How to Get Legally Married in MA
Getting married is one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences in life. And if planning to tie the in Massachusetts, in luck! State offers process for a marriage license making union official.
Marriage License Requirements
Before can legally marry Massachusetts, need obtain marriage license city town plan married. Requirements obtaining marriage license vary from locality another, generally, following and are necessary:
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Identification | A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver`s license or passport, for both parties. |
Social Security Number | You will need to provide your Social Security number or a waiver if you don`t have one. |
Proof of Age | For under age 18, consent required, court order be necessary. |
Previous Marriages | If party has previously married, need provide date place divorce date spouse`s death. |
Ceremony and Officiants
After your marriage license, free have marriage anywhere Massachusetts. Can have religious secular ceremony, have option married by justice peace, official, or friend family member ordained through recognized organization.
Recorded Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage ceremony has taken place, the person who officiated the wedding is responsible for completing and signing the marriage certificate. After the ceremony, the completed marriage certificate must be returned to the city or town clerk`s office where the marriage license was obtained to be recorded.
Personal Reflection
As who witnessed joy love comes marriage, thrilled share information who embarking journey Massachusetts. Process getting legally married MA relatively simple, couples focus beauty union legalities.
Get Legally Married in MA: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Question | Answer |
---|---|
1. What are the legal requirements for getting married in Massachusetts? | Massachusetts requires that both parties be at least 18 years old or have parental consent. Must obtain marriage license city town marriage take place. |
2. How do I obtain a marriage license in MA? | To obtain a marriage license in Massachusetts, you and your partner must appear together at the city or town clerk`s office, complete an application, and pay a fee. Will need provide identification proof age. |
3. Is there a waiting period after obtaining a marriage license in Massachusetts? | Yes, there is a three-day waiting period after obtaining a marriage license in Massachusetts. Waiting can waived fee court order. |
4. Can I get married in Massachusetts if I am not a resident of the state? | Yes, not resident Massachusetts married state. Must obtain marriage license city town within state. |
5. Are there any blood tests required for marriage in Massachusetts? | No, Massachusetts does not require blood tests for marriage. |
6. Can I have a friend or family member officiate my wedding in Massachusetts? | Yes, Massachusetts allows for a friend or family member to officiate a wedding through a one-day designation as a justice of the peace. |
7. Is there a specific form of marriage ceremony required in Massachusetts? | Massachusetts does not have specific requirements for the form of marriage ceremony. Must conducted presence officiant witnesses. |
8. What is the legal process for changing my name after marriage in Massachusetts? | After marriage in Massachusetts, you can change your name by using your marriage certificate to update your identification, such as your driver`s license and social security card. |
9. Can I get married in Massachusetts if I am already married to someone else? | No, Massachusetts prohibits bigamous marriages. Must legally divorced valid annulment getting married state. |
10. Are same-sex marriages legal in Massachusetts? | Yes, Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, and it continues to recognize and perform same-sex marriages. |
Legal Contract: Getting Legally Married in Massachusetts
This Legal Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into as of the date of acceptance between the parties, hereinafter referred to as “Couple,” with the intention of outlining the legal requirements for getting married in the state of Massachusetts.
Section 1: Legal Requirements |
---|
The Couple must obtain a marriage license from the Town Clerk in the town where the marriage will take place. |
The Couple must be at least 18 years of age, or if between 16-18, obtain a court order from a probate or district court where at least one party resides. |
It is required by law that the Couple must complete the marriage intention form (also known as the Notice of Intention to Marry) and file it with the town clerk at least 3 days before the intended marriage date. |
Section 2: Legal Solemnization Marriage |
---|
The marriage must be solemnized by a person authorized by Massachusetts law to solemnize marriages, such as a justice of the peace, clergy, or an individual designated by a particular religious denomination. |
The Couple must have at least two witnesses present at the marriage ceremony who are over the age of 18 and can sign the marriage license. |
Section 3: Legal Effects Marriage |
---|
Upon completion of the marriage ceremony and the signing of the marriage license by the Couple and the witnesses, the marriage is legally binding and recognized under Massachusetts law. |
Upon receipt of the signed marriage license by the town clerk, the marriage will be officially recorded and a marriage certificate will be issued to the Couple. |
Section 4: Legal Termination Marriage |
---|
In the event that the Couple wishes to terminate the marriage, they must follow the legal procedures for divorce or annulment as outlined in the Massachusetts General Laws. |
The termination of the marriage will only be legally recognized upon the entry of a judgment of divorce or annulment by a court of competent jurisdiction. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the date of acceptance.