Massachusetts has a long history of cultural innovation, which is why so many couples are planning their weddings here. If you are engaged and asking how to get married in Massachusetts, this guide will answer your questions, from the requirements and logistics to the best time of year and popular locations to choose from. As a team of professional photographers, videographers, and editors with years of experience supporting our couples, we have the expertise to show you everything you need to know about getting married in Massachusetts.
Most questions our couples ask fall into these six categories:
- What are the steps to get legally married in Massachusetts?
- When/how fast can we do it?
- How can we customize our experience?
- What time of year should we choose to get married?
- How much does it cost to get married in Massachusetts?
- What are the best locations?
Requirements and Logistics
When couples decide they are getting married in Massachusetts,they often begin researching the requirements before making any official plans. Accomplishing these tasks is key to ensuring that your day runs smoothly.
How to Get Legally Married in Massachusetts
The first step is applying for a marriage license. To acquire a license, you must be:
- 18 years or older
- Both need to appear in person at the clerk’s office
- Fill out a Notice of Intention of Marriage
- Provide a valid ID
- Provide Social Security number
- Pay $50-$100, depending on the town
There is no residency requirement, meaning you can live anywhere and still meet the requirements for getting married in Massachusetts.
They do have a 3-day waiting period after you apply for your marriage license, or you can request a court waiver if you need to receive your license and marry sooner. The marriage license is valid for 60 days.
After your wedding, your officiant (and witnesses, if applicable) will sign it, and the officiant will send it back to the clerk’s office. You will then receive your official marriage certificate in the mail.
Deciding On Your Officiant
We understand that logistics really isn’t the fun part of planning a wedding, so what about the things you can control, like customizing your ceremony? Who can officiate your nuptials?
Our couples value making their wedding day authentic to them and their love story. The options for officiants are:
- Justice of the peace
- Religious officiant
- A friend/family member (via a one-day designation)
Your preferences and personal values can all be taken into consideration when choosing who you want at the altar with you when you say I do.
The Best Time of Year for Getting Married in Massachusetts
As a team of photographers and videographers who specialize in weddings, we know that choosing the right time of year for your wedding can make or break your vision for a perfect day. That’s why we have a whole blog dedicated to the topic of deciding what time of year aligns with your wedding vision.
We recommend choosing based on the season that allows for the most comfortable experience.
If you desire a fully outdoor wedding from ceremony to reception, a spring or summer celebration may be your best option.
But if you like the idea of a winter wonderland wedding, we’ve got you covered, too!
How Much is it to Get Married in Massachusetts?
One of the first questions that comes to mind for our couples when discussing their wedding plans is cost.
How much does it cost to get married in massachusetts? Here’s the breakdown according to the state averages:
- Venue/catering: 40-50% of budget
- Photography/video: $3K-$8K+
- DJ or band: $2K-$10K+
- Flowers/décor: $2K-$10K+
- Attire/beauty: $1K-$5K+
- Planner: ~$2K-$6K+
Getting married in Massachusetts averages about $47,000–$49,000, which is 40% above the national average, making it one of the most expensive states to get married in. But in our opinion, totally worth it! You can’t beat the historic charm, coastal venues, outdoor venues and all four seasons to choose from!
Where to Get Married in Massachusetts?
Once you receive your marriage license, you can have your ceremony anywhere in Massachusetts. It does not have to be in the same town where you applied.
We have documented amazing weddings in a variety of locations, but some of our favorites are Burlington, Boston, and even City Hall!
Burlington, MA
There just aren’t enough good things to say about Burlington weddings, especially Cafe Escadrille. This restaurant location boasts the perfect combo of intimacy and poise. Guests can settle in for a full day of celebrating the couple from the ceremony to the reception while allowing everything to flow naturally.
They offer different spaces for your event, including the Grand Ballroom and the Winter Garden. Cafe Escadrille also has a bridal suite for the bridal party to prepare without worry of interruption or relocation.
Boston Hotel Venues
One of the most sought-after wedding venue genres for getting married in Massachusetts has to be Boston Hotels.
Our team at Love in Focus Studio has mastered the art of traversing the unique ceremonies that take place at these locations. These are popular hotel venue choices because of the convenience of having catering, guest spaces, and the ceremony location all in one place. The atmosphere and visual appearance are also automatically elevated without the need for extra decor.
Some of the best hotel choices in Boston include:
- The Boston Harbor Hotel
- The Lenox Hotel
- The Fairmont Copley Plaza
- The InterContinental Boston
- The Liberty Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
- Omni Parker House
All of these hotels are exquisite choices and can be adapted to meet your personal vision. If you want to learn more about each of these locations, check out our blog about all the Boston hotels.
Boston City Hall
If you fancy something a little less fancy, then perhaps a City Hall wedding is the right choice for you!
We have had the opportunity to photograph beautiful ceremonies at Boston City Hall. There is just something special about an intimate, no-fluff event that is all love and no distraction from the moment.
Getting Married in Massachusetts?
Now that you know all the important details, we would love to connect with you!
Our team members are true experts when it comes to getting married in Massachusetts. We would love to be part of your special day and help you create a memorable experience, authentically yours. Reach out and speak with one of our wedding experts today!
