How to Find Maine Marriage Records
How to Find United States Marriages 
Maine Marriages
In 1820, Maine was created from the state of Massachusetts. Statewide registration of marriages began in 1892.
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source] |
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Marriages before 1892[edit | edit source]
Before 1892, marriage records were kept by individual town clerks or selectmen. Although some towns have existed since the 1650s, most records date from about 1700. Some of these records have been indexed. Refer to the databases below to access those indexes.
| Maine Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only | ||
| Try 1st: | ||
| 1841-1910 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; index to marriage and burial records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. | |
| Next try: | ||
| Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| 1617-1922 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |
| 1617-1922 - use your own Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library | |
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |
If your ancestor does not appear in the index, you may need to contact the town clerk office or you may need to search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.
| Records that give marriage information: | ||
Obtain the Marriage Record[edit | edit source]
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:
- FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
- Individual Town Clerks - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the town clerk office where your ancestor dead and order a copy of the marriage record.
Marriages between 1892 and 1922
[edit | edit source]
The state of Maine began recording marriages in 1892. All marriage certificates from 1892 to 1922 are held at the Maine State Archives.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database.
| Maine Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only | ||
| Try 1st: | ||
| 1841-1910 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; index to marriage and burial records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. | |
| Next try: | ||
| Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| 1617-1922 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |
| 1617-1922 - use your own Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library | |
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Marriage Certificate[edit | edit source]
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:
- FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
- Maine State Archives - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the state archives and order a copy of the marriage record.
Marriages after 1922[edit | edit source]
The Vital Records office of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has copies of marriages from 1923 to present day. Marriages from 1892 to 1922 are held by the Maine State Archives. Marriages before 1892 are held by the individual town clerk offices.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database.
| Maine Marriage Database - Includes Index Only | ||
| 1960 - Current* | Free; index to marriage certificates from Maine State Archives. *Includes years from 1960 to THREE years previous to current year. | |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]
| To Order Marriage Certificates | |||
| County probate judge's offices | Vital Records office of the Maine Dept of Health and Human Services | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Has an expedited service on Vital Chek | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
Restrictions to qualify for certificates for persons who married within the last 100 years:
To obtain a copy of the marriage certificate, you must be:
- The person named on the certificate
- The decedent's spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling
- The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record
- Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics
NOTE: You must have full name, exact date and place of the marriage to order from the certificate. If you do not have the exact information, a search can be conducted for a fee by the Vital Records Office.
If you do not want to order the marriage record, there are other records with marriage information you can search.