Marriage Certificates

There is a three-step process to acquire a valid Marriage Certificate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which can be carried out with the help of any Clerk in any community.

Step 1. Acquisition of a Marriage Intention

The mandatory first step is to come to the Town Clerk’s Office in person to file your Intentions with basic info about yourself, your fiance, and your wedding.

Who Needs to Be There to Apply for the License? Who Can I Marry?

Both parties need to be present at the time of the application. The sole exceptions to joint filings are if one member of the filing party is not able to be present on account of being incarcerated in a county house of correction or a state correctional facility, OR serving in the military overseas. Marriage is restricted to those 18 years old or older, and individuals who are not blood relatives. More information on marriage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and on same-sex marriage can be found in the links at the bottom of this page.

What Do I Need to Bring To The Clerk’s Office?

Proof of identity for both parties is required. A driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate are valid forms of proof. For those who have been divorced prior to this application, proof of your divorce is not required, however it is a necessity that this divorce be final and valid for 120 days at that time.

How Much Does The Intention Cost?

The cost for the Intention is $20.00.

Step 2. Acquisition of a Marriage License

How Quick Will I Receive My License?

There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after filing your Intentions with the Clerk. While Sundays and holidays are included in the three days, the day the application is made is not. For example, if you apply on Monday, your License will be issued on or after Friday. You may marry before the three-day processing period is complete if you can obtain a court waiver after filing Intentions. According to MGL Ch. 207:30, if both parties are residents, or non-residents, or one of each, and they need to dispense with the three days, they may do so by applying to the judge of a probate or district court to have the License issued without delay, after filing Intentions with the clerk. Under extraordinary or emergency circumstances, such as if the death of either party is imminent or a female is nearing the end of her pregnancy, an authorized request by a minister or clergy person or an attending physician shall suffice and the clerk can issue the certificate without delay.

What Do I Do With the License?

After the three-day waiting period, the License can be picked up at the Clerk's Office and used at the wedding. 

How Long is the License Valid For?

The form is valid up to 60 days after its signing and notarization by the Clerk.

Who Can Officiate My Wedding and Sign the License?

A member of the clergy, a justice of the peace, or even a layperson may perform this service. In order for a layperson to obtain special permission to perform a marriage, they must contact the Governor’s Office at Governor (617) 727-5787 to obtain an application for a one-time special appointment to solemnize a marriage. After approval, a $25 fee is paid to the Commissions Division of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Additionally the Town Clerk is also a Justice of the Peace and is available to perform marriages please call ahead to make sure they are available (978) 363-1100 x110.  

What If My Officiant Is Not From Massachusetts?

If an out-of-state officiant is to perform the marriage, they must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony. This certificate, which is issued by the Public Records Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, is to be attached to the original license and returned to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. Please call (617) 727-2836 for more information.

Step 3. Acquisition of a Marriage Certificate

After the License is signed by the wedding's Officiant and then returned to the Clerk's Office within 14 days by mail or in person by the Officiant or the couple, the License will be processed and registered. You may purchase your marriage certificate from the West Newbury Town Clerk's Office at any time in the future on that day or in 10 years.

Where can I get a copy of my Marriage Certificate?

The West Newbury Clerk's Office is the only location where your Marriage Certificate will be on file for perpetuity. If you would like to order a Certificate, you must do so online click here or stop in our office to pick up a copy.

How Much Does The Certificate Cost?

The cost of the Certificate is $10.00 per copy.

 

Further Information

Information about Getting Married in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Law on Same Sex Marriages