- This page, Getting Married in Massachusetts: Before the Wedding, is offered by
- Massachusetts Digital Service
- Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Table of Contents
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 207 covers many of the legal requirements for getting married in Massachusetts. The Secretary of the Commonwealth also provides some guides to help you get the right paperwork filed on time. For the most detailed information, you should
contact your city or town clerk, because each place has its own regulations about marriage licenses. You don’t have to be a state resident to get married in Massachusetts. You cannot get married until you are 18 years or older. There are 4 primary groups of people who can officiate at weddings in Massachusetts. Each group needs to meet different requirements to get licensed. What should I know about getting married in Massachusetts?
Can I get married in Massachusetts?
Who can conduct my wedding in Massachusetts?
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Where can I get married in Massachusetts?
If you’d like to have your ceremony here in the Bay State, there are hundreds of beautiful venues to fit every couple’s personality and budget. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) provides some highlights on their wedding venue ideas page.
In addition, many Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parks are happy to accommodate small wedding ceremonies, and a limited number of parks can accommodate larger weddings, as long as you get a special use permit for the day. Contact the park you’re interested in for availability and additional information.
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What paperwork do I need to get married in Massachusetts?
There's a 3-day waiting period once you apply for a marriage license. The license is valid for 60 days once you have it.
You need to have a marriage license to get married in the Bay State. You can apply for a license from any city or town in the state — it doesn’t have to be from the town where you live or where your ceremony will be.
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 the Person Conducting the Ceremony — After you’re married, your officiant must sign and return the license to the city or town clerk who issued it before the 60-day time period is up.
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I'm married! What's next?
Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, you and your future spouse can enjoy your wedding day, whether it’s in the Boston Public Garden or overlooking the Pioneer Valley. Check out our guide for after the wedding for information about what you’ll need to do after the wedding to get your marriage certificate, change your name, and more.
Share this guide with family and friends who are getting married in the Bay State. Have questions about your big day? Tweet us @MassGov.
Image credits: George Headley