State guide
Maine
Maine licenses are municipal: residents usually file with the clerk where at least one person lives, while nonresidents may file with any municipality or the State Registrar. Maine has no waiting period, a statewide $40 filing fee, a 90-day license, and a separate one-time temporary certificate for out-of-state officiants. ([legislature.maine.gov](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-a/title19-Asec651.html?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Municipal clerk or the State Registrar of Vital Statistics
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 90 days
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $40 statewide
- Friend or one-day officiant
- Maine offers a one-time temporary registration certificate for a nonresident already authorized to solemnize marriages in their home state; the statute lists a $100 fee. ([legis.maine.gov](https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec655.html?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Maine
Resident-facing state overview of where to file, waiting period, validity, and officiants. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/marriage.html?utm_source=openai))
Statute on where residents and nonresidents record intentions to marry. ([legis.maine.gov](https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec651.html?utm_source=openai))
Statute requiring two witnesses at solemnization. ([mainelegislature.org](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec656.html?utm_source=openai))
Official DHHS page linking the planning brochure and temporary officiant application. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records/marriage-and-domestic-partnership?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Maine
- Residents record intentions with the municipal clerk where at least one party resides; nonresidents may file with any municipality or the State Registrar. ([legis.maine.gov](https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec651.html?utm_source=openai))
- Maine has no waiting period between filing intentions and issuance of the license. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/marriage.html?utm_source=openai))
- A Maine marriage license is valid for 90 days and only within Maine. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/marriage.html?utm_source=openai))
- Two witnesses other than the officiant must be present and sign. ([mainelegislature.org](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec656.html?utm_source=openai))
- The statewide filing fee is $40. ([www3.maine.gov](https://www3.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/sites/maine.gov.dhhs.mecdc/files/Marriage%20Section%20of%20MCs%20Handbook.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Maine allows a one-time temporary registration certificate for a nonresident already authorized to solemnize marriages in their home state; the statute lists a $100 fee. ([legis.maine.gov](https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec655.html?utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Maine
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Cumberland | South Portland City Clerk staff are licensed marriage officiants and perform marriage ceremonies. ([southportland.gov](https://www.southportland.gov/202/Marriage-Ceremonies?utm_source=openai)) |
| Penobscot | Bangor City Clerk performs marriage ceremonies at City Hall by appointment. ([bangormaine.gov](https://bangormaine.gov/184/Marriage-Ceremonies?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Book a municipal-clerk appointment early, because each town sets its own office procedures even though state law controls the license basics. ([maine.gov](https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/marriage.html?utm_source=openai))
- Line up an officiant and two witnesses before you file, especially if you want a city-hall ceremony. ([mainelegislature.org](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec656.html?utm_source=openai))
- If your officiant lives out of state and is not clergy already accepted under Maine law, start the temporary-certificate process with Maine CDC before the wedding. ([legis.maine.gov](https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec655.html?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?