Maine Wedding Officiants

The office of the Justice of the Peace who married people was phased out in Maine between 1981 and 1988, when that traditional duty was transferred to the Notary Public. That's why Maine Notaries can officiate at marriages and perform certain other duties that would not be allowed in other states. Notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State office to an 8 year term.

In 1989, an office formerly called Complaint Justice was renamed Justice of the Peace in response to a constitutional problem. This new JP must be an attorney or another official of the court, and is selected by the Chief Judge of a District Court to perform duties such as receiving complaints, and issuing processes for arrest and search warrants.

Two people may be married only if they have obtained the proper license from a municipal office in Maine. There is no waiting period and blood tests are not required. Once they have the license, which is only valid for 90 days, the couple may marry anywhere in the state of Maine. They must present the license at the time of the ceremony.

Two witnesses are required at the marriage ceremony. The license must be signed by the Notary Public who performs the wedding ceremony as well as both witnesses in appropriate spaces on the license. In addition to the signatures, the license must also include the printed names of the Notary Public and the witnesses.