Who Can Perform Marriages In Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has four primary groups of people who can officiate at weddings: in-state clergy members, resident clergy members, and ministers or clergy. To get licensed, each group must meet specific requirements. In-state clergy members can register with the state and obtain a one-day marriage designation. Ministers ordained through the Universal Life Church have performed thousands of legal marriages in Massachusetts.

To officiate a wedding in Massachusetts, applicants must fill out an application and contact the Secretary of the Commonwealths office. Each state has its own laws regarding the authority to perform marriage, and ordained ministers have the authority to solemnize marriage. A Massachusetts marriage license is required, with a three-day waiting period and a 90-day validity. The license can be purchased anywhere in Massachusetts, as long as the couple gets married in Massachusetts.

Minors are allowed to officiate a wedding in Massachusetts, but witnesses are not required. The couple must make a declaration of intent to be married and the officiant must declare that the couple is wed. The process of officiating a wedding in Massachusetts is up to the couple, the couple, and the community.

Does Massachusetts recognize foreign marriages?

If youre a resident of Massachusetts getting married out-of-state or if you move here after youre married, dont worry.Ceremonies conducted in other states—as well as by designated people in foreign countries— are recognized as valid in the Bay State. To provide proof of your marriage or get new IDs in Massachusetts, just follow the same process with your out-of-state marriage certificate, as well as any additional steps you may need to take toconvert an out-of-state license. Massachusetts doesnt keep records of out-of-state marriages, so youll need to get your certificate from the state where you were married.

By taking care of all your newlywed paperwork up front, you and your spouse can relax and enjoy life as a married couple.

Share this guide with family and friends who have gotten married in the Bay State. Have questions about your big day? Tweet us@MassGov.

How to get legally married in the USA?

• Check the legal requirements: The first step in obtaining a marriage license is to check the legal requirements in the state where you plan to get married. Requirements can vary by state, but generally, you must be at least 18 years old and not already married. Some states may require a waiting period after obtaining the license before you can legally get married.
• Gather necessary documents: Once you know the requirements, gather the necessary documents, which typically include government-issued photo identification (such as a drivers license or passport), proof of residency, and possibly a birth certificate. Some states may also require additional documentation, such as proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse.
• Apply for the license: To apply for the marriage license, you will need to go to the local county clerks office or other designated office in the jurisdiction where you plan to get married. You will need to fill out an application and provide the necessary documents. Some states may require both parties to be present, while others may allow only one party to apply in person.
• Pay the fee: There is typically a fee for obtaining a marriage license, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
• Receive the license: Once your application is approved and the fee is paid, you will be issued a marriage license. The license is typically valid for a certain period, usually between 30 and 90 days, and must be used within that time frame.
• Get married: After you receive your marriage license, you can legally get married. You will need to have the license signed by the officiant and witnesses at the wedding ceremony, and then return the signed license to the county clerks office or other designated office within the required time frame to have the marriage officially recorded.

Its important to note that requirements and procedures can vary by state and local jurisdiction, so its always a good idea to check with the local county clerks office or other designated office for specific requirements and procedures.

Marriage Licenses and U.S. Immigration. If you and your spouse are interested in applying for a marriage-based green card, you may be wondering about the role your marriage license plays in your application and U.S. immigration journey in general.

How can I get married in MA without a ceremony?

First, you need to head to your local Registry Department with your fiance/e and fill out the Marriage Intention Form. This serves as a marriage license application. You will need to bring a valid ID, your social security number, the required fee, and your new name if you are changing it after the wedding.

There is a three-day wait period after applying for your license. After the three days have passed, you can collect your license. You have sixty days to get married before the license expires, so if unforeseen events arise and delay your wedding, you may have to reapply.

First, you need to head to your local Registry Department with your fiance/e and fill out the Marriage Intention Form. This serves as a marriage license application. You will need to bring a valid ID, your social security number, the required fee, and your new name if you are changing it after the wedding.

Can a non-US citizen officiate a wedding?

Can I officiate weddings in the U.S.? Yes, with the exception of the state of Nevada. The state of Nevada currently has minister registration laws that make it prohibitive for non-us citizens to officiate wedding ceremonies in the state.

Yes, with the exception of the state of Nevada. The state of Nevada currently has minister registration laws that make it prohibitive for non-us citizens to officiate wedding ceremonies in the state. That being said, you can conduct the wedding ceremony in Nevada so long as an authorized person signs the marriage license.

