Marriage License FAQ

Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period.

May we marry before the three days for good reason?
Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions. You should file your intentions first with any city or town clerk.

What is the cost of a marriage license application?
Individual communities set the fee for a marriage license. The fee in Freetown is $30.

How do I get a copy of a marriage license?
$10.00 for a long form (required for divorces and other legal matters).Freetown no longer provides abstracts.

Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?
No, a medical certificate is no longer necessary in Massachusetts.

What are the responsibilities of the member of the clergy or justice of the peace?
The member of the clergy or justice of the peace authorized to solemnize marriages in Massachusetts, must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. A marriage is not deemed valid until the license has been returned to the Office of the Town Clerk where the intention was filed and that office has assigned it a register number and files it with the Department of Vital Records and Statistics