Obtaining a marriage license in Massachusetts

Obtaining a marriage license in Massachusetts

Below are some helpful hints to help with a marriage certificate in Massachusetts.  The best time to obtain a marriage certificate is one month in advance of your wedding ceremony. 

The legal age to marry in Massachusetts is 18 years old.  All people who marry in the state of Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts by any city or town clerk.

Proper identification is necessary. You may be required to show a certified birth certificate, check with the city or town that you are applying in prior to the application process.  A marriage license is issued from any Massachusetts city or town hall.  To locate a local contact in your city or town, visit The MA Wedding Law Website or call Citizen Information Service at 617-727-7030 or 800-392-6090.

What to bring with you when you apply for your marriage license:  Picture ID such as a driver's license, your social security number and in some cases your birth certificate.

Application requirement: Both the parties to be married must appear in person at the time of applying.

According to Massachusetts law, you must jointly file intentions to marry, and you may do so with the city or town clerk in any town or city in the state. If a person is in the military, intentions may be filed by either party to be married, providing one is a Massachusetts resident.

If Divorced: You are not required to present a divorce certificate when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that their divorce is absolute. If you are uncertain as to the absolute date of your divorce, you can contact the court where the divorce was granted to gather this information.  In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce has been granted.

Waiting Period:   The waiting period is three days for a marriage certificate.  Sundays and holidays are included in the three days and it excludes the day the application is made. You can check with your town clerk to determine whether you must pick it up in person, or if it can be mailed.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?  In Topsfield, MA, the fee for issuance of a marriage license and completing the marriage intentions is $50.00, but varies from town to town.

Medical Certificate: You do not need a medical certificate in the state of Massachusetts to obtain or apply for a marriage certificate.

Other Tests: No blood test required in Massachusetts to obtain a marriage certificate.

Name Change:  Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.  If you would like to change your last name, you can do so by clicking on the following link marriage name change link

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Call Boston Wedding Consultants for more information and for all of your wedding planning needs.