How to Elope Legally in Maine

Eloping in Maine gives you a stress-free and fun experience! But what about the legal details? I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about eloping legally in Maine before you say “I Do”! 

For more details on eloping in Maine, check out my packages below!

Marriage Laws in Maine

The first thing you’ll want to do is find out the requirements for eloping in Maine. Here are some of the marriage laws for Maine! I find Maine marriage laws to be very straightforward and easy to understand, but I’m always available for any questions you may have.

Age Requirement:

Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Written parental consent is required for an applicant under 18. Written parental consent and written consent of a judge are required for an applicant under 16.

Residency:

You do not have to be a resident of Maine to apply for a marriage license. However, you do have to apply for the marriage license in person at any town or city clerk in the state. 

Previous Marriages:

If this is not the first marriage for either of you, bring a certified copy (raised seal) of the divorce from or death certificate of the last spouse.

No Waiting Period:

There is no longer a waiting period from the time your marriage license is issued until your wedding can take place.

Marriage License Length:

A marriage license is valid for 90 calendar days and can only be used within the State of Maine.

Witnesses:

The parties must state in the presence of an authorized public official or authorized member of the clergy and two other witnesses that each takes the other as his or her spouse. The officiant cannot be one of those two witnesses.

For more detailed information, here is the website from the state:

https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/marriage.html

Obtaining your Marriage License

To elope legally, you’ll need a marriage license from a town or city clerk in Maine: These are the steps on how to get one:

Maine Residents & Out of State Couples: If you intend to be married in Maine, you must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state (if you are a resident, you must apply in the office of the clerk of the municipality in which at least one of you resides). Check each municipality to see what their specific policies are. The marriage license can only be used in the state of Maine.

Make sure to check with the town or city clerk to see what identification they will need you to bring (driver’s license, passport, state ID, etc).

Fees: The marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in Maine, it costs $40.

Signing your Marriage License

Now that you have your marriage license, it’s time to make things official! 

Maine State law requires an officiant as well as two other witnesses to sign the marriage license. I am ordained and can legally sign your marriage license as an officiant or as a witness if you would like. 

Family members are typically a witness if they are present, but you can always ask a stranger that’s nearby as well!

Submitting your Marriage License

To make your marriage official, you will need to submit your signed marriage license after your elopement! 

Make sure to return your signed marriage license to the town or country clerk office that you issued the marriage license at, whether that be in person or by mail. From there, the town or county clerk office will process and register your marriage!

Requesting a Certified Copy of your Marriage License

If you are changing your name legally, you may want a certified copy of your signed marriage license once it has been registered. This can be requested for a small fee from the town or county clerk office that registered the marriage license!

An elopement experience that you’ll always cherish

Eloping in Maine is an unforgettable experience that will create everlasting memories! I’m along for the ride to help you have a stress-free elopement day! I’ll be helping you obtain and submit your marriage license and I can answer any questions that you may have. Let’s start planning an elopement day that is true to you!

Check out my Maine Elopement page to learn more about eloping in Maine!