spouses must meet the state eligibility requirements. These include:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• Both parties must be unmarried
• Both parties must be of the opposite sex or the same sex
• Both parties must be mentally competent to enter into a marriage contract

Step 2. Collect Required Documentation

Critical documentation required include:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Proof of age
• Social Security number

Step 3. Fill out the Application

Marriage applications must be submitted and completed by both parties. Some of the information that is required during the license application includes:

• Anticipated date of marriage
• Residency status
• Applicant's full name
• Applicant's gender
• Surname at birth
• Address
• Date of birth
• Birthplace city and birthplace state
• Details of any previous marriages
• Parent names in full

Step 4. Submit and Pay the Fee

Completed applications must be filed with the local county clerk. The marriage license fee in Maine is $40. There is no waiting period to get married in Maine after obtaining the marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Once the intending couple has the marriage license, they can get married by a person authorized to perform marriages in Maine, such as a judge, justice of the peace, or ordained minister.

The ceremony must take place in the municipality where they obtained the marriage license. After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must complete and sign the marriage certificate. The marriage certificate must be filed with the municipal clerk's office where the license was issued within seven days of the ceremony. After the marriage certificate is filed, the couple can obtain a certified copy of their marriage certificate from the municipal clerk's office. This is the official document that proves they are married.

Who can obtain Marriage Records in Maine?

Access to marriage records is restricted to individuals who can demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the record. This typically includes the parties named on the record, their close relatives, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order. Marriage records become public only after a significant period has elapsed, typically 75 years from the date of the event.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Maine

According to Maine law, marriage records can be accessed upon request. The Maine Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is the official custodian of vital records, including marriage records, and maintains a central registry of these records.

To request a copy of a marriage record from the Maine DPHHS, individuals can visit the department's website. They will need to submit a request form, pay the required fee, and provide valid identification. While third-party platforms may offer convenience in searching for marriage records, the most accurate and official copies of these records should be obtained directly from the Maine DPHHS.

Is Maine a Common Law State for Marriage?

In Maine, common-law marriages are not recognized as valid, regardless of the duration of the couple's cohabitation. According to Title 19-A, Section 701 of the Maine Revised Statutes, marriage is the legally recognized union of two people. Gender-specific terms relating to the marital relationship must be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law.

As an alternative to formal marriage, Maine offers the option of domestic partnership registration for resident couples. To register as domestic partners, the couple must meet the requirements, including:

• Being at least 18 years of age and mentally competent;
• Not being related by blood in a manner that would prohibit marriage under Maine law;
• Not being legally married to or in a registered domestic partnership with another person;
• Agreeing to be jointly responsible for each other's basic living expenses.