Marriage License

All persons wishing to marry in Massachusetts must obtain a marriage license issued from a Massachusetts City or Town Clerk's Office of their choice. The two parties to the marriage must jointly apply for the license (file intentions) in person at the Clerk's Office. Marriage licenses are permanently maintained on file at the Clerk's Office where the marriage intention is filed. Marriage Intentions may be filed at the Maynard Town Clerk's Office at the following times :

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
Tuesday: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm.
Friday: 8:30 am - 11:30 am.

Applying for a Marriage License

According to Massachusetts law there is a mandatory three-day waiting period between the time a couple files their Marriage Intentions and when the Marriage License can be issued.

Both parties must appear in person to file their intentions at the Town Clerk’s Office
If a person is in the military, intentions may be filed by either party, providing one is a Massachusetts resident.
If a person is incarcerated in a county house of correction or a state correctional facility, intentions may be filed by either party.

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. The marriage license is not valid outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Marriage without Delay

A couple may request a waiver of the waiting period from a Massachusetts District Court or Probate and Family Court within Middlesex County. For more information, visit: www.mass.gov

License Availability

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 during normal business hours.

Age Guidelines

A Massachusetts resident may marry if 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof or 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.

Previously Married

Neither party is 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 the party is uncertain as to the absolute date of the divorce, they 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.

Ceremony

Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony.

Solemnizer/Clergy

Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at civil ceremonies.

If an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, the clergy member must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony. This certificate must be attached to the original license and returned to the Town Clerk.

For further information, contact:
Division of Public Records
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-2836
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/download/nonresclergyapp.pdf

Applying for a 1-Day Designation/Solemnizer Certificate

A one-time designation certificate allows an individual to officiate a marriage ceremony on a specific date. The application must be approved by the Governor's office before the Secretary's office can issue the certificate. The application is valid only for ceremonies within Massachusetts, and by a person who is not otherwise authorized to officiate a marriage ceremony. To learn about marriage requirements, visit: One Day Solemnizer Information

For more information please call 978-897-1300 or email clerk@townofmaynard.net

FAQs

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.

May we marry before the three days for good reason?

Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions. You should file your intentions first with any city or town clerk. Then, we suggest calling Concord District Court, Clerk's Office 978-369-0500

What is the cost of a marriage license?

Individual communities set the fee for a marriage license. The fee in Maynard is $40 which includes the issuance of one certified copy of the Certificate of Marriage once the marriage has occurred and the certificate has been recorded with the Office of the Town Clerk.

Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?

No, medical certificate are no longer required to be married in Massachusetts.

What are the responsibilities of the member of the clergy or justice of the peace?

The member of the clergy or justice of the peace authorized to solemnize marriages in Massachusetts, must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. A marriage is not deemed valid until the license has been returned to the Office of the Town Clerk where the intention was filed and that office has assigned it a register number and files it with the Department of Vital Records and Statistics.

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