Getting Married in Massachusetts

You do not have to be a state resident to get married in Massachusetts, but you must obtain a valid marriage license issued by a Massachusetts city or town clerk. An out-of-state marriage license cannot be used.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both partners in a marriage must go together, in person, to any city or town clerk to fill out a marriage license application (also known as a Notice of Intention of Marriage) no more than 60 days before the wedding ceremony. In addition to paying the application fee (which varies by town), each person must bring proof of their age (a certified birth certificate, passport or other document) and their Social Security number.

Once an application has been accepted, there is a three-day waiting period before you receive your marriage license. The license is then only valid for 60 days from the date the application was filed. In certain circumstances, one can seek to have the waiting period waived by filing a request for a Marriage without Delay with the probate court or district court in the city or town, or county where you originally applied for the license. If you are not married within the 60 days after your license was granted, you must apply for a new license.

Who Can Legally Marry Us?

Of course we can marry you and we would love to be part of your special day but there are other options too.  Family members and friends are also allowed to apply for a day license to marry you. If this is something you are interested in we recommend reaching out to the same place you apply for your marriage license and asking them how to go about getting the application for your loved one.