Marriage license · Free to use

Massachusetts marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Massachusetts's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Massachusetts marriage license at a glance

Fee: $50 at Cambridge City Hall (Middlesex County). Boston's Registry also lists $50. Waiting period: 3 days between filing the marriage intention and using the license; a court order can waive the wait. How long it is valid: 60 days from the date of application.

Massachusetts marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $50 at Cambridge City Hall (Middlesex County). Boston's Registry also lists $50. (Source: cambridgema.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 3 days between filing the marriage intention and using the license; a court order can waive the wait. (Source: cambridgema.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: 60 days from the date of application. (Source: cambridgema.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Valid in any Massachusetts city or town, but not outside Massachusetts. (Source: cambridgema.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Ordained clergy in good standing, certain justices of the peace, and other listed religious officials; the statute lists several denominations. A one-time designation is also possible. (Source: malegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: 18 or older, and not currently married. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both partners bring valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, state ID or military ID) and their Social Security numbers. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Any city or town clerk's office; both applicants go together in person. Boston requires an appointment. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: No online license application found. Boston lets you book the in-person appointment online; Cambridge says the process cannot be completed through the mail. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Boston lists a copy of the marriage certificate at $12 in person or $14 by mail; Cambridge links to an online certified copy order. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Massachusetts?

$50 at Cambridge City Hall (Middlesex County). Boston's Registry also lists $50.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Massachusetts?

3 days between filing the marriage intention and using the license; a court order can waive the wait.

How long is a Massachusetts marriage license valid?

60 days from the date of application.

Who can officiate a wedding in Massachusetts?

Ordained clergy in good standing, certain justices of the peace, and other listed religious officials; the statute lists several denominations. A one-time designation is also possible.

How do you get a certified copy of a Massachusetts marriage certificate?

Boston lists a copy of the marriage certificate at $12 in person or $14 by mail; Cambridge links to an online certified copy order.

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