Everyone in Massachusetts must file an “intention of Marriage”.
Appointments may be made by emailing or calling the Town Clerk’s Office at nbeverly@williamstownma.gov or (413) 217-0356.
Frequently Asked Questions
May an out-of-state license be used?
No, all people who marry in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts. An out-of-state license cannot be used.
How do we apply for a marriage license?
You both must apply in person for a marriage license. This requirement is applicable to both residents and non-residents of the Commonwealth. According to Massachusetts law, you must jointly file intentions to marry, and you may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state. If a person is in the military, either party may file intentions, provided one is a Massachusetts resident. A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date 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.
May we marry before the three-day waiting period for good reasons?
Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions.
How do we obtain a waiting-period 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.
Waivers can be obtained at:
- Northern Berkshire District Court, 111 Holden St, North Adams. Mon – Thurs 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Phone – 413-663-5339 and a filing fee.
- Berkshire Probate Court, 44 Bank Row, Pittsfield 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Mon –Thurs. Phone -413-442-6941 and a filing fee.
You must bring your photo ID and cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard to pay the fee.
You should always call in advance to be sure there is a Judge available to authorize the waiver.
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The fee in Williamstown is $25.00, which includes a certified copy that we will mail to you after the wedding has been recorded in our records. However, this fee may vary within different communities in the state.
Are there age requirements?
Yes- A person may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. Proof of age is required.
What if one of us is under 18?
You cannot be married in Massachusetts.
Is a medical certificate or blood test required before a license can be issued?
No, medical certificates and blood tests are no longer required in Massachusetts.
What if one or both of us has been divorced?
You are not required to present a divorce certificate when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that his/her divorce is absolute.
If you are uncertain as to the absolute date of your divorce, you should contact the court where the divorce was granted. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for the divorce.
Is there any special requirement for widow or widower who is remarrying?
No.
Do we need any witnesses present at the ceremony?
Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. However, if a member of the clergy performs the ceremony, you should ensure that you are in conformity with the appropriate religious tenets.
What are the responsibilities of the member of the clergy or the justice of the peace?
The member of the clergy or the justice of the peace must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued.
What should be done if an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage?
If an out of state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, the clergyperson must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of State prior to the ceremony. This certificate, which is issued by the Commissions Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is to be attached to the original license and returned to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. For further information contact:
Commissions Division
Office of the Secretary of State
One Ashburton Place, Room 1703
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-2836
Is it possible for a relative or friend to solemnize a wedding?
Yes, it is possible for a non-minister or non-justice of the peace (such as a relative or family friend) to obtain permission to perform a marriage from the Commissions Office. Visit the Secretary of State’s Office website to learn more or apply: One Day Designation. The official term for the application is one day designation certificate to solemnize a marriage.
For additional assistance you may also contact:
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Department of Public Health
150 Mt. Vernon Street
Dorchester, MA 02125-2600
(617) 740-2600