State law requires that both the
Bride & Groom apply together for their marriage license (referred to
as a "Notice of Intentions"). Individuals must be 18 or older to
obtain a marriage license. You may apply for a marriage license at
the clerk's office of any city or town in the Commonwealth. Valid
identification is required (drivers' license, passport, etc…). As
the license fee varies, check with various towns for specific
information (a local sampling a/o April 2007 reveals -
Scituate $15.00, Chatham $20.00, Foxboro $25.00, Dedham $30.00,
Quincy $35.00, Hanson $40.00, & Boston $50.00). As of January 2005, pre-marital blood tests are no
longer required. Massachusetts imposes a three-day waiting period
from the day you file your marriage intentions. Once issued, the
marriage license is valid anywhere in the Commonwealth for sixty
(60) days.
Other New England States
I perform weddings primarily in my home state of Massachusetts, however,
the information below may be helpful for couples looking to obtain a marriage
license elsewhere. As there are slight variations
among the other New England states, you may wish to familiarize yourself with
the policies & procedures of the state in which your planning to wed.
Rhode
Island
New
Hampshire
Vermont
Connecticut
Maine
New York
Age Requirements
18
18
18
18
18
18
Cost ($)
$24.00
$45.00
$23.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30 - $40
Waiting Period
None
3 Days
None
None
None
24 Hours
Valid For:
90 Days
90 Days
60 Days
65 Days
90 Days
60 Days
Identification
Birth
Certificate
Valid
Photo ID
None
Valid
Photo ID
Valid
Photo ID
Birth Certificate and Valid Photo ID
Witness Required?
Two
None
None
None
Two
Two
Blood Test
None
None
None
None
None
None
Residency
None
None
None
None
None
None
Helpful Hints:
Verify all requirements with the city/town clerk at least
one month in advance of your wedding.
If previously married, be prepared to show a certified copy of
final divorce decree or a certified copy of death certificate if either party is
widowed.
If both parties are out-of-state, clerks suggest obtaining
your marriage license in the city/town in which you're planning to wed.
Certificates of Marriage (a few
samples)
As a keepsake each couple will receive an
"unofficial" Certificate of Marriage presented in an engraveable silver tube.
This invaluable certificate can be taken on your honeymoon as state licenses are
not immediately available.
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