Instructions for Intentions of Marriage
How to Apply
You must apply in person for a marriage intention application. This requirement applies to both residents
and non-residents. Check your local City or Town Hall and www.mass.gov for potential updated COVID19 guidelines.
You’ll need to provide:
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Proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or passport
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Your Social Security number. Federal Statutes require the collection of Social Security numbers at the time of the application.
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Payment for license fees which varies by town.
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The name you’ll use after the wedding if you’ve decided to change it.
There is a 3 day waiting period to receive your license. It is valid for 60 days from the day you originally file and may be used in any city or town within the Commonwealth. If you’re not married within 60 days of the date the license was granted, you’ll need to apply for it again. This license cannot be used outside of this state. A waiver of the 3 day waiting period can be applied for at the city or town clerk’s office where you apply and then presented to a court of competent jurisdiction for approval.
Any person filing in Massachusetts who has been married and is divorced does not have to file divorce papers, but that individual’s divorce must be final at the time of the application date.
When either person is under 18 years old, a court order must be obtained from the probate court or district court where the minor resides. The parent must accompany the under age person along with the eligible person to the court prior to filing for the license.
A Justice of the Peace does not require witnesses to the ceremony. The person who performs the ceremony of marriage must sign the license and return it to the city or town where it was issued. That is the only place where the license will be registered.
*Important* Give your marriage license to the person conducting the ceremony so he/she may review it. After you are married, your officiant must sign and return the license to the city or town clerk where it was issued before the 60-day time period has expired.
You may purchase certified copies of your marriage license from the Clerk that issued your certificate for name change, Social Security, etc. The fees vary with each city/town.
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Where To Get Married in Massachusetts - Subject to current COVID19 guidelines and potential restrictions
(from the www.mass.gov page)
There are hundreds of beautiful venues to fit every couple’s personality and budget. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) provides some highlights on their wedding venue ideas page.
In addition, many Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parks are happy to accommodate small wedding ceremonies, and a limited number of parks can accommodate larger weddings, as long as you get a special use permit for the day. Contact the park you’re interested in for availability and additional information.
