Massachusetts Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Massachusetts: $50 license fee, 3 days waiting period, 60 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the City or Town Clerk.
Massachusetts Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Massachusetts?
A marriage license in Massachusetts costs $50. This is the standard fee charged by the City or Town Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Massachusetts's fee is in line with the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Massachusetts
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Massachusetts does not require proof of residency.
Visit the City or Town Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the City or Town Clerk in any Massachusetts county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $50 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 3 days
Massachusetts has a mandatory 3 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Massachusetts: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and justices of any court. Justices of the peace. Massachusetts also allows anyone to apply for a one-day solemnization authorization through the governor's office.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the City or Town Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Massachusetts law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Massachusetts
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Massachusetts counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the City or Town Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Massachusetts has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the City or Town Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Massachusetts following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Massachusetts on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Massachusetts Notes
Who Can Officiate in Massachusetts
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and justices of any court. Justices of the peace. Massachusetts also allows anyone to apply for a one-day solemnization authorization through the governor's office.
Good to Know
Massachusetts allows friends or family to obtain a one-day authorization to officiate your wedding through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The 3-day waiting period can be waived for a fee.
Massachusetts Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Massachusetts drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the City or Town Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $50 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Massachusetts Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Massachusetts marriage license costs $50. The fee is paid at the City or Town Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Massachusetts requires a 3 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Massachusetts allows friends or family to obtain a one-day authorization to officiate your wedding through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The 3-day waiting period can be waived for a fee.
A Massachusetts marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Massachusetts accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the City or Town Clerk.
No. Massachusetts does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Massachusetts does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any City or Town Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Massachusetts a popular destination wedding state.
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