You will need a valid marriage license (called a Massachusetts Certificate of Marriage) before you can be married. A marriage license issued by another state cannot be used for wedding ceremonies in Massachusetts. Similarly, a Massachusetts marriage license is not valid in other states. Each city or town sets its own fee for a marriage license and this fee can vary from about $15 to $50.
 
You can apply for a license at any city hall or town hall in Massachusetts (it doesn’t have to be where you live or where you are getting married). You will both need to appear in person; you cannot have someone else apply for the license. The only exception is that a person in the military may have the other party file for the license, as long as one is a Massachusetts resident. 
 
Blood tests are not required, but you will need to bring identification and a valid proof of age. A driver’s license or a birth certificate will do the job. If you are a widow or widower you do not have to bring a death certificate. Persons who are divorced do not have to bring a divorce decree, but should be certain that their divorce is absolute. 
 
There is a three day waiting period before you can pick up the license. Weekends and holidays are included in the three days, but the day of the application is not. Thus, if you apply on a Monday you can pick up the license on Thursday, or if you apply on a Friday you can pick up the license on Monday. A waiver of the three 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. 
 
The license is valid for 60 days from the day you first apply.

Once you have a valid license, all you need is an officiant, like me, to make your marriage “official.” 

NOTE: This is an informal summary of the requirements to get married in Massachusetts. It is provided for your convenience and as a quick reference. For the official explanation, please contact your local Town Clerk or City Clerk.

 
“Please contact me anytime. I am always available for quick, short notice ceremonies as well as larger, detailed custom ceremonies. I will work hard to make your special day… perfect”

Justice Angelo