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Maine marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Maine's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Maine marriage license at a glance

Fee: $40 to obtain a marriage license (filed as notice of intentions with a municipal clerk or Maine Vital Records). Waiting period: None. Once intentions are filed, the license may be issued immediately. How long it is valid: The license is void if not used within 90 days from the day the intentions were filed.

Maine marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $40 to obtain a marriage license (filed as notice of intentions with a municipal clerk or Maine Vital Records). (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. Once intentions are filed, the license may be issued immediately. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is void if not used within 90 days from the day the intentions were filed. (Source: legislature.maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Once intentions are filed and the license is issued, the couple may marry anywhere in Maine. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two witnesses, other than the officiant, must be present and sign the license. (Source: legislature.maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Maine judges and justices, Maine lawyers, and licensed marriage officiants (residents); ordained ministers, clerics, and persons licensed to preach (anyone); nonresidents with a temporary registration certificate. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Maine CDC says a person ordained through an online process counts as an ordained minister for marrying couples in Maine, with no temporary registration needed. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Age: 18 or older. Parties under 18 may not marry in Maine, effective September 25, 2025. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: The clerk must be satisfied as to the applicants' identity. Previously married applicants must show proof the last marriage ended. (Source: legislature.maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Maine residents file in the municipality where one lives (or with Maine Vital Records). Out-of-state couples may file with any Maine municipal clerk. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Copies of the marriage certificate come from the municipal clerk who issued the license or from Maine CDC Vital Records. A fee applies. (Source: maine.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Maine?

$40 to obtain a marriage license (filed as notice of intentions with a municipal clerk or Maine Vital Records).

Is there a waiting period to get married in Maine?

None. Once intentions are filed, the license may be issued immediately.

How long is a Maine marriage license valid?

The license is void if not used within 90 days from the day the intentions were filed.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Maine?

At least two witnesses, other than the officiant, must be present and sign the license.

Who can officiate a wedding in Maine?

Maine judges and justices, Maine lawyers, and licensed marriage officiants (residents); ordained ministers, clerics, and persons licensed to preach (anyone); nonresidents with a temporary registration certificate. Maine CDC says a person ordained through an online process counts as an ordained minister for marrying couples in Maine, with no temporary registration needed.

How do you get a certified copy of a Maine marriage certificate?

Copies of the marriage certificate come from the municipal clerk who issued the license or from Maine CDC Vital Records. A fee applies.

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