Marriage Intentions

  • Both parties must appear together to file marriage intentions. Marriage intentions are valid anywhere in the Commonwealth for 60 days. The fee for filing marriage intentions is $25 per couple.
  • There is a three-day waiting period after Marriage Intentions are filed before the Marriage License can be issued. (Not counting the day Intentions are filed)
  • A Marriage License must be obtained and the wedding must take place within 60 days from the date intentions are filed.
  • The Commonwealth of Massachusetts repealed the requirement for a pre-marital blood test as of January 28, 2005.
  • Marriage certificates will be retained on file in the community where the intentions were filed, not where the marriage takes place
  • Legal Impediments to Marriage within Massachusetts may be viewed as the Mass Impediments (PDF).
  • A Marriage to be solemnized by an out-of-state non-resident member of the clergy requires a designation from the Mass. Secretary of State prior to the ceremony. For information on the process and to download/print an application, please visit Procedure to Perform (Solemnize) Marriages for Nonresident Clergy Member
  • A Marriage to be solemnized by a person who is not usually empowered to perform a marriage ceremony may be authorized if the required designation from the Mass. Secretary of State is obtained prior to the ceremony.