Getting Married in Massachusetts: Before the Wedding
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.
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.
