What paperwork do I need to get married in Massachusetts?
You can apply for a license at any city hall or town hall in Massachusetts (it doesn’t have to be where you live or where you are getting married, but you will want to choose a place that you will remember in the future). You will both need to appear in person; you cannot have someone else apply for the license. The only exception is that a person in the military may have the other party file for the license, as long as one is a Massachusetts resident. The applying party must present a letter from the military officer in charge stating that the party cannot be present.
You should contact your city or town clerk to find out exactly what you and your future spouse need to do to get a marriage license, but in general, before your wedding you’ll need to:
The license is valid for 60 days from the day you first apply. When you come to pick up your license, check it carefully to make sure that all the information listed is correct. You will need to give the license to your officiant before the wedding. Once you give the license to your officiant your job is done. Both parties getting married are not required to pick up the license together. A relative or friend can pick up the license for you as long as they can accurately proofread the document.
You should contact your city or town clerk to find out exactly what you and your future spouse need to do to get a marriage license, but in general, before your wedding you’ll need to:
- Fill out a Notice of Intention of Marriage Form — You and your future spouse will need to go in person to your city or town clerk to fill out this form. You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Your Social Security number
- Payment for fees, which vary by town
- The name you’ll use after the wedding if you’ve decided to change it
- Pick up Your Marriage License — There is a required 3-day waiting period before you can pick up your marriage license. In some cases, you can apply for a marriage without delay at the probate or district court in the town where you submitted your notice to waive this period. The license is valid for 60 days. If you’re not married within 60 days of the date the license was granted, you’ll need to apply for it again.
- Give Your License to South Shore Elope to Conduct the Signing or Ceremony — After you’re married, your officiant will sign and return the license to the city or town clerk who issued it before the 60-day time period is up. Officiants are not permitted to give you a copy. The officiant is required (by law) to complete the Certificate of Marriage (in black pen) and mail it back to the Town Clerk from whom you obtained your license.
The license is valid for 60 days from the day you first apply. When you come to pick up your license, check it carefully to make sure that all the information listed is correct. You will need to give the license to your officiant before the wedding. Once you give the license to your officiant your job is done. Both parties getting married are not required to pick up the license together. A relative or friend can pick up the license for you as long as they can accurately proofread the document.
WHAT WILL I NEED ON THE DAY OF the CEREMONY?
You will need to provide the marriage license to the wedding officiant prior to the ceremony, along with any instructions provided from town hall. We will also require a valid ID to compare names to the marriage license. If you plan to exchange rings please make sure you have them with you as well.
DO I NEED WITNESSES?
No, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are not required to have a witness. On the license, the officiant’s signature is sufficient.
HOW MUCH DOES a marriage LICENSE COST?
The cost to file your marriage intentions varies in each town. The average cost is between $30 - $65
Are you a Justice of the Peace?
No, our Wedding Officiants are in-state non-denominational Clergy Members that have been ordained by American Marriage Ministries. We have been authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to perform wedding ceremonies.
Who can get married in Massachusetts?
You don’t have to be a state resident to get married in Massachusetts. If you or your partner is under 18 years old, you’ll need permission from a parent or legal guardian to get married.
Is there a waiting period?
After you apply for a marriage license, there is a three (3) day waiting period before you can pick up the license. Weekends and holidays are included in the three days, but the day of the application is not. Thus, if you apply on a Monday you can pick up the license on Thursday, or if you apply on a Friday you can pick up the license on Monday, A waiver of the three day waiting period can be applied for at the courthouse and then presented to the Town Clerk. The town clerk can then issue your marriage certificate the same day however, this can be costly. Currently the fee at the Local District Court is $195.00.
Do I need a blood test?
Blood tests are no longer required. Identification is only necessary if either party looks as though they are under the age of 18. If you are a widow or widower you do not have to bring a death certificate. Persons who are divorced do not have to bring a divorce decree, but should be certain that their divorce is absolute or the marriage will not be legal.
What are your business hours?
We are available to perform signings on the following days/times. Weekend, Holiday and after-hour appointments may be available upon request for an additional fee.
Monday: 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Tuesday: 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am | 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am | 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday: Upon Request
Sunday: Upon Request
Holidays: Upon Request
Monday: 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Tuesday: 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am | 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am | 4:00pm | 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday: Upon Request
Sunday: Upon Request
Holidays: Upon Request