Marriage records in Aroostook County, Maine, can be accessed through several channels. AroostookCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the municipal clerk's office where the marriage license was issued, from the Maine Division of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS), in person at a local town or city office, or by mail. Maine's vital records system is municipality-based, so understanding where to direct your request is important.
Aroostook County Marriage Records Search
In Maine, marriage records are maintained at two levels: the municipal clerk's office in the town or city where the marriage license was issued, and the state Division of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) within the Maine CDC. Unlike many other states, Maine does not centralize marriage records at the county level through a county clerk or recorder. Instead, each municipality's town or city clerk issues marriage licenses and files the completed marriage certificates.
For marriages that took place in Aroostook County, you would contact the clerk in the specific municipality — such as Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, Fort Kent, or Madawaska — where the license was obtained. The state office in Augusta holds records from 1892 to the present. Records older than 1892 may be available through the Maine State Archives or genealogy resources.
The collection typically includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Filed marriage certificates (marriage returns)
- Historical marriage records dating back to the municipality's founding
Maine State Office of Vital Records
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Aroostook County
Fees for certified copies of marriage records are set by Maine statute (22 M.R.S. § 2706) and apply statewide, whether you order from a municipal clerk or from the state DRVS office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order) | $6.00 each |
| Search fee (included in certified copy request) | Included in the $15.00 |
| Expedited processing (state office, via VitalChek) | Additional service and shipping fees apply |
The $15.00 fee covers the search and one certified copy. If the record is not found, the fee still covers the search. Municipal clerks and the state office charge the same statutory rates. Payment methods vary by office — most municipal clerks accept checks or money orders, and some accept cash in person.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Aroostook County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified marriage certificate for a marriage that occurred in Aroostook County.
Online
The Maine DRVS partners with VitalChek for online orders. You can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate through the Maine Vital Records online portal. Additional processing and shipping fees from VitalChek apply on top of the $15.00 state fee. Online orders are typically processed within 4–6 weeks for standard requests.
In Person
You can request a certified marriage certificate in person at:
- The municipal clerk's office in the Aroostook County town or city where the marriage license was issued. For example, the Caribou City Clerk, Presque Isle City Clerk, or Houlton Town Clerk. Walk-ins are generally accepted during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm availability.
- The Maine DRVS office in Augusta for any Maine marriage record from 1892 forward.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you may need to demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the record under Maine law.
By Mail
Mail requests can be sent to either the municipal clerk where the marriage took place or to the state office:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A written request or completed vital records application form (available from the DRVS website)
- Full names of both spouses
- Date and place of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $15.00 payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" (for state requests) or to the appropriate municipality
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the state office typically take 4–6 weeks to process. Municipal offices may respond more quickly, depending on staff availability and record accessibility. For older or hard-to-locate records, processing may take longer.