What Are Massachusetts Marriage Records?

Massachusetts marriage records, maintained by various authorities, are official documents that detail legal unions within the state. While individual towns began recording marriages in the 1600s, statewide registration started in 1841. These records serve vital purposes, including verifying marriage details, tracing family history, and meeting legal requirements.

Marriage records primarily consist of two key components: marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

A marriage license is issued under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 207 and serves as legal authorization for a couple to marry. It becomes available three days after filing a Notice of Intention of Marriage. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is proof that the marriage has taken place. It is issued after the wedding ceremony.

When accessed, these records typically include the couple's names, ages, occupations, birthplaces, addresses, marriage date and location, officiant details, and even marital history, such as prior divorces or widowhood, for some types of comprehensive marriage records.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Massachusetts, most marriage certificates are considered public records and are accessible under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, as outlined in Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws. This law grants individuals the right to inspect, copy, or obtain copies of public records. However, not all marriage records are fully open to the public.

Marriage records, known as impounded records, are restricted when one partner was born to unmarried parents and their original birth certificate is sealed due to their unwed status. Access to such records is limited to specific individuals: the couple named on the record, their parents, or their legal representatives or guardians.

Even for publicly available marriage records, certain sensitive details, such as home addresses, Social Security numbers, or other private information, may be redacted by custodians to safeguard the privacy and security of the individuals involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) issues certified copies of marriage records dating back to 1930. For records from 1931 onward, individuals can also contact city and town clerks. A directory with contact details for all clerk offices in Massachusetts is available on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website.

For marriage records before 1931, individuals can search and obtain them through the Massachusetts Archives.

To look up or request a copy of a marriage record, individuals should have the names of both parties, the marriage date, and the place of issuance. Additional information, such as the purpose of the request and the requester's relationship to the couple, may also be required.

A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for verification, along with payment of applicable fees. Depending on the issuing office, requests can typically be made in person, by mail, via phone, or online. Fees and processing options may vary, so it is advisable to check with the specific office before making a request.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Massachusetts marriage certificates can be requested as either certified copies or informational copies. Certified copies are official, legally recognized documents required for legal and official purposes, such as name changes or immigration. Informational copies, on the other hand, are non-official and intended for personal or genealogical use.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, follow these steps:

Online

• Visit the Massachusetts RVRS's online ordering system.
• Provide the required information:
  • Names of the married parties
  • Date and place of the marriage
  • Proof of identification, such as a valid driver's license or government-issued photo ID
  • Documentation of the requester's relationship to the subject of the record (if required)
• Submit the request and payment:
  • $54 for the first copy
  • $42 for each additional copy
• Expect processing to take several business days. Expedited options may be available.

In Person

• Visit the Registry Counter at:
• Bring the following:
  • Names of the married parties
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Valid photo ID (driver's license or government-issued ID)
• Pay $20 per copy using cash or a check.
• Receive your certified copy immediately upon processing.

By Mail

• Complete the vital records mail order form available online.
• Include the required information:
  • Names of the married parties
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Proof of identification
• Attach a check or money order payable to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts":
  • Standard fee: $32 per copy
  • For expedited service (7–10 business days), mark the envelope "Expedited Mail Service" and check the Massachusetts Vital Records Service Fee Schedule for additional costs.
• Mail to:
• Standard processing takes up to 30 days.

By Phone

• Call the Massachusetts VitalChek Service:
  • Local: (617) 740-2606
  • Toll-Free: (866) 300-8535
• Provide the necessary information, including names, marriage date, place of marriage, and proof of identification.
• Pay fees similar to online requests ($54 for the first copy and $42 for additional copies).
• Follow instructions for delivery timelines.

In addition to the RVRS, certified copies of marriage certificates can be searched through the appropriate city or town clerk's office.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Massachusetts are maintained by the city or town clerk where the couple applied. State law allows couples to apply for a marriage license in any city or town, regardless of their residence. Copies of marriage licenses can often be requested online through local clerk offices, such as those in the City of Amesbury or the Town of Acton.

Before conducting a search or requesting a copy, individuals should first contact the relevant city or town clerk's office to confirm specific requirements, applicable fees, and the process, as some of the records have restricted access.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the Massachusetts RVRS's online ordering system and the online services of some local clerk offices, marriage records can be searched through other online sources.

