How to Get a Marriage License in Massachusetts

If you are planning a wedding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you must apply for a Massachusetts marriage license.

Instructions

STEP 1: Be sure you are both 18 years old or older. A court order must be obtained if one of you is younger. STEP 2: Apply in person along with your fiancé to any city or town clerk in the commonwealth. This is true both for residents and for people who live outside Massachusetts. STEP 3: Understand that there is a three-day waiting period after you file your intentions to be married before you actually receive the license. Weekends are included in the three days. STEP 4: Bring proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport or birth certificate. STEP 5: Obtain a medical certificate for each of you which states that you do not have communicable syphilis. The certificate is good for 30 days. Be sure to get your license before it expires. You can file your intentions without the certificate in hand, but you'll need it before you can actually pick up the license. STEP 6: Remember that your license is valid for 60 days. If you don't get married within that time, you will need to reapply. STEP 7: Bring your checkbook with you to pay for the license. The price varies from community to community.

Tips & Warnings

Shop around different communities to obtain a license. No matter where it comes from in Massachusetts, the license is good throughout the commonwealth. It can cost from $4 to $25 or more, depending on where you apply.
If one of you is in the military, the intentions may be filed by the other if he or she is a Massachusetts resident.
If your officiant is from outside Massachusetts, he or she will need to receive a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Call (617) 727-2836 for more information.

 

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