Where to Look
If you're not yet familiar with the state of Maine, try to plan a day trip to get the lay of the land. The majority of Maine's inhabitants live along the state's coastline, with smaller, more scattered towns in the forested and mountainous areas. In fact, this largest of the New England states is actually 90% forested consists of virtually uninhabited land, adding to the area's charm and romance.Those who have never visited Maine before may wish to look for wedding resources in the greater Portland area. Portland and its outlying vicinity account for 20% of Maine's population, making it the most bustling city in the state. For ideas on what wedding amenities are available in the rest of Maine, look up the following regions online or ask your wedding coordinator for facts and stats on each: Acadia/Bar Harbor; Aroostook; Augusta/Kennebec; Katahdin Moosehead; Mid Coast; South Coast and the Western Lake/Mountain region. Popular spots can be found through your wedding coordinator or online.
Just Your Style
Maine offers wedding and reception venues to suit any taste. Most couples are attracted to the area's famous country inns and bed-and-breakfast locales. However, hotels (modern and historic alike) also typify the Maine experience, as do luxurious spas and resorts. Romantic and scenic backdrops for your wedding include the Western Lake/Mountain region and ocean view areas in Bar Harbor. The town and city areas, such as Portland and Bangor, typically contain the most wedding hall and hotel choices. The choice is yours; let your and your groom's personalities be your guide.The Right Timing
The state of Maine is famed for its seasonal beauty, but the weather can be fickle, so plan with care. Summers tend to be temperate and comfortable, especially along the coastline, where highs reach the 70-80 degree mark. Autumn's colors are prized among brides- and grooms-to-be. Spring blooms beautifully but often unpredictably; plan to marry indoors in a setting with large size windows so the scenery can be viewed, or have a backup plan if you're envisioning an outdoor wedding. The winter may be tricky unless there is little to no traveling involved for your guests, as snowfalls can be heavy. Try to plan your wedding for one of the other three seasons, or hold a small and intimate winter ceremony locally if you live in Maine.Maine Marriage Requirements
The good news is that there is no waiting period to acquire a marriage certificate in Maine. The even better news is that both applicants must appear in person, giving you and your groom the perfect excuse to have some much needed "time off" together.As in any U.S. state, requirements vary by county and can change at any time, but there are a few general rules to be aware of. You should apply for your marriage license about one month before your wedding. Bring along the correct documents (such as a driver's license, certified birth certificate copy and other accepted paperwork) to verify your identity. If either of you has been married before and is either divorced or widowed, a divorce decree and/or death certificate will also be required.
There is a fee for processing and obtaining your marriage license. This should run approximately $20 ($10 per applicant) with additional fees (about $3-7) for each certified copy you request. Please check residency requirements before making the drive and being turned away; depending upon where you and your fiancé reside, you will be required to apply for your marriage certificate at a specific office. Look up phone numbers for Maine's various clerks in the Yellow Pages or online.
Receiving your marriage license in the mail is the last step toward planning your Maine wedding adventure. Relax for these last weeks before your big day, then prepare for the wedding experience of a lifetime.