The Massachusetts Archives Digital Repository offers an online search for marriage records from 1921-1925. To search the Digital Repository, type any keywords or phrases into the search bar at the top of any page. The search checks all records and returns results if the keywords match the descriptive metadata or the content of supported full-text searchable files.

For additional information about this Digital Repository, check and download a copy of the Massachusetts Archive Digital Repository Search Guide. While the Digital Repository allows users to view basic record information online, certified copies must be requested in person, by mail, or via email to the Massachusetts Archives.

Genealogical societies and commercial record retrieval services like RecordsFinder may also provide convenient options for searching and obtaining copies of marriage records online, often for a fee. However, they do not supply certified copies or comprehensive information about specific marriage records in Massachusetts.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage where the details, including the names of the couple and the date of marriage, are not made part of the public record. Couples may choose this option for privacy, security, or to maintain discretion, especially if they are public figures or have concerns about personal safety.

In Massachusetts, there is no specific provision for "confidential" marriage licenses, as seen in some other states. However, the general laws governing marriage records are outlined in Chapter 207 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

While the law does not define a separate category for confidential marriage licenses, couples may request limited access to their marriage records under certain circumstances.

If a couple desires privacy, they can ask the court to seal their marriage records or request that certain sensitive information be redacted from public view. To do so, a court order may be required, and the court will assess whether restricting access is warranted based on privacy or security concerns.

In such cases, obtaining the records may require legal authorization, as the usual public right to view them becomes restricted through the court's decision.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Massachusetts, couples must follow the state's legal requirements outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 207. Both residents and non-residents over the age of 18 can marry in the state. Here's what needs to be done:

• In-Person Application: Both individuals must apply together at the city or town clerk's office.
• Complete the Form: Couples must fill out the "Notice of Intention of Marriage" form.
• Provide Documentation: Required documents include proof of age (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and the intended name on the marriage certificate.
• Pay Fees: There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies by location.
• Waiting Period: A 3-day waiting period is required before picking up the license. However, this can be waived by submitting a "Marriage without Delay" form at the probate or district court in the town where the couple submitted their marriage notice.

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If a couple does not marry within 60 days of the marriage license being issued, they will need to apply for a new license.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Correcting a mistake on a marriage certificate in Massachusetts is possible, but it requires demonstrating that the error existed at or near the time of the marriage. Common errors include incorrect names, misspelled locations, or wrong dates. Note that updates cannot be made for changes that occurred after the marriage, such as a legal name change.

Below are the methods to correct the mistake:

By Phone

Individuals can contact the RVRS by phone at (617) 740-2600. A representative will provide guidance on the necessary documentation and steps to complete the correction.

By Email

Individuals can also request a correction via email by contacting vip-amend@state.ma.us and ensuring all required documents are included.

In Person

To correct a marriage certificate in person, individuals must visit the Massachusetts RVRS office. Before the visit, one must first schedule an appointment by calling (617) 740-2600 or emailing vip-amend@state.ma.us.

They should bring supporting evidence, such as the original marriage license, to prove the information was incorrect at the time of marriage. The amendment fee is $50, and a certified copy costs $20.

By Mail

For corrections by mail, individuals must send the completed forms, supporting evidence, and the $50 fee to the RVRS. Certified copies of the amended certificate cost $32 by mail. Mail requests are typically processed within 3-4 months.

Are Marriage Records Under the Massachusetts Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) in Massachusetts protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, stalking, and certain legally protected healthcare providers. The program provides a confidential substitute address to individuals accepted into the program. It allows them to keep their actual addresses private when interacting with state agencies.

To participate in the ACP, individuals must apply through an application assistant certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. They must have recently relocated to a new address that is unknown to those who may cause harm. Once accepted, participants receive a substitute address, which is used for official purposes, including on marriage records.

Marriage records under the ACP are not publicly accessible. While government records may be disclosed, they do not include the participant's actual address. This ensures that survivors' marriage details and other sensitive information remain confidential. Through the ACP, survivors can protect their privacy while still engaging with necessary government services.

Massachusetts Marriage Statistics and Trends

National marriage statistics show that 53% of U.S. adults are married, down from 58% in 1995. Cohabitation has increased, with 7% of adults living with an unmarried partner. Marriage rates vary by race and education, with higher rates among white and Asian adults and those with higher education.

Massachusetts's marriage statistics and trends differ from these national averages. Here are the key marriage statistics for Massachusetts:

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