How to Obtain a Marriage License

Persons who wish to obtain a marriage license to be married in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to:

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Appear in person together; and
• Swear or affirm to an oath under the pains and penalties of perjury.

A marriage license is valid throughout Massachusetts for up to sixty (60) days from the date of application.  A 3-day waiting period is required for processing the license.  However, under certain special circumstances, a waiver is available by petition before a district court judge (a fee to the court is required for this action).

Although divorced persons are not required to provide a copy of their divorce decree, they must be certain that the divorce is FINAL or ABSOLUTE.  If a party is uncertain as to the absolute date of the divorce, they are advised to contact the court where the divorce was granted.  Neither party may marry or enter a Notice of Intention of Marriage until a divorce is FINAL or ABSOLUTE.  In Massachusetts, a divorce decree does not become ABSOLUTE until ninety (90) days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for the divorce.

Persons are not required to be residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be married in the State.  However, no person may apply for a license who would otherwise be prohibited from marrying in their home state.

It is the responsibility of the officiant (a member of the clergy or justice of the peace) to complete the marriage certificate and forward the same back to the Clerk's Office for recording.  The certificate is not valid until it has been recorded in the office  from which it originated.

If a member of the clergy is performing the ceremony, the couple should ensure that they are in confority with the appropriate religious tenets.

If an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, a special certificate must be obtained fro the Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to performing the ceremony.  Click here for more information.

In some instances, a couple may wish to have a "lay person" solemnize their marriage.  Click here for more information.

In Rochester, the fee to apply for a marriage license is $25.00.  For further information or if you need additional assistance, please call the Town Clerk's Office at |508| 763-3871, Ext. 117 or email the Town Clerk's Office by clicking here.

The Town of Rochester has initiated an online application process.  To file your marriage intentions online please CLICK HERE.