You’ve decided to marry your partner for life. You want a carefree, hassle-free event that will be unforgettable and perfect for the two of you. You see yourselves saying your vows in a picturesque setting, something simple, yet breathtaking. It sounds like you might be craving a magical Maine elopement. We are here to help! Here are your six simple steps to that picture-perfect elopement or intimate wedding.
Want something even simpler? Skip steps 1, 2, 3 and 6 by choosing from one-stop Maine Elopement Packages at the beautiful, lakeside Wolf Cove Inn.
How To Elope In Maine
1 – Choose Your Location
When it comes to eloping, the world is your lobster (we are talking about Maine afterall). Your elopement can be as simple as a notary or judge’s office in a city or town hall, or you can take the ceremony outside with nature’s beautiful backdrop of lake views and sunset hues.
Elope at the Wolf Cove Inn on Tripp Lake in Poland, Maine, a premier location with a range of Maine elopement packages. Our team of intimate wedding experts take care of almost everything for you so you may enjoy a relaxing stress-free wedding day.
2 – Arrange For An Officiant
Any of the following individuals may officiate marriages in Maine:
- Ordained ministers. Many elopement venues provide this service, including the Wolf Cove Inn.
- A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.
- Justices or Judges (residents of Maine only).
- Lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar (residents of Maine only).
- Maine Notaries. Many town halls have notaries. Or you can search for Maine notaries.
Maine does not have Justices of the Peace. Out-of-state Notaries and Justices of the Peace cannot officiate weddings in Maine.
3 – Arrange For Your Witnesses
You will need two witnesses. The officiant does not count. They can be friends, family members or total strangers. Bring a couple guests, or make arrangements for your witnesses with the wedding venue.
4 – Obtain Your Marriage License
Whether this is a destination elopement or you’re a Maine local, you may obtain your license at any town hall in Maine. You will need the following to obtain your license:
- Photo IDs such as a driver’s license.
- Applicants over 18 years old may apply on their own. If under 18, you must have written parental consent. Under 16? In addition to parental consent, you also need the written consent of a judge.
- If this is not the first marriage for one or both of you, bring a certified copy (raised seal) of the divorce or the death certificate of the last spouse.
- No need for a blood test in Maine.
- We recommend checking beforehand with the municipal clerk where you are filing to determine if there are unique municipality requirements.
We also recommend that you call ahead to the municipality you select to confirm hours of operation of the clerk’s office. Generally this is Monday-Friday, non-holidays, during normal business hours. A piece of advice: don’t just show up on Friday at 4:00. These things can take time and you don’t want to make your issuing clerk surly!
A few things to note:
- Fees generally run around $40
- There is no waiting period associated with obtaining or using your license
- The license is valid for 90 days
5 – Show Up And Get Married
Arrive at your venue at the appointed time, with your license in hand, and proceed to say “I do.”
6- What About Flowers, Photography, a Wedding Cake?
Some elopement and intimate wedding venues can take care of all these touches for you. At the Wolf Cove Inn, we provide all these services so you can just enjoy your beautiful worry-free day.
If you choose something other than a one-stop elopement venue, you’ll be making the arrangements yourself. Here, Google is your friend, as are elopement and wedding specialty web sites.
That’s it. Now you know how to elope in Maine.
Do You Want A Hassle-Free, “One-Stop Shop” Elopement?
If you want an expert to take care of almost everything for you (you’ll have to handle the dress, rings, and actually getting here), the Wolf Cove Inn is ideal. We have the officiant, witnesses, photographer, florist, baker and everything else in between. Nestled on the quiet shores of Tripp Lake in Poland Maine, you won’t find a more breathtaking, romantic, carefree wedding venue anywhere else in Maine.
Sue, one of the owners of the Wolf Cove Inn, is also your officiant and wedding planner. She knows everything about executing your magical Maine elopement. She’ll take great care of you.
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