Marriage IntentionsHow to obtain a Marriage License in MassachusettsAll people who marry in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts. An out-of-state license cannot be used. The following information outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain the license. How do you apply for a marriage license?According to Massachusetts law, you must both apply in person for a marriage license. This requirement is applicable to both residents and non-residents of the Commonwealth. In the case of same-sex marriages, both parties must be residents of Massachusetts or show documentation that satisfies the Town Clerk that they intend to reside in Massachusetts after being married. In Massachusetts you may file your intentions 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, provided one is a Massachusetts resident. A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date the intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. It is not valid outside of the state. Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?Yes, there is a mandatory three day waiting period. While Sundays and holidays are included in the three days, the day the application is made is not. For example, if you apply on Friday, your license will be issued on or after Monday. Check with the City of Town Clerk in the city or town in which you intend to file your intentions whether you must pick it up in person, or if it can be mailed. May you marry before the three days for good reason?Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions. How do you obtain a waiver?You should file your intentions first with any city or town clerk. Then an application for a waiver must be filed by both of you at a probate or district court. After a hearing, the court may issue a certificate allowing the marriage license to be issued, and the marriage performed without delay. Couples are strongly advised to make prior arrangements before going to the probate or district court. What is the cost of a marriage license?Although state statute stipulates a fee for a marriage license, it also allows cities and towns by a vote of their city councils, boards of selectmen or town meeting or by a change in the by-laws to set their own fee. So call the city or town in which you plan to file your intentions. At what age may a man or woman marry?A Massachusetts resident may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age. Can you get married if one or both of you is under 18?Yes. If either party is under 18, a court order from a probate or district court where the minor resides must be obtained before the marriage intentions can be filed. Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?No, a medical certificate is no longer necessary. ______________________________________________________________ Your marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed. Medical certificates which are obtained after the filing of intentions are valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed, the length of time the marriage license itself is valid. In order to complete the Marriage Intentions you will need to have the following information for both parties:
|
|
| Selectman Town Clerk Assessors Zoning Board of Appeals Construction in Pelham Code of Pelham Notice Board Committees Tax Payment Center Mission Statement Public Safety Forms About Pelham Schools Contact |