How to Get Married in Massachusetts Without a Ceremony

A big wedding ceremony with all the bells and whistles is a dream for many – but for others, not so much. A large ceremony adds more pressure and stress to an intimate occasion. Keeping your wedding day to just you and your partner makes it more enjoyable and memorable than a big gathering. If you’re more interested in getting married without having a big wedding, you might consider a wedding without a ceremony at all. It certainly saves you both a significant amount of time, stress, and money! Not sure where to begin? Learn below how to get married in Massachusetts without a ceremony.

happy young couple with man kissing woman's cheek

Do I Need to Have a Ceremony?

If you’re getting married in Massachusetts, you might be wondering if you have to have a big ceremony to be considered legally married. After all, isn’t that when the marriage actually takes place?  Well, yes and no. While you do need someone to perform the marriage, you don’t have to have a big ceremony at a church or with a religious officiant. There are ways to get married with just you and your partner that make it simple to say “I do” and enjoy the day just the two of you. Here’s how to do it.

How to Get Married Without a Ceremony

While the “I do”s are often seen as the most essential part of getting married, the license is what you need to focus on. After that, getting married quickly and privately is easy.  Here are the four simple steps to guide you through getting married without a ceremony.

Apply for Your License

First, you need to head to your local Registry Department with your fiance/e and fill out the Marriage Intention Form. This serves as a marriage license application. You will need to bring a valid ID, your social security number, the required fee, and your new name if you are changing it after the wedding.

Get Your License

marriage license document

There is a three-day wait period after applying for your license. After the three days have passed, you can collect your license. You have sixty days to get married before the license expires, so if unforeseen events arise and delay your wedding, you may have to reapply.

Schedule Your Wedding

First, you need to head to your local Registry Department with your fiance/e and fill out the Marriage Intention Form. This serves as a marriage license application. You will need to bring a valid ID, your social security number, the required fee, and your new name if you are changing it after the wedding.

wedding bands sitting next to each other

Get Your Certificate

marriage certificate with bride and groom wedding rings on top

There is a three-day wait period after applying for your license. After the three days have passed, you can collect your license. You have sixty days to get married before the license expires, so if unforeseen events arise and delay your wedding, you may have to reapply.

Contact Justice Lydon & Co For Boston Wedding Officiants

If you’re ready to get started with married life immediately, let Justice Lydon & Co help you out. As the wedding experts, we’ll know just how to help you have the wedding (or non-wedding) of your dreams. Our Justice of the Peace’s can help you tie the knot without a ceremony. Give us a call today at 857-499-8266 for more information, wedding advice, or immediate assistance with your big day!