Massachusetts Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any MA county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.
Cost of License
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $4.00 to $15.00 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirements
What are the residency requirements for Massachusetts?
None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Massachusetts to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Waiting Period
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.
Age Requirement
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order.
Blood Tests and Physical Exams
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
None. Massachusetts state lawmakers repealed the law requiring blood tests late in 2004. It went into effect on January 28, 2005.
License Expires
How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 60 days from the date it is issued.
Divorced and Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, you do not need to bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
How Do I Legally Change My Name?
What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?
Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
We have created a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient.
Miscellaneous Questions
Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.
Are cousin marriages legal?
Yes, cousin marriages are allowed.
Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.
Are same sex marriages legal?
Yes, same-sex marriages are allowed.
County Clerk Address and Phone Number List
Adams Town Clerk8 Park St, # 110
Adams, MA 01220
413-743-8320
Map Barnstable Town Hall
Main St, Route 6
ABarnstable, MA 02630
508-790-6200
Map Belmont Town Clerk
Town Hall
455 Concord Ave
Belmont, MA 02478
617-489-8201
Map Boston Town Clerk
Registry Division
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-4175
Map Cambridge City Clerk
795 Massachusetts Ave, # 103
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-349-4260
Map Dedham Town Clerk
26 Bryant St
Dedham, MA 02026
781-326-1638
Map Edgartown Town Clerk
70 Main St
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-6110
Map Fall River City Clerk
1 Government Ctr
Fall River, MA 02722
508-324-2220
Map Fitchburg City Clerk
718 Main St, # 117
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-345-9592
Map Franklin Town Clerk
Registry Of Deeds
425 Main St
Greenfield, MA 01302
413-772-0239
Map Great Barrington Clerk
334 Main St
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-3140
Map Lawrence City Clerk
200 Common St
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-794-5803
Map Lowell City Clerk
375 Merrimack St, # 31
Lowell, MA 01853
978-970-4161
Map Nantucket Town Clerk
16 Broad St
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-7216
Map New Bedford City Clerk
133 William St, # 118
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-979-1450
Map Northampton City Clerk
210 Main St
North Hampton, MA 01060
413-587-1224
Map Pittsfield City Clerk
70 Allen St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-9361
Map Plymouth Town Clerk
11 Lincoln St
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-830-4050
Map Salem City Clerk
93 Washington St
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-9595
Map Springfield City Clerk
6 Court St, # 123
Springfield, MA 01103
413-781-8100
Map Taunton City Clerk
15 Summer St
Taunton, MA 02780
508-821-1024
Map Worcester Marriage Clerk
City Clerk Office
455 Main St, # 206
Worcester, MA 01608
508-799-1126
Map