Massachusetts marriage license: cost and requirements

How much is a marriage license in Massachusetts?

Varies by municipality; in Boston, $50.

What do you need to get the license?

• ID: In Boston: valid photo ID and Social Security numbers (or a written explanation if you don't have one).
• Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (G.L. c.207 §7).
• Other requirements: Both file the notice of intention in person and under oath (G.L. c.207 §20), except in the case of certified illness.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

City or town clerk or registrar of any Massachusetts city or town, regardless of where you live or where the wedding is.

Where it is valid: Anywhere in Massachusetts.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

• Waiting period: 3 days from filing the notice of intention; Sundays and holidays count (G.L. c.207 §19). A court can waive it with a "Marriage Without Delay" certificate (§30); the court form costs $195.
• Validity: 60 days from filing the notice of intention (G.L. c.207 §28).

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

• Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
• Who can officiate: Resident clergy and others under §38; non-residents with authorization from the Secretary of the Commonwealth; or anyone with a one-day designation from the governor ($25 on paper or $20 online, §39).

Massachusetts counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Massachusetts county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

Other counties couples often look up

We haven't verified these counties yet. The Massachusetts rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.

• Essex County (Lawrence)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Suffolk County (Boston)State rule No guide of its own yet.

How to get a marriage license in Massachusetts

1. Confirm where to apply: City or town clerk or registrar of any Massachusetts city or town, regardless of where you live or where the wedding is.
2. Gather your ID: In Boston: valid photo ID and Social Security numbers (or a written explanation if you don't have one).
3. Get your payment ready: Varies by municipality; in Boston, $50.
4. Count the waiting period: 3 days from filing the notice of intention; Sundays and holidays count (G.L. c.207 §19). A court can waive it with a "Marriage Without Delay" certificate (§30); the court form costs $195.
5. Marry within the validity period: 60 days from filing the notice of intention (G.L. c.207 §28).
6. Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and review date

1. Massachusetts Legislature, G.L. c.207 §§7, 19, 20, 28, 30, 38, 39 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
2. City of Boston, Registry: How to get married in Boston (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
3. Mass.gov, Getting married in Massachusetts: before the wedding (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
4. Mass.gov, form instructions Marriage without delay (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.