How to Get Married in Maine before January
A quick note before you read on:
I am sorry you are here and having to read this article.
I am sorry that our country voted to not make space for you. Please know, that although there is a real reason to be scared and worried about what the future may hold there is also no government that will be able to erase your love. There are no laws that can truly take away the community that we surround ourselves with and the connections we make within those communities. You have more people in your corner than you realize.
So here we go! Let’s get you married!
In light of recent events, I have created a straightforward resource for those looking to get married in Maine before January 2025. Please know that some towns may have different restrictions, and it is important to reach out to your city hall in order to get the most up-to-date information in your city or town.
Here’s the deal: LGBTQ couples in Maine can marry the same way any other couple does, as Maine legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. If you’re planning a wedding before January, here are the steps to follow to make it a smooth and meaningful experience:
1. Apply for a Marriage License
- Location: Both individuals must apply for a marriage license together in person at any town office in Maine.
- Residency: There’s no residency requirement, so LGBTQ couples from any state or country can marry in Maine.
- Identification: Bring a valid ID (like a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate).
- Previous Marriages: If either party has been married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or the former spouse’s death certificate.
- Fee: Marriage license fees in Maine are around $40, but this may vary slightly by town.
2. Get Your Marriage License (No Waiting Period)
- There’s no waiting period in Maine, so you can use the marriage license as soon as you receive it.
- The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so plan accordingly if you need time to arrange details.
3. Choose Your Officiant
- LGBTQ couples in Maine can be married by a variety of officiants, including justices of the peace, ordained ministers, notaries public, and even friends or family members who become ordained online.
- There are also officiants offering free services until the end of the year in Maine. A list will be posted below in the Vendors section.
4. Plan the Ceremony
- Choose a meaningful location for your ceremony. Maine has stunning landscapes, from its stunning coastline to the heart of Portland in the Old Port, making it a beautiful place for an intimate elopement.
- For popular spots like Acadia National Park, check on any permit requirements in advance, especially for a winter wedding, when some areas may be less accessible.
- For the Portland area, expect an influx of couples to be looking to get married at city hall. Be sure to schedule your time to be married as soon as possible to ensure you get a spot. If for some reason you cannot find availability, local officiants will also marry you in Portland and you would be able to access city hall for photos if need be.
5. Exchange Vows
- This is your time to shine! Although there is an element of haste, this doesn’t mean you need to gloss over the sentimental moments. Whether you exchange official vows at town hall or decide to do personal vows, this is a time to remember why you are getting married. Another option is to exchange official vows at your ceremony and then allocate time for private vows earlier or later in the day.
6. Sign the license
- You will both sign the license
- Your officiant will sign the license
- You will need two witnesses to also sign the license
- Often times if you do not have two witnesses the city hall will provide them for you if other workers are available. Your witness can be anyone in the room with you when you say “I do”, plan to bring two people along with you to ensure that you are able to properly fill out the paperwork.
7. Return the Signed Marriage License
- Once your ceremony is completed you will need to return it to the town office where you initially applied, making the marriage official. You can request certified copies for name changes or other legal matters.
8. Celebrate!
- Plan a special celebration to mark this important milestone. Although the circumstances are not ideal, you can make the best of your day and celebrate regardless! There are many LGBTQ bars and restaurants in the Portland area to grab a drink or food, find a trail to walk together, or take a stroll through the Old Port and pick up a souvenir to commemorate the day. Bring your community along and celebrate with those closest to you!
- You deserve to be celebrated and loved on your big day. Curate that moment for yourselves so you can feel the joy you so warrant.
Vendors
Photographers: Offering free or affordable photo coverage for queer ceremonies through 2024
Portland
- Emily Leonard Photography
- Hattie Mae Photography
- Justine Johnson Photography
- Jenna Cavanaugh Photography
- Sunset Ridge Photography
- Morgan Richardson Photography
- Dear Jenna Photography
- Andee B. Photography
- Catie Whitmore Photography
- The Bohde Collective
- Tara Tomlinson Photography
- Elusive Photography
- Laura Rush Photography
- J. Ferguson Studios
MDI/Central Maine/Midcoast
- Devin Taylor Photography
- Aquadro Photography
- Megen Asia Photography
- Willow Run Photography
- Kristie Cyr Photography
- Emily Brianne Photography
- Pacific & Pine Photos
Bangor
Boston/New England
- Chris Arson Photography
- Sheila Drakeley Photography
- Kristina Moro Photo
- Merrisa Caroline Photography – Cape Cod
Connecticut
Florida
- Jordan Torelli Photography, St. Petersburg Florida
Officiants
- Ashley Jean Kerr, Maine
- Suzy Willow Kjellberg, New Hampshire
- Other Officiants, please state your contact info + location below if you would like to be added to this list!
Florists
- Lune Floral Deisgn, Scituate MA: Offering at cost florals for queer couples through 2024
Planning
- SRS Events – Portland Maine
Other Vendors: This list has room! If you are offering anything from locations, florals, video coverage, etc. comment your contact info + location below to be added here as a resource 🙂
Resources & Helpful Links
State of Maine Room at Portland City Hall – If you are trying to bring a group, this is a great option and has a prettier backdrop for photos!
Marriage License Information for Portland, Maine – Marriage ceremonies are by appointment only for Portland so ensure that you book a time
Happy to marry folks for free in Maine!
Thank you so much for creating this!