You do not have to live in Massachusetts to be legally married in here – you just have to get your license here and have the ceremony here. You must both apply in person to obtain a marriage license issued by a Massachusetts city or town clerk. You may do this at any city or town in Massachusetts. You cannot use a marriage license from another state.

Click here for a complete list of Massachusetts city and town websites where you can find information about each clerk’s office.

Important Steps
• Both partners must go together, in person, to any Massachusetts city or town clerk to file your Notice of Intention of Marriage form no more than 60 days before your wedding ceremony.
• In addition to paying the application fee (varies by location but is generally $25-$50), each person must provide proof of age (you must be 18 or older) and have a Social Security number.
• Once your application has been filed, there is a 3-day waiting period before you can pick up your license. In some cases, you may seek to have the waiting period waived, however; that is completely up to that city or town’s probate or district court.
• Your marriage license is only valid for 60 days from the date your application was filed. If you are not married within the 60 days, you must apply for a new license.
• After the wedding ceremony, I will sign and return your marriage license to the issuing city or town clerk to be recorded. No witnesses are required for this in Massachusetts.

Other Things to Know
• Some clerks require appointments and/or keep irregular hours. It’s a good idea to Call before going in person to file your marriage intentions.
• Be sure to check with the clerks as to what forms of payment are accepted. Some offices do not accept credit cards.
• Be prepared to provide all forms of information that will be required by the clerk where you file for your marriage license. Valid forms of identification vary between clerk’s offices, make sure to ask what you will need to bring (this can include birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, state or military ID, etc.).
• Any previous marriages must be legally dissolved for at least one day before applying for your license. In Massachusetts, a divorce is not considered final until after 90 days. You can inquire with the issuing clerk whether proof of your divorce decree is required.
• Are you planning to change your name after the marriage? Make sure to indicate this when filing your marriage intentions. (After the marriage be sure to take the additional steps needed in changing your important personal information, such as Social Security Card, Passport, Driver’s License, Bank Accounts, etc.)
• Proof of marriage is necessary for name changes, insurance and more. For most locations, you will not receive a marriage certificate unless you request to purchase a copy from the issuing town or city clerk, available for a small fee after the license has been filed.

You May Need My Information
Officiant Name: Linda Haas
Designation: Minister
Address: P.0. Box 602 Adams, MA 01220

Still looking for more information, links, and documents check out the Mass.Gove website