Massachusetts Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

License fee

$40–$50

Each city or town sets its own fee: Worcester and New Bedford charge $40; Boston and Cambridge charge $50.

Source: boston.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

Notice must be filed at least three days before the wedding (Sundays and holidays count). A probate or district court judge can waive the wait; Boston says the court charges $195 for this.

Source: malegislature.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

The license must be used within 60 days after the notice of intention was filed.

Source: malegislature.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

No one under 18 may marry in Massachusetts; there is no consent exception.

Source: malegislature.gov

What to bring

Both partners bring valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, state or military ID) and their Social Security numbers; anyone without one writes down why.

Source: boston.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both parties give the notice under oath before the clerk; a narrow exception exists when a doctor certifies a party is too ill to appear.

Source: malegislature.gov

Applying online

No, apply in person

Boston takes appointments and sends the intention form online, but couples must still apply together in person.

Source: boston.gov

Who can officiate

Massachusetts-resident clergy, designated justices of the peace and certain clerks; nonresident clergy with state approval; and anyone the governor designates for one particular wedding (a one-day designation).

Source: malegislature.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples may file at any Massachusetts city or town clerk's office. Only couples with at least one Massachusetts resident are named in the statute's court waiver of the waiting period.

Source: malegislature.gov

Who issues the license

City or town clerk (or registrar)

Couples file a notice of intention to marry with any city or town clerk in Massachusetts, which then issues the license.

Source: malegislature.gov