Marriage License

Marriage Intention and License Pursuant to M.G.L Chapter207

wedding ringsCouples seeking to be married in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within 60 days must apply for a Marriage License at a city or town office in Massachusetts by filling out an Intention of Marriage Form. In order to apply for a Marriage License in Shrewsbury, the couple must appear together at the Town Clerk's Office during office hours.  Each person must be at least 18 years of age. 

The forms usually take up to 30 minutes to complete. Please appear at least 30 minutes before Town Hall is scheduled to close. 

Town Hall Hours of Operation (Effective 4/6/23)
Monday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

FAQ:

What do we need to bring to apply?

You and your future spouse will need to go in person to your city or town clerk to fill out the Intention of Marriage form. You’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or passport*
  • Your Social Security number
  • $25 for the Filing Fee
  • The name you’ll use after the wedding if you’ve decided to change it

*Proof of age of the parties and verifying that both parties are not less than 18 years of age. Such proof shall be contained in any of the following documents, graded and taking precedence in the following order: (i) an original or certified copy of a record of birth; (ii) an original or certified copy of a baptismal record; (iii) a passport; (iv) a life insurance policy;(v) an employment certificate; (vi) a school record; (vii) an immigration record; (viii) a naturalization record; or (ix) a court record.  Drivers license or State Id are acceptable also.

You will need to know additional basic information such as your Place of Birth and Parents' Names at Birth. After filling out the Intention, you will take an Oath certifying all information submitted is true. The Filing Fee is $25.00 (cash, check, or money order). Checks should be made out to "Town of Shrewsbury." 

When will we receive our license?

Either party will be able to pick up the license after the waiting period of (3) Three Days following the filing of the Marriage Intention.

Under extenuating circumstances, and for good reason, if you wish to speed up this process and attempt to waive the three-day waiting period, you may file a Marriage without Delay court form. If a waiver is granted, you should submit the waiver when filing the Marriage Intention and the Marriage License will be issued immediately. 

When picking up the Marriage License, only one party needs to be present. This person will be responsible for verifying that all information printed on the License is correct. 

How long is our Marriage License valid for?

Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the day that the intention is filed. If the License expires, the couple will need to return the expired License and re-apply for a new one. 

Who can conduct my wedding in Massachusetts?

There are 4 primary groups of people who can officiate at weddings in Massachusetts. Each group needs to meet different requirements to get licensed.

  • In-state Clergy Member — If you’d like to be married by a member of the clergy who lives in Massachusetts, they are most likely already authorized to perform the ceremony. However, if they haven’t performed a marriage in the state before, they’ll need to file 3 forms with the Commissions Section of the Public Records Division.
  • In-state Justice of the Peace* — Justices of the Peace are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, and some are authorized to perform marriages. Contact the Town Clerk's Office for more information if you’d like to be married by a Justice of the Peace.
  • Out-of-state Clergy Member or Justice of the Peace — Clergy members or Justices of the Peace who are authorized in other states to perform marriages have to file the non-resident, out-of-state clergy petition to get a certificate to officiate your ceremony. They shouldn’t file the application more than 6 weeks before your wedding day. Once your officiant-to-be gets the certificate — usually 2–4 weeks after applying — they have to file it with the city or town clerk that will issue your marriage license within 10 days of the ceremony.
  • Anyone with a 1-day Designation — If you want a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, they can apply for a 1-day designation. They must fill out an application online or by mail from 6 months to 1 week before your wedding date. There is no residency requirement for 1-day designations.

*It should be noted that there is no resident Justice of the Peace at Shrewsbury Town Hall. In order to be married, couples will need to make plans with someone who is qualified to officiate a wedding in MA. A list of recommended Justices of the Peace in the area is available by request.

How should our Officiant (Solemnizer) fill out and submit the license?

It is important that the marriage license is filled out correctly in order not to delay validity of the marriage and issuance of a Marriage Certificate. Instructions for the Solemnizer are included with the marriage license and can be found here. Once the information is completed, the Solemnizer is responsible for submitting the License either by mail with the envelope provided, in person at the Town Clerk's Office, or by depositing it into the black "Town Bills & Correspondence" box in the front of Town Hall. If the Solemnizer received a one-day designation, the original One-day Solemnizer Certificate as issued by the Governor must be included with the completed Marriage License.  

The completed Marriage License should be submitted to the Shrewsbury Town Clerk's Office no later than the 10th day of the month following the marriage. 

How do we receive a Certified Copy of our Marriage Certificate with a raised seal?

Once the Town Clerk's Office receives and validates the completed Marriage License from the Solemnizer, a Marriage Certificate may be requested and issued. The fee for each copy is $10.00  (cash, check, or money order). If you are requesting a Certified Copy of your Marriage Certificate for the first time, please call first to confirm that we have received the completed Marriage License from the Solemnizer.

 A request may be submitted by mail, by phone at 508-841-8507, or by email: clerk@shrewsburyma.gov

For more information visit:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/getting-married-in-massachusetts-before-the-wedding

https://www.mass.gov/guides/getting-married-in-massachusetts-after-the-wedding