Search free Massachusetts marriage records to learn more about nuptials in the state. Whether they’re seeking this information for official use or want to find out whether someone has been married, citizens can explore public records for this data.
Massachusetts has a public records law enabling citizens to access such information seamlessly. Both state and local agencies allow citizens to look up a marriage license in Massachusetts for free or obtain a copy of this record.
Read on to learn more about how to conduct a marriage records search through the methods outlined in this streamlined resource.
The Accessibility of Marriage Records & Certificates in Massachusetts
Thanks to Massachusetts’ Public Records Law, citizens seeking information on marriages in the state can find just the information they’re looking for.1 This law permits individuals to request government records, including marriage licenses, from various agencies. Individuals can typically request these records in various ways, including in person, by mail, or online.
They might want information on unions in Massachusetts for various reasons. For example, recently married couples will want to secure a certified copy of their marriage license as proof of their union.
This license might come in handy when they’re engaging in financial transactions, doing taxes, applying for passports, or completing an adoption application. For all of these reasons, having a certified copy of the marriage license on hand is important.
Other people might choose to run a marriage background check on their future partner to learn about their history. Additionally, individuals developing their family tree may tap into marriage records to learn about their genealogy.
Still others might simply want to conduct a free marriage license search to satisfy their own curiosity about someone’s marital status. For all of these reasons, individuals can utilize Massachusetts’ public records resources to secure the information they’re seeking.
To begin to search free marriage records, citizens should identify the records access officer (RAO) for the license they’re seeking. Typically, individuals can expect to start their search at the state level through the Registry of Vital Records & Statistics.2 This agency can provide marriage licenses from 1931 to present.
Note that common law marriages aren’t legal in Massachusetts, so there are no public records documenting such unions because they aren’t registered with the state.
Citizens can also explore marriage records through third-party providers; however, it’s important to remember that records from such providers can only be used for official purposes if the company is endorsed by the state. Otherwise, these records can be used for informational purposes only.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey provides marriage data at the state level.3 While this data doesn’t include details on specific unions, it can give some insight into who’s married and who isn’t in Massachusetts.
For example, of Massachusetts citizens ages 15 years and older, 46.3% are married, 9.2% are divorced, 5.1% are widowed, and 1.5% are separated. Another 37.8% of Massachusetts residents have never been married.
How To Access Free Massachusetts Marriage Records
A search for Massachusetts marital information begins at the state level. The Registry of Vital Records & Statistics (RVRS) oversees many types of state public data, including marriage licenses. So, let this agency become the go-to resource for all marriage records information in Massachusetts.
The Registry of Vital Records & Statistics allows citizens to request a marriage certificate in several ways, including in person, by mail, by phone, and online through VitalChek, a third-party provider.2 Using these steps, individuals can secure Massachusetts marriage certificates for unions held from 1931 to present. More information on historical marriage indexes is discussed later in this article.
First, citizens interested in stopping by the RVRS at its offices in Dorchester can make their request in person. Visit the registry counter to process the request, providing detailed information about the marriage certificate, including the parties’ names and date occurred. The office accepts requests Monday through Friday between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
The office also accepts mailed requests using the Application for Vital Record Form.4
Complete the form, providing all pertinent data in the marriage record section and including all required contact information. Send the form with a copy of a photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a $32 check or money order made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the below address:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records & Statistics
150 Mount Vernon Street, First Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Phone: 671-740-2600
Finally, the RVRS has partnered with VitalChek, a third-party provider, for online or phone marriage certificate requests. Individuals can visit the VitalChek marriage records site, choose Massachusetts, select the city where the wedding took place, and enter the couple’s names. Online requests are usually processed in seven to 10 days.
Alternatively, give VitalChek a call at 617-740-2606 (or toll free at 866-300-8535) to make a records request over the phone.
Massachusetts unions that took place from 1841-1930 are available through historical archives, which will be discussed later in this resource.
Checking Cities for Marriage Records in Massachusetts
A search for Massachusetts marriage documents might begin at the state level, but citizens can also explore local resources to find information on unions.
Massachusetts has abolished many county government agencies, according to the Secretary of State office, so municipalities are the place to go for local marriage records. Here’s a complete list of Massachusetts cities and towns, with more information on how to find marital records in the state’s largest cities below.5
City of Boston: Boston is the largest city in the state, and citizens can request marriage records online, by mail, and in person. One convenient way to request a license, especially if the person isn’t local to Boston, is to submit an online marriage records request.
