Massachusetts Marriage License Requirements
Couples who would like to get married in Massachusetts must obtain a license from any town or city clerk in Massachusetts prior to their wedding. Both individuals must apply in person, provide proper identification (sometimes a certified birth certificate) and their Social Security Numbers, as well as pay a nominal fee (which varies from town to town). Contact your town hall to find out what type of identification is required and the cost of the license. It’s also a good idea to find out the Clerk’s office hours before you go. To find your town hall’s contact information, click here.
The legal age to marry in Massachusetts is 18. There is a 3 day waiting period to receive your license and the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If either you or your future spouse has been previously married, the divorce must be final before applying for the marriage license.
A priest, minister, rabbi, or Justice of the Peace may perform the marriage ceremony. Don’t forget to bring the license with you to your wedding ceremony! Your officiant must sign the license and then return it to the city or town where it was originally issued. Your marriage certificate is usually available within a few weeks after your wedding date from the Town Hall.
Did you know that your family member or friend can become a Justice of the Peace for the day and officiate at your wedding? Click here for more information!
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