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A Boston marriage license is a marriage license issued by the Registry Division of the City of Boston, Massachusetts, located in City Hall, at One City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston.

A marriage license issued within the State of Massachusetts is required for weddings in Massachusetts. Out-of-state marriage licenses cannot be used in Massachusetts.

The marriage license cost is $50, cash only.

Legal

• The couple must apply in person for a marriage intention application. (This applies to both residents and non-residents.)
• There is a three day waiting period to receive the license. (A waiver of the waiting period can be applied for at the City or Town Clerk's Office and then presented to a Court of competent jurisdiction for approval.)
• The license is valid for 60 days.
• The license cannot be used out-of-state.
• An applicant who has been married and is divorced does not have to file divorce papers, but that applicant's divorce must be final at the time of the application date.
• Same-sex weddings are legal in Massachusetts, for state residents. Marriage licenses can only be issued to to same-sex couples from out-of-state if the couple intends to reside in Massachusetts after the marriage.
• Parental consent is not needed if both applicants are 18-years-old or older.

• When either applicant is under 18-years-old, a court order must be obtained from the Probate Court or District Court where the minor resides.
• A parent must accompany the underage applicant, along with the eligible applicant, to the Court prior to filing for the license.

• A Priest, Minister, Rabbi, or Justice of the Peace may perform the wedding ceremony.

• A Justice of the Peace does not require witnesses to the ceremony; however, some religions may require witnesses, so applicants should contact their officiant before the ceremony so that requirement can be met.
• In Massachusetts, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the City or Town where it was issued since that is the only locations where the license will be registered.
• Out-of-state officiants may perform the ceremony in Massachusetts once he or she has obtained authorization from the Secretary of States Office prior to the ceremony.

• The office for this authorization is located at: Public Records Division, Department of State Secretary, One Ashburton Place, Room 1701, Boston, MA 02108. (Phone: 617.727.2836)
• The marriage license will not be registered unless the required authorization is enclosed with the license.

Tips

• The office is open Monday-Tuesday, 9:00-4:00, and Thursday-Friday, 9:00-4:00. The office is closed on Wednesdays and weekends.
• Only cash will accepted for the fee for the license.
• The bride and groom must apply together, in person.
• Proof of age is required for applicants 24-years-old or younger. A certified birth record or passport is required as proof of age.