If you have just become engaged, this can be and exciting time for the two of you. Do not let the marriage laws of Massachusetts put a damper in your wedding plans.
He is what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Massachusetts marriage license. It is recommended that getting this aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.
A marriage license is mandatory in Massachusetts. No Officiant will marry you without your having one. Make sure that you have the proper license and not the three (3) day reminder to present to the Officiant.
Age restrictions
If you are under the age of 18, you will need a court order from either a Probate Court or District Courth in the community where you live in order to aply for a marriage license.
Blood Tests
Massachusetts no long required blood tests
Common Law Marriages
Massachusetts does not recognize a Common Law Marriage.
Cousin Marriages
Yes these are allowed in Massachusetts
Covenant Marriage Option
Not available in Massachusetts
Fees
It will cost you between $4.00 and $50.00 to get file your Intentions (get your Marriage License) Each community can set their own fees, so call around for the best price.
IdentificationProper identification in necessary in Massachusetts. A valid drivers license, a Passport or Military identification will suffice. Some communities may ask you to show a certified birth certificate.
Miscellaneous
A Marriage License is good for sixty (60) days. If not solemnized after that time, it must be returned to the Clerks office from which it was obtained and the process, and fees, must begin anew.
Previous Marriage
Their are no special requirements regarding previous marriage. You must have a valid divorce decree although some communities, but not all, may require that you waite ninety (90) days after your divorce is final before you may remarry.
Proxy Marriages
Not allowed but in the case of one being in the military or incarcerated, the other may initiate the Intentions for Marriage for both people
Residency Requirement
Previously, in accordance with Gov. Romney's directive, Massachusetts county clerks had to verify that a same sex couple were residents of Massachusetts. This was deemed discriminatory, thankfully, and on 7/29/2008, the 1913 residency law was repealed. Any couple, whether Conventional or Same Sex may be legally married in Massachusetts.
Same Sex Marriage
As of My 17, 2004, same gender couples can be legally married in Massachusetts. Please note that it is illegal for any Justice of the Peace to refuse to officiate at a Same gender (sex) marriage. If you encounter this, please report the person to the Secretary of State's office in Boston.
Waiting Period
Massachusetts has a three (3) day waiting period. You may obtain a court waver to waive the three (3) day waiting period but additional fees are required by the courts and vary from Court to Court.
If either of you are close to death, or if the bride is near the end of her pregnancy, a request by your attending physician or clergyperson would suffice and the clerk could issue a license immediately without the three (3) day way or a Court ordered waiver.
Witnesses
Witnesses are not requirede in Massachusetts. The Officiant, if effect, serves that purpose for the Commonwealth.