The Process of Getting Married in MA

 

(Please view fees at the bottom of this web page OR click on the FEES Link to the right of this page.)

REQUIREMENTS TO MARRY IN MASSACHUSETTS

1. Couple getting married (18 years or older)

2. The Justice of the Peace / Officiant

3. A valid marriage license (Massachusetts Certificate of Marriage)

• Cost varies from town to town.
• Couple must go together to town or city clerk to fill out an application of intent to marry (Bring proof of age and birth certificate).
• Does not need to be the town you live in or where you are getting married.
• There is a three (3) day waiting period before you can pick-up license.
• License is valid for sixty (60) days.
• When picking up license, make sure all information is correct.
• Contact a Justice of the Peace / Officiant.
• Marriage license must be left with the JP / Officiant to mail back to the town or city clerk within ten (10) days.
• The JP / Officiant cannot give you a copy of the signed license once you hand it to him / her. He / She must return it to the town or city clerk where it was applied for so that they can stamp the license to make it official. Once this is done, for a small fee, the couple can obtain a copy from the town or city clerk. However...
• I do provide each couple with a Certificate of Marriage at the end of the ceremony, which may be witnessed by members of the wedding party simply by having them sign on the witness lines. This makes the couple feel a little at ease by having some sort of documentation until they can pick up a copy of their actual marriage license. This certificate is very attractive and often times the wedding photographer will ask the couple to pose with it for an additional picture of their wedding album.
• In addition to receiving a Certificate of Marriage, I also provide each couple with a typed copy of their wedding vows.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Marriage License and Officiant Payment: are due before the ceremony begins. There are two reasons for this. First, and most importantly, an officiant cannot perform your ceremony until they view the expiration date on your Marriage License. This is required by Massachusetts law. Secondly, once the ceremony ends, couples are very excited to go and take part in the picture session of their wedding. An officiant does not feel comfortable, nor do they want to interfere in this special part of your wedding. In addition, most JPs must leave to perform other ceremonies. Therefore, to make it easier for all, it is best to put the officiant payment in the same envelope with the Marriage License and give it to the best man since this must be handed to the officiant upon arrival of your ceremony. By giving this to the best man the officiant does not have to overwhelm the couple with having to ask for this when they are so busy trying to get ready for the most important moment of their lives -- their wedding!

Ceremony Time and Guest Arrival: It is extremely, extremely important that all guests arrive on time so that the ceremony can start on time. While it is normal for ceremonies to start a few minutes behind for one reason or another, any additional time after that is going to prove to be costly to the couple getting married. This could mean additional cost for the reception hall having to pay their catering services / employee salaries for overtime, the limousine driver, the officiant, photographer, DJ, etc. While I have never, ever charged for additional time, it is becoming more of a timing problem for me as an officiant when wedding ceremonies do not start on time. I often conduct two ceremonies in one day, so I schedule them with enough travel time, as well as enough time to get to each ceremony early enough in the event that I am needed for any last minute changes. I would never, ever want to be late for your ceremony, so I ask that this not happen to other couples who I have committed myself to that day for their ceremony as well. This is where it is very important that you do your best, as a couple, to make sure that this does not happen. An idea to get your guest to arrive on time is for you to tell your guest that your ceremony is at 4:00 p.m., when it is really going to start at 4:30 p.m. This way, there will not be an additional cost to you, at least from my end.

Rehearsals: There will also never be any additional cost to you other than my fee of $200.00 for my attending your rehearsal, if however, your wedding party shows up on time.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I WORK FULL TIME, THEREFORE, WITH THAT IN MIND, AND BECAUSE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ATTEND REHEARSALS BEFORE 7:00 P.M.

RELIGIOUS / NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

While I am Catholic, I am not a practicing Catholic. Therefore, I will and do perform all types of ceremonies based upon your religious belief. However, in an effort to not insult anyone because I am not familiar with your religion, I never, ever incorporate any religious quotes in a ceremony unless I am asked to do so. And because I am not familiar with your religion, I will always rely on you to help me with whatever it is that you want me to say or do to assure that it is done correctly. Each and every one of my vows are special, unique, individualized and very meaningful for each of my clients. Having said that, if you want me to include a particular religious quote, I am very happy to do so. I am very open-minded towards all faiths and beliefs.

Non-Denominational Ceremonies: A non-denominational is a ceremony that is not of a particular denomination and is based upon what couples want for their ceremony.

ReligiousCeremonies: A particular denomination (e.g., Jewish, Catholic, Baptist, etc.) or combination of denominations; characterized by defining religious rituals or traditions from one or more denominations.

Non-Religious Ceremonies: There is no religion attached to this ceremony whatsoever. However, your ceremony is just as meaningful, warm, special, and loving as with any other ceremony. You can be as creative as you wish with your vows.

InterfaithCeremonies: A combination or blend of religions ranging from only some religion to being entirely religious.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY

Can a couple select their own vows?

• Definitely. There are a number of sample vows that you can choose from.
• You can even write your own vows.

Do we have to speak at the ceremony?

• While you do have to repeat a few things after your officiant, your officiant does most of the speaking.
• Massachusetts Law provides a lot of room in what is, and isn't required at weddings. If you wanted to just say "I do" that is acceptable.

Can we Include Others in the Ceremony?

• Of course, I strongly encouragage you to include others in your ceremony.
• Family and friends can do readings, take part in the Unity Candle lighting, be a best man, bridesmaid, usher, ring barrier, etc.
• It is the couple's call on what they wish for their ceremony.

Do we Need Rings?

• No, but most couples do, since it is tradition.

Do we Need Witnesses at the Ceremony?

• Per Massachusetts State Law, witnesses are not required to be present at the ceremony.
• This decision is entirely up to the couple getting married.

Where the Ceremony is Held?

• The ceremony is held where ever you wish -- at your home, at a hotel or function hall, at the beach, at a baseball field -- as long as it is in Massachusetts, it's your call.

Do we Have to Hold a Rehearsal?

• This is very important if you plan on having more than a basic ceremony, but not a must.If you are having a small wedding party, e.g., just the couple, maid of honor, and best man, then no. You would be wasting your money. The wedding planner and / or officiant is always on hand before the ceremony and can instruct you on how to line up beforehand.
• It is important if you do have a large wedding party and you want everyone to feel comfortable in their role in the ceremony. This also makes everyone feel relaxed before your big day
• If you are not having a wedding party included in your ceremony, I honestly find this to be a waste of your time and money.
• My fee for attending a rehearsal is $200.00 and is due on the day of the ceremony rehearsal.

Is it necessary for a Pre-Nuptial Meeting With Our Officiant?

• No, but it does brings ease to the couple getting married.
• It gives them the opportunity to decide on vows.
• Provides an opportunity for the couple to get to know the JP / Officiant and the JP / Officiant to know the couple.
• An initial meeting with me is considered to be a Pre-nuptial meeting.
• My fee for a Pre-nuptial meeting is $50.00 and is due on the day of the of the Pre-nuptial meeting.

What does an Officiant Wear at a Ceremony?

• A black robe for a more formal wedding. If a bride is wearing a gown, and a groom is wearing a suit or tux, the appropriate thing for your officiant to do is to always wear their robe. (Not their bathrobe -- of course!!!).
• Business attire for an informal wedding (beach or backyard ceremony).

How Does a Couple Renew Their Vows?

• Basically it is very similar to a wedding ceremony.
• It can be a small or large ceremony.
• Renewal vows are available.

Therefore, I cannot, and will not, allow others to take credit for materials that I have written, and will, without a doubt, pursue the matter legally. If you are using materials written by Carol J. Merletti I will pursue it.