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Massachusetts Marriage License & Officiant Requirements

Everything you need to get legally married in Massachusetts — where to apply, timing, witnesses, and who can perform your ceremony. Here's your step-by-step checklist.

Apply at

Town/City Clerk

Waiting period

3 days

License valid for

60 days

Witnesses at ceremony

None

⚠️ Officiant registration required

Out-of-state and one-day officiants must obtain authorization from the Commonwealth; clergy may need to register. Every officiant on Book a Ceremony attests that they are legally authorized to perform marriages in the areas they serve.

Your step-by-step checklist

  1. Both partners apply for a marriage license at the issuing office for the area where you'll marry (most require both of you to appear in person).
  2. Bring valid government-issued photo ID for each partner; some offices also require proof of age, Social Security number, or, if applicable, divorce/death records from prior marriages.
  3. Pay the license fee (varies by county) and observe any waiting period before the license is valid. In Massachusetts, the waiting period is 3 days.
  4. Have your ceremony performed by an authorized officiant within the license's validity window. In Massachusetts, the license is valid for 60 days.
  5. Your officiant and witnesses (if required) sign the license, and the officiant returns it to the issuing office by the deadline.
  6. Request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the issuing office for your records.

Find your Massachusetts county clerk →

This is general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect recent changes or county-specific rules. Always confirm the current requirements with your local clerk before finalizing your plans. Last reviewed: June 2026. See our Terms

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Official source: find your Massachusetts county clerk · all states