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 in order to sign the required forms in front of the Town Clerk's staff.
  • Swear or affirm to an oath under the penalties of perjury.

A marriage license is valid throughout Massachusetts for up to 60 days from the date of application. A three day waiting period is required for processing the license, however, a court waiver is available by petition before a district court judge under special circumstances (a fee to the court is required for this action).  The Massachusetts Legislature is mandating proof of age for all parties intending to marry. Any of the following documents are considered proof of age: a driver's license and/or real ID, an original or certified copy of a record of birth; an original or certified copy of a baptismal record; a passport; a life insurance policy; an employment certificate; a school record; an immigration record; a naturalization record; or a court record.  There is no longer a requirement for blood tests in Massachusetts or witnesses at the ceremony.  You are not required to file in the town/city in which the marriage is to be performed.  However, the community in which you file is where the marriage license will be recorded and kept on file on a permanent basis.  You will want to consider where to file since you both will need to appear in person. 

Although divorced persons are not required to provide a copy of their divorce decree, they must be certain that their divorce is final or absolute. If a party is uncertain as to the absolute date of the divorce, they should contact the court where the divorce was granted. Neither party may enter into the Intention of Marriage until a divorce is final or absolute. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce ruling has been granted.

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 where it was originated.

A one-day marriage designation is a procedure to allow a friend or family member to perform a wedding ceremony in Massachusetts.  According to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 207, S. 39, the Governor can designate non-clergy individuals to solemnize a marriage, such as a friend or a family member. It is not meant for a member of the clergy or Justice of the Peace residing in Massachusetts or out of state. The only exception is for clergy residing out of the United States. Click here for more information. 

The Town Clerk serves as a Justice of the Peace for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  If you wish to use a Justice of the Peace for the solemnization of a marriage, please contact the Town Clerk at 978-688-9501.

In North Andover, the fee to apply for a marriage license is $40.00. A certified copy of your marriage certificate is $10.00. 

For further information or if you need additional assistance, please call the Town Clerk's Office at 978-688-9501.