What Are Maine Marriage Records?

Maine marriage records are official documents detailing marriage events within the state. They date back to 1892 and are overseen by various state authorities.

There are three primary types of marriage records in Maine:

• Marriage License: This is a prerequisite document that allows a couple to marry. The Maine Statute Title 19-A Section 651 governs the application process for this document.
• Marriage Certificate: It is issued following the solemnization of the marriage. It serves as legal proof of the marriage after the ceremony has taken place.
• Marriage Verifications: These are official statements confirming that a marriage has been recorded in the state's vital records system.

Typically, these records include the full names of both spouses, along with the date and location of the marriage. Additional details, such as the names of the couple's parents, the officiant's signature, and the names of witnesses, can also be found on these records.

Maine marriage records are vital for various legal and personal purposes. These documents are often required for pensions and social security. They also serve roles in legal matters, including name changes, adoption, and passport applications.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Under the Maine Statutes Title 22 Section 2706, marriage certificates in the state are closed to the general public for 50 years from the date of marriage. Only the following individuals or parties are legally allowed to access marriage certificates during the restricted period:

• The person named on the certificate
• The spouse of the person named on the certificate
• Immediate family members of the individuals named on records (parents, siblings, children, etc.)
• Personal representatives or duly designated attorneys or agents of the person named on the certificate

After 50 years, marriage certificates become accessible to the general public. However, the information contained within these publicly available records only reveals fundamental marriage details. It restricts the disclosure of personal information like Social Security numbers to safeguard the privacy of individuals named on records.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Maine?

In Maine, marriage records are managed by various government entities, and the process of accessing them differs depending on the record's custodian.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Records Office within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains marriage records from January 1, 1892, onward. For records before this date, individuals should reach out to the town and city clerks where the marriage occurred.

To efficiently locate marriage records in Maine, individuals can follow the procedure below:

• Determine the marriage timeframe and find the appropriate custodian agency.
• Submit a request to the relevant custodian online, in person, or by mail by providing them with details such as:
  • Names of both parties (including maiden names)
  • Date and location of the marriage
  • Relationship to the individuals on the record
• Present identification documents or proof of eligibility (if needed).
• Pay the applicable fees for processing the request.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Individuals can obtain Maine marriage certificates in two types: certified copy and informational copy.

Certified marriage certificates are official legal documents used for various purposes, such as changing a name, applying for benefits, or legal proceedings. They bear a raised seal or other official certification mark. These copies are only issued to individuals with a direct and legitimate interest, such as the married couple, their immediate family members, or legal representatives.

Informational marriage certificates, on the other hand, contain the same information found on certified copies. However, they lack a raised seal or certification mark and are only used for non-legal purposes such as genealogy or personal records.

To search for or obtain certified copies of Maine marriage certificates, individuals can navigate one of the options below:

Online

To request a certified marriage certificate in Maine online, individuals can navigate the following steps:

• Access VitalChek or the Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service.
• Order by supplying the details required on the screen, which include the following:
  • Name of both parties (must be the full name before the first marriage)
  • Date of marriage
  • Name of city/town the marriage occurred in
  • Reason for requesting the document
  • A daytime telephone number for contact purposes
• Provide a valid form of identification, if required. Among the accepted documents are a driver's license, passport, and other government-issued IDs.
• Pay the following fee using major credit/debit cards:
  • $15 for the first copy
  • $6 for each additional copy of the similar record
  • An additional $15 for processing if requested on VitalChek
  • An additional $6 processing fee and $2 identity verification fee if requested on Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service

In Person

Individuals can follow the steps below to search for Maine marriage certificates efficiently:

• Identify the correct office maintaining the records.
  • The Vital Records Office holds marriage certificates for weddings occurring from 1892 to the present.
  • The local town or city clerk's offices issue marriage certificates for wedding events before 1892.
• Prepare the following information:
  • Full names of both individuals on the certificate
  • Date of marriage
  • Town or city where the marriage license was obtained
• Bring proof of eligibility, such as a government-issued ID.
• Visit the physical location of the custodian agency.
• If requesting from the Vital Records Office, visit its address at:
• If requesting from the local town or city clerk, check their website to confirm their office address.
• Request at the office by providing the information mentioned above to the office staff along with the necessary documentation.
• Pay the required fee of $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record.

