Getting Married in Massachusetts- The rulesA marriage license is issued to individuals who are to be married in Massachusetts. The license itself is issued three (3) days after the parties file their Intentions to be married by appearing in person together at the Clerk's Office. Both persons must be eighteen (18) years of age. If under eighteen (18) a court order is required. The couple should bring their birth certificates with them when applying for a license. The fee of $40.00 is due at the time of filing Intentions. Download a Marriage Worksheet for Notice of Intention The marriage may take place anywhere in Massachusetts during the sixty (60) days following the date of filing Intentions and after satisfying the three (3) day waiting period. A pre-marital blood test is not required as part of the process of obtaining a license to be married in the Commonwealth due to a significant change in the General Laws effective January 28, 2005. Following the ceremony and marriage, the clergyman or Justice of the Peace should provide some proof of marriage. The license may not be copied. The clergyman or Justice of the Peace will file the original marriage license in the place where it was issued by the tenth (10th) day of the next month and then it is possible for the couple to obtain certified copies of their license. You must call or appear at your local city clerk in order to obtain a certified copy of your certificate. Anyone anticipating marriage is strongly encouraged to call the City Clerk's Office to confirm the requirements for obtaining a marriage license as there are exceptions to the general requirements outlined here. (Taken from Springfield City Hall) Getting married in Massachusetts
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What if I want my friend/ family member to marry us?Massachusetts Town/ City Clerks
Call the clerk in your city/ town to find out the fees and requirements needed to obtain your marriage license.
Adams Town Clerk Adams, MA 413.743.8320 Barnstable Town Hall Barnstable, MA 508.790.6200 Belmont Town Clerk Boston, MA 617.489.8201 Cambridge City Clerk Cambridge, MA 617.349.4260 Dedham Town Clerk Dedham, MA 781.326.1638 Edgartown Town Clerk Edgartown, MA 508.627.6110 Fall River City Clerk Fall River, MA 508.324.2220 Fitchburg City Clerk Fitchburg, MA 978.345.9592 Franklin Town Clerk Greenfield, MA 413.772.0239 Great Barrington Clerk Great Barrington, MA 413.528.3140 Lawrence City Clerk Lawrence, MA 978.794.5803 Lowell City Clerk Lowell, MA 978.970.4161 Nantucket Town Clerk Nantucket, MA 508.228.7216 New Bedford City Clerk New Bedford, MA 508.979.1450 Northampton City Clerk North Hampton, MA 413.587.1224 Pittsfield City Clerk Pittsfield, MA 413.499.9361 Plymouth Town Clerk Plymouth, MA 508.830.4050 Salem City Clerk Salem, MA 978.745.9595 Springfield City Clerk Springfield, MA 413.781.8100 Taunton City Clerk Taunton, MA 508.821.1024 Worcester City Clerk Worcester, MA 508.799.1126 |