Kenneth E. Amaral
Justice of the Peace
Performing Custom Weddings
Some Common Questions Regarding Your Marriage License
1. How do I apply for a marriage license? According to Massachusetts Law, you must jointly file intentions to marry with the city or town clerk in any community in the state.
2. Is there a waiting period? Yes, there is a mandatory three day waiting period.
3. May we marry before the three day waiting period? Yes, if you obtain a court waiver.
4. Is a blood test required? No, a blood test is no longer needed.
5. Is it necessary to have witnesses present at the ceremony? Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. Under Massachusetts law the Justice of the Peace is the witness.
6. At what age may a person be married? A Massachusetts resident may marry if they have reached the age of 18 years or older at the time of the application.
7. How long is a marriage license valid? A marriage license, once obtained is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed and may be used in any city or town in the Commonwealth.
8. Are Marriage licenses from other states valid in Massachusetts? No. A license from another state is not valid in Massachusetts.
9. I live in another state can I be married in Massachusetts? At least one party to the union must live in Massachusetts or you must demonstrate to the clerk your intent to live in Massachusetts.
10. Can I be married by proxy in Massachusetts? No. Massachusetts does not allow proxy marriages.
11. What happens if you forget the license? The marriage will not be performed.
12. Can I make a photo copy of the License? No. The license must be recorded with the clerk who issued it. You may obtain an official copy from the clerk’s office for a fee. I will provide you with a Souvenir Marriage Certificate.
13. Where is the marriage license filed? The license will be filed with the clerk who issued it. This may not be the same city or town where the ceremony was performed.
14. Are we required to choose a ceremony offered by the Justice of the Peace? No. The ceremonies offered are optional. You are not required to use any of them. You may write your own vows or allow the Justice to use traditional vows at no additional fee.
15. What fees can I expect to pay? Fees are established by the Commonwealth and are $125 for weddings outside the JP's hometown and $75 within the JP's hometown..
