Massachusetts Marriage License Requirements
Below is the information on what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before filling out the marriage license forms.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially be married under the law. Always check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
Licenses are usually not valid for more than 30 days so you'll typically need to apply for your marriage license within one month of your wedding ceremony. You need to submit your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
IMPORTANT: You are not officially married when you receive a marriage license. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Massachusetts.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
If Divorced: If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.
Fees: Cash Only! $25
Other Tests: No tests
Under 18: Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.
Officiants: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.
Valid: License is valid for 90 days anywhere in Massachusetts.
The license can only be used within the State of Massachusetts.
IMPORTANT: State and county marriage license requirements can change so make sure you check with your local town clerk. This information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any plans.
Adams Town Clerk
8 Park St, # 110
Adams, MA 01220
413-743-8320
Barnstable Town Hall
Main St, Route 6
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-790-6200
Belmont Town ClerkTown Hall
455 Concord Ave
Belmont, MA 02478
617-489-8201
Boston Town ClerkRegistry Division
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-4175
Cambridge City Clerk
795 Massachusetts Ave, # 103
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-349-4260
Dedham Town Clerk
26 Bryant St
Dedham, MA 02026
781-751-9200
Edgartown Town Clerk
70 Main St
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-6110
Fall River City Clerk
1 Government Ctr
Fall River, MA 02722
508-324-2220
Fitchburg City Clerk
718 Main St, # 117
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-345-9592
Franklin Town ClerkRegistry of Deeds
425 Main St
Greenfield, MA 01302
413-772-0239
Great Barrington Clerk
334 Main St
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-3140
Lawrence City Clerk
200 Common St
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-794-5803
Lowell City Clerk
375 Merrimack St, # 31
Lowell, MA 01853
978-970-4161
Nantucket Town Clerk
16 Broad St
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-7216
New Bedford City Clerk
133 William St, # 118
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-979-1450
Northampton City Clerk
210 Main St
North Hampton, MA 01060
413-587-1224
Pittsfield City Clerk
70 Allen St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-9361
Plymouth Town Clerk
11 Lincoln St
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-830-4050
Salem City Clerk
93 Washington St
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-9595
Springfield City Clerk
6 Court St, # 123
Springfield, MA 01103
413-781-8100
Taunton City Clerk
15 Summer St
Taunton, MA 02780
508-821-1024
Worcester Marriage ClerkCity Clerk Office
455 Main St, # 206
Worcester, MA 01608
508-799-1126