Massachusetts marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a mandatory three-day waiting period between filing the marriage intention and license issuance (waivable by court order). Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in the state. Fees vary widely by municipality, most around $25-$40. Witnesses are not statutorily required at the ceremony. As of July 2022 Massachusetts banned all marriage under 18 without exception. No common-law marriage.
Massachusetts marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- Town or City Clerk
- License fee
- $4–$60
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- None
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 207, §§ 1 et seq.
Source: www.mass.gov. Fees vary by county within Massachusetts — check with the local clerk before applying.
Massachusetts counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.