Marriage Certificate Information

All people who marry in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts. An out-of-state license cannot be used.  Both parties must apply together in person for a marriage license.  This requirement is applicable to both residents and non-residents of the Commonwealth.  According to Massachusetts law, you must jointly file intentions to marry, and you may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state.  If a person is in the military, intentions may be filed by either party, providing one is a Massachusetts resident.  If a person is incarcerated in a county house of correction or a state correctional facility, intentions may be filed by either party.  A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. It is not valid outside of the state. For more information contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth Citizen Information Service at www.magnet.state.ma.us/sec/cis