In the other 49 states and US territories you do not need to be a US citizen to officiate wedding ceremonies. Most religious institutions predate the founding of the American Republic and the US Constitution was set up to respect the rights of all religious officials regardless of nationality.

Consider the Catholic church for instance. Many Catholic Priests, Bishops, and so on are not US citizens however they regularly conduct marriage rites.

Who is allowed to officiate a wedding in Massachusetts?

According to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 207, S. 39, the Governor can designate non-clergy individuals to solemnize a marriage, such as a friend or a family member. It is not meant for a member of the clergy or Justice of the Peace residing in Massachusetts or out of state. The only exception is for clergy residing out of the United States.

What are the law requirements for marriage in Massachusetts?

FindLaw Newsletters Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your lifeCode SectionM.G.L. Chapter 207 et seqAge RequirementsBoth parties must be at least 18 years of age.Residency RequirementNoneIdentification RequirementsValid drivers license or state-issued identification, or passportSame Sex MarriageYes.

Created byFindLaws team of legal writers and editors Last reviewed August 31, 2023.

. The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of ourcontributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, pleasecontact an attorney in your area.

If you want to get married in Massachusetts, youll have to get a marriage license first. Heres what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a marriage license in the Bay State.

What happens if a foreigner gets married in the US?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.

Can Universal Life Church ministers perform marriages in Massachusetts?

Once you obtain your minister license, officiating a wedding is easy. In fact legally licensed ministers of the ULC perform tons of marriages in Massachusetts each year.

Acushnet. Acushnet Town Hall, 122 Main Street Acushnet, MA 02743.

743-8300 ext 176 743-8316 Adams website »

827-4100 ext. 3 827-4105 Ashburnham website »

Can you get married the same day in Massachusetts?

You can also have a friend or family member marry you with a One-Day Marriage Designation. Clergy from outside of Massachusetts can marry you as long as they get state authorization. You can also be married at City Hall.

Any couple can get married as long as each person is 18 or older, andcurrently not married. You must also apply for a marriage license, also called a marriage intention.

A marriage license is only good to use for 60 days in Massachusetts from the date you applied. You also cant use the marriage license outside of Massachusetts. Youhave to get married in the state.

To apply for a marriage license, couples must apply together and in person, and you need to make an appointment. Useour online booking application to select a day and time for your appointment. Please be aware that an appointment slot has not been reserved until you hit submit.

Does the officiant have to return the marriage license in Massachusetts?

Witnesses & Marriage Solemnizer. Massachusetts does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony.

The Officiant is responsible or completing and signing the original license and returning it to the clerk of the town where the license was issued. The officiant may be a member of the clergy, justice of the peace, or a one-day solemnizer.

If the officiant is an out-of-state clergy member, the clergyperson must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony. This certificate is attached to the license and returned to the town clerk.

If you wish to have a relative or family friend solemnize the marriage, he/she can apply for a One-Day Designation to Solemnize a Marriage. The fee is $25.

How to become ordained to officiate a wedding in Massachusetts?

Purpose:. A one-time designation certificate allows an individual to officiate a marriage ceremony on a specific date. The application must be approved by the Governors office before the Secretarys office can issue the certificate. The application is valid only for ceremonies within Massachusetts, and by a person who is not otherwise authorized to officiate a marriage ceremony. To learn about marriage requirements, visit getting married in Massachusetts (opens in new window or tab).

Clergy and others who are authorized to solemnize marriages in other states should obtain the Non-Resident Clergy Petition. Obtain this form (opens in new window or tab) from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

• Ceremony and residency requirements:. The ceremony must be performed in a city or town within Massachusetts.
• There is no residency requirement for the applicant, or either party.

Can you marry someone in another country if you’re already married?

If you are already married to someone in the U.S., what happens overseas may be up to the foreign country where it occurs. If polygamy is recognized in another country, you may be able to get married again. However, if you return to the U.S., your additional foreign marriage will generally not be recognized. If you are already married in the U.S., you have toget legally divorcedor widowed before you can remarry.

Laws in this area vary significantly from state to state and country to country. To be fully prepared for a wedding in a foreign country, you should contact a local, experienced family law attorney before planning a wedding in a foreign country.