Now that same-sex marriage is legal in the State of Maine, who will officiate all of the coming ceremonies?
Immediately after same-sex marriage was voted into law on Tuesday, I noticed about a dozen folks, some on Twitter and some on Facebook, announce to their networks that they are qualified to officiate marriages in Maine. The folks at Might + Main appear to have noticed the same outpouring of support.
The Portland-based branding firm sent a message to its email list yesterday announcing the launch of GayMarry.ME, a free registry of lawyers, ministers and notary publics “expressing a desire to get their name out there as someone who would marry any same-sex couples who wanted to embrace the rights of this new law.” GayMarry.Me is “a website where authorized officiants could create profiles and list themselves as willing and able to solemnize the marriage of anyone wishing to marry in Maine.” The email went on to invite its recipients to be some of the first to sign up on the website.
I signed up (I am a Notary Public and have been happy to perform officiate a few wedding ceremonies), and encourage all supportive officiants to do the same. I look forward to seeing the database fill up in the immediate days to come.
You can find the full text of the email below the screen capture of GayMarry.Me:
Hi,
This past Tuesday, we were among the thousands of Mainers who rejoiced the legalization of same-sex marriage. It was truly a historical moment, becoming the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through popular vote.
On Wednesday morning, we noticed many of our friends who were lawyers, ministers, and even notary publics, expressing a desire to put their name out there as someone who would marry any same-sex couples who wanted to embrace the rights of this new law. Suddenly, we had an idea—a website where authorized officiants could create profiles and list themselves as willing and able to solemnize the marriage of anyone wishing to marry in Maine.
And so tonight, we invite you to be some of the first people to sign up on this website, GayMarry.ME. It is very simple—just go to the site and scroll to the bottom, click “Add Me To The List” and you will be prompted to connect via your Facebook profile. Once verified you can choose what information you provide and how it is presented in your listing. Regardless of how much or little you choose to share, please do be sure to select how you are legally able to perform marriages in Maine (either through your church, your title, etc.). Once complete, your profile will be live on GayMarry.ME for same-sex couples, and heterosexual couples who want progressive officiants, to search and connect with.
Lastly, please share with your friends, family, and others who might be interested in signing on to marry Maine’s couples. The more people the better!
We thank you for your participation in this moment in our states’ history. It is truly something that should be celebrated.
-the team at Might & Main