Individuals need to answer the form’s questions, including the wedding date or date range and parties’ names before submitting their request and paying the $14 cost plus a service fee.
Citizens can also secure a Boston marital license by mail by completing the Request for a Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate Form. They can mail the completed form, a copy of their photo ID, and a $14 check or money order made payable to the City of Boston to the below address. It can take about two weeks to process mailed requests.
Finally, citizens who are local to Boston or willing to make the trip can visit City Hall to request a marriage record. To expedite the process, print and complete the marriage certificate request before your visit.
These record requests cost $12 per copy, payable by cash, check, money order, or pinless debit or credit card. A small processing fee applies to debit and credit card payments.
Visit the marriage window in the Registry Department, located in Room 213. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boston Registry Division
1 City Hall Square, Room 213
Boston, MA 02201
Phone: 617-635-4175
Worcester City: Worcester has marriage records available for unions from 1848 to present. Individuals can secure a certificate for Worcester marriages online, by mail, and in person.
First, they can complete the marriage certificate order form to process an online request. This form requires the full name of the bride and groom, wedding date, and the requesting party’s mailing address.
Each copy costs $14. Individuals can pay for their certificate by e-check or credit card to process their order.
The city clerk’s office has an online marriage certificate search, which can help citizens verify unions in the state.7 After searching by name, a list of all matching couples will appear. This search allows citizens to confirm that the marriage took place in Worcester before requesting their form using the processes listed here.
Citizens can also send the marriage certificate request form to the city clerk’s office to secure a record. Complete the form, listing the wedding date, names of both parties, and shipping information. Mail the completed form and a $14 check or money order payable to the City of Worcester to the address below.
Finally, citizens can print the same form and deliver it in person to the City Clerk’s office during business hours: Monday 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Worcester City Clerk
455 Main St., Room 206
Worcester, MA 06108-1889
Phone: 508-799-1121
Email: [email protected]
Springfield City: The Springfield City Clerk is the local records custodian and can issue licenses for marriages that took place there. Individuals can stop by the clerk’s office to make their request or process it online through a third-party provider.
Before visiting the office, print and complete the Springfield marriage certificate form, and mail it to the address below with a certified check or money order payable to the City of Springfield for $20 per copy.9
The city clerk’s office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 to 4:00 and Thursday from 8:30 to 6:00.
Citizens can also order a Springfield marriage record through VitalChek, a third-party provider endorsed by the city. When visiting the VitalChek website, select marriage certificates, choose Massachusetts as the state, and Springfield as the city to get started. The marriage certificate costs $20 plus an $8 processing fee, payable at the time of the online order.
Individuals looking to conduct genealogical research and explore historical marriage records can read on for more information about using state archives.
How To Find Free Archived Marriage Records in Massachusetts for Genealogy Research
Individuals hoping to learn more about their family history can use public marriage records in their search. The Massachusetts State Archives houses information that can help citizens learn more about their genealogy. Individuals can search this marriage index, which includes records from 1841 to 1930.10
Simply enter the person’s name, choose marriage as the type of record, and include a date range. A listing of all marriage certificates will appear, confirming the couple’s names and wedding date. Record seekers can also view the volume and page citations within the state archive.
The Massachusetts State Archives is located in Boston, and the Reading Room is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Records staff are also available to assist with genealogical research, helping citizens find the marriage certificates they’re looking for.
Massachusetts State Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Phone: 617-727-2816
Email: [email protected]
Individuals seeking even more historical marriage record information can check out some of these resources as well:
- Newspaper archives, which may include marriage announcements from years past
- Library archives, which may include searchable databases that feature marriage information
- Church records, which may document any marriages held at the religious institution
Learn more about how to start genealogical research with this guidance from the National Archives.
How To Secure a Marriage License in Massachusetts
Massachusetts cities or towns issue marriage licenses, and couples can apply for them anywhere—not just the city where they’re saying “I do.”11 Specific requirements vary among municipalities, so it’s smart to contact the city clerk’s office for details about applying. Generally, however, couples will need to complete a notice of intention of marriage form, available from their city.
To complete the form, citizens should show their proof of age and provide their Social Security number. They’ll also need to pay the marriage license fee, which varies by city. In Boston, for example, it costs $50 to apply for a license, compared to Worcester’s marriage intention fee of $40.12, 13
Massachusetts has a three-day waiting period, which means couples can’t marry on the same day they apply for a license. They can pick