Complete Wedding Guide
Getting Married in Massachusetts
Everything you need to know about marriage licenses, requirements, costs, and planning your wedding in Massachusetts. Massachusetts pairs Cape Cod beaches and Martha's Vineyard elegance with Boston's historic landmarks and the Berkshires' mountain retreats for quintessential New England celebrations.
Massachusetts Marriage License Requirements
Massachusetts allows friends or family to obtain a one-day authorization to officiate your wedding through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The 3-day waiting period can be waived for a fee.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Massachusetts?
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and justices of any court. Justices of the peace. Massachusetts also allows anyone to apply for a one-day solemnization authorization through the governor's office.
Wedding Costs in Massachusetts
Average Wedding Cost
$42,000
This includes venue, catering, photography, attire, and other typical wedding expenses in Massachusetts.
Average Guest Count
140
The typical Massachusetts wedding hosts 140 guests. Plan your seating, catering, and photo sharing accordingly.
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
The most popular seasons to get married in Massachusetts. Book venues early during peak season.
Popular Wedding Regions in Massachusetts
Boston
Historic landmarks, waterfront hotels, museum venues, and world-class dining in a walkable city.
Cape Cod & Islands
Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket offer exclusive island weddings, while Cape Cod has seaside charm for every budget.
The Berkshires
Western Massachusetts mountains with cultural venues, inns, and spectacular fall foliage.
Top Wedding Venues in Massachusetts
How to Get Married in Massachusetts: Step by Step
Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit the City or Town Clerk in Massachusetts with your partner. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of age, and the license fee of $50. Both partners must appear in person.
Wait 3 days
After receiving your license, you must wait 3 days before the ceremony. Your license is valid for 60 days after issuance, so plan your ceremony date within that window.
Choose Your Officiant
In Massachusetts, your wedding can be officiated by ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Make sure your officiant is properly authorized before the ceremony.
Hold Your Ceremony
Have your ceremony at your chosen Massachusetts venue. Massachusetts does not require witnesses, though many couples still choose to have them.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license and return it to the City or Town Clerk. Once filed, you will receive your official marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage.
Massachusetts Wedding Planning Tips
Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket require ferry logistics so plan guest transportation carefully
Peak foliage in the Berkshires (early to mid October) is spectacular but books a year or more out
Boston has strict noise ordinances so check venue curfew policies before booking
Planning your Massachusetts wedding? Collect every guest photo.
Once you have your marriage license sorted, make sure every guest can share their photos and videos. With Pix Wedding, guests scan a QR code and instantly upload to your shared album. No app downloads. No hassle.
Create Your Free AlbumNo credit card required. Setup takes under 2 minutes.
Explore Massachusetts Wedding Venues
Browse our guide to the best wedding venues across Massachusetts.
Wedding Photo Sharing in Massachusetts
Learn how to collect every guest photo at your Massachusetts wedding.
Popular Wedding Searches in Massachusetts
Wedding Guides for Other States
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage laws and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your local City or Town Clerk in Massachusetts before making plans. Last reviewed: 2026.
Massachusetts Marriage & Wedding FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A marriage license in Massachusetts costs $50. You can apply at the City or Town Clerk. No residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can apply as well.
Massachusetts has a 3 days waiting period after the marriage license is issued before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and justices of any court. Justices of the peace. Massachusetts also allows anyone to apply for a one-day solemnization authorization through the governor's office.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent in Massachusetts is 18. Massachusetts does not allow minors to marry.
No. Massachusetts does not require a blood test for a marriage license. No US state currently requires blood tests for marriage.
The average wedding in Massachusetts costs $42,000 with an average guest count of 140. Summer and Fall are the most popular seasons for weddings in Massachusetts. Popular wedding regions include Boston, Cape Cod & Islands, The Berkshires.
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Invitation Wording
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Best Way to Get Guest Photos
The single method with the highest participation rate.
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