Massachusetts Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

Massachusetts marriage licenses are issued by municipal clerks in each city and town, and the application fee varies by municipality, typically ranging from approximately $4 to $50. Applicants should confirm the exact fee amount with the clerk's office in the municipality where they plan to apply, as each jurisdiction sets its own fee schedule. The state imposes a three-day waiting period from the date the application is filed; however, this waiting period may be waived upon court order, which may involve an additional fee.

Once issued, a Massachusetts marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date of application. Couples should plan accordingly to ensure the license is used within this validity window. This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Massachusetts license guide → · Compare fee models by state →