By Mail

For those interested in obtaining a marriage certificate through mail, follow these steps:

• Download and print the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record if requesting it from the Vital Records Office or a similar form if requesting it from a town or city clerk's office.
• Fill out the form by including the following information:
  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • City or town where the marriage took place
  • Requester's details like contact number and email
• Attach a photocopy of the picture identification. If not one of the individuals named on the record, provide a document proving the relationship to them.
• Include a $15 payment for the first copy and $6 for each extra copy of the same record using a check or money order. If requesting from the Vital Records Office, make the payment payable to "Treasurer-State of Maine".
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and send the complete package to the address on the form.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Maine are maintained by the town or city clerk's office where they were issued. To search for these records, individuals can begin by contacting the town or city clerk's office to inquire about the process for obtaining a copy of the marriage license.

Generally, the state clerk's offices allow individuals to search for marriage records, including marriage licenses, in person. They also cater to mail requests by requiring individuals to fill out a request form like the Request Copy of Marriage License offered by the City of Sanford Clerk. In some cities or towns, online access is permitted.

Regardless of the chosen method, requestors must be prepared to provide details such as the names of the individuals on the marriage license, the date of marriage, the location of the marriage, and any other required information. They must also provide a form of identification and settle any applicable fees.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Individuals seeking to search Maine marriage records online have alternative options apart from official government sources, like the VitalChek or the Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service.

The Maine Genealogical Society offers a comprehensive marriage records database that covers marriages from 1892 to 1966 and from 1977 to 2009. Commercial services such as RecordsFinder also provide access to public records, including marriage records.

While these online resources may not furnish certified marriage records, they offer valuable information such as names, dates, and marriage locations. To effectively utilize these resources, users must input specific details like full names and approximate dates. Note that some services may impose charges for access or detailed reports.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage where the details of the marriage record are not publicly accessible. Couples may choose a confidential marriage for various reasons, such as privacy concerns, avoiding public scrutiny, or religious beliefs.

Unlike some states, such as California, Maine does not offer confidential marriage records. All marriage records in the state become available to the public after 50 years.

Couples seeking privacy in their marital status can take specific measures to limit public access to their information. These measures include restricting details on the marriage license application, minimizing public announcements, or petitioning the court to seal their marriage records.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

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 municipality, most residents can obtain a license by following these steps:

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To get a Maine marriage license, intending spouses must meet the state requirements:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Written parental consent is required for an applicant under 18.
• Both parties must be unmarried.

Gather the Required Documents

Critical documentation required include:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate
• Social Security Number
• Certified copy of the divorce form or death certificate, if applicable

Fill Out an Application Form

Marriage applications must be submitted and completed by both parties. To save time, intending couples can print the Marriage Intention Application Form. Some of the information that is required in this form includes:

• Full names, birth date, and birthplace of both parties
• Parent's name of both parties
• Both party's residential address
• Contact information of both parties, such as telephone number, email address, etc.
• Proposed date of marriage

Submit the Application Form and Pay the Required Fee

The completed form must be filed with the town or city clerk where the marriage will take place. The fee for the marriage license is $40.

Additional Information

• A blood test is not required when applying for a marriage license in the state.
• Both parties must be present to the town or city clerk when applying.
• There is no waiting period to get married once the license has been issued to the couple.
• The document is only valid for 90 days.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Individuals in Maine typically encounter the following errors on their marriage certificates:

• Incorrect spelling of names
• Wrong date and place of marriage
• Missing signatures
• Errors in officiant information

To correct these mistakes, individuals must identify the type of error and gather the supporting documents that verify the correct information. Afterward, complete the Application to Correct a Vital Record in Maine Form VS-7.

Submit the completed application form, along with documentary evidence, government-issued ID, self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment (see the form for the specific fee and accepted payment method) in person or through mail to the Vital Statistics Office. The processing time for corrections takes about 4-6 weeks.

For more information about marriage certificate errors in Maine, contact (207) 287-6490.

Are Marriage Records Under the Maine Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Maine Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect individuals who are victims of:

• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Human trafficking
• Minor victims of kidnapping

The program provides participants with a designated address that can be used in place of their actual address, along with a confidential mail forwarding service.

To make their marriage confidential, ACP participants must notify the municipal clerk when applying for a marriage license. The substitute address will be used on the marriage license and certificate to conceal the participant's actual location.

The municipal office then ensures that these records remain confidential and accessible only to authorized individuals, such as the participant or by court order.

Maine Marriage Statistics and Trends

In 2018, 58% of U.S. adults over the age of 18 were married, a decline from the 53% recorded in 1995. During the same period, cohabitation rates in the country increased to 7% compared to the 3% registered in 1995. For marriage statistics or trends in Maine, refer to the table below:

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