Do You need Witnesses To Get Married in Maine?

In the State of Maine, you are legally required to have two witnesses physically present during your wedding ceremony.

These witnesses are more than just guests; they are there to testify that they saw you and your partner exchange vows and declare your intent to be married. Once the "I do's" are finished, they must sign your marriage license.

Who can be a witness?

Maine is surprisingly flexible here. While many states require witnesses to be 18 years of age, Maine law focuses on capability over a specific age. A witness must be:

• Physically present at the ceremony.

• Able to understand the seriousness of the event.

• Able to read, write, and sign their own name.

Pro-Tip: While a child could technically sign if they meet the criteria, most town clerks prefer witnesses to be adults to avoid any future legal questions.

Common "Witness" Roadblocks (And How to Solve Them)

1. Can the Officiant be a witness?

No. This is the most common mistake couples make. The person performing your ceremony (your officiant) is a separate legal entity on the paperwork. They cannot "double up" and sign as a witness. You must have two additional people sign.

2. What if we are eloping alone?

If you are planning a "just us" elopement on a cliff in Acadia or deep in the North Woods, don't panic. You have a few options:

• Your Vendors: As your photographer, I am often one of the two people who signs the license! It is an honor I never take lightly.

• "Recruit" a Hiker: It is a Maine tradition to ask a friendly stranger on a trail or at a park to step in as a witness. Most people are thrilled to be part of such a special moment.

• The "Hired" Witness: Some professional officiants can bring along a second person for a small fee if you want to keep your ceremony strictly private.

3. The "Black Ink" Rule

Maine is notoriously strict about the physical marriage license. It must be completed in black ink only. If your witness grabs a blue pen or a felt-tip marker, you may find yourself back at the town hall asking for a duplicate license. I always carry a "legal-approved" black pen in my gear bag for exactly this reason.

When and Where to Sign

The signing usually happens immediately after the ceremony. While some couples like to do this "on stage" in front of everyone, I usually recommend stepping aside for 5 minutes.

This gives you a moment of quiet to breathe as newlyweds while your witnesses and officiant handle the formalities. It also ensures the signatures are neat and the paper doesn't get misplaced in the post-ceremony excitement.

The Checklist for Your Witnesses

Before the big day, make sure your chosen witnesses know the following:

1. They must be there for the vows. They can't just show up for the cocktail hour and sign later.

2. They need to print clearly. The town clerks need to be able to read those names for the permanent record.

3. No "White-Out" allowed. If someone makes a mistake, your officiant will likely have to handle a "corrected" filing, which is a headache.

Final Thoughts

The witness requirement shouldn't be a source of stress. Whether it's your two best friends, your parents, or your photographer and a passing lobsterman, those signatures are the final seal on your Maine wedding story.