Marriage Intention Instructions

All persons who wish to be married in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued within the State of Massachusetts. Out-of -State marriage licenses cannot be used in Massachusetts.

The couple must apply in person for a marriage intention application. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents.

Towns will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples from out of state if the couple intends to reside in Massachusetts after the marriage.

There is a (3) three day waiting period to receive your license. License is valid for (60) sixty days from the day you originally file and may be used in any city or town within the Commonwealth. This license cannot be used outside of this state. A waiver of the (3) 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.

Any person filing in Massachusetts who has been married and is divorced does not have to file divorce papers, but that individual's divorce must be FINAL at the time of the application date.

Federal Statutes requires the collection of Social Security numbers at the time of application.

When either person is under (18) eighteen years old, a court order must be obtained from the probate court or district court where the minor resides. The parent must accompany the under age person along with the eligible person to the court prior to filing for the license. Proof of age is required.

A Justice of the Peace does not require witnesses to the ceremony.

The Justice of the Peace who performs the ceremony of marriage must sign the license and return it to the city or town where it was issued. That is the only place where the license will be registered.

An official copy of the signed marriage license can be obtained at the city or town hall it has been filed with.