Marriage Licenses

A marriage license must be obtained prior to any marriage ceremony. The person performing the marriage may not legally marry you without this important document. We suggest you allow for a minimum of 5 business days prior to your ceremony to obtain a marriage license.

How to apply for a marriage license

A Marriage License may be obtained 3 days following your application and is valid for 60 days after the date of application. You may apply for a Marriage License at any Town (or City) Clerk's Office in Massachusetts. Just remember that your license will remain on file with that town or city should you need to return to obtain certified (official) copies of your license after you are married.

The Bride and Groom (or Party A and Party B) must appear together. Both parties must be 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age. If either party is under 18, a court order from a probate or district court where the minor resides must be obtained before the marriage intentions can be filed.

Fee

Town of Sutton fee is $25.00.

Waiting Period

Massachusetts requires a three-day waiting period once intentions are filed. The day you apply does not count, but you may pick up the certificate (license) on the third day (e.g. if you file on Tuesday, you may pick the Certificate up on Friday).

After the Three-Day Waiting Period Has Passed

The marriage license will need to be picked up in person prior to the ceremony. The Bride, Groom, Party A, Party B, or a person designated by the couple may pick up the license. The individual who picks up the license must verify that all of the information on the license is correct. Marriage certificates cannot be mailed prior to the ceremony.

Blood Test Requirement

Pursuant to Chapter 388 of the Acts of 2004, BLOOD TESTS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED for any couple applying for their Marriage License on or after January 28, 2005.

Divorced and Widowed Applicants

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 divorce.

There are no special requirements for a widow or widower who is remarrying.

What are the responsibilities of the Member of the Clergy or the Justice of the Peace?

The person performing the marriage ceremony must complete and sign the original license (in black ink) and return it to the Town Clerk who issued the marriage license.

What Should Be Done if an Out-Of-State Member of the Clergy is to Perform the Marriage?

The clergy person 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 returned to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. Downloadable Form

Is it Possible For A Layperson 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 special permission to perform a marriage from the Governor.

• For more details, visit the Secretary of State website on One-day solemnization certificate information (includes downloadable application form)
• If you would like more information (or are not a Massachusetts resident), please contact us at 508-865-8725 and we will mail you an informational packet

Are You Changing Your Last Name After You Are Married?

Don't Forget to Notify the Social Security Administration. Here's a link to the SS-5 form (Social Security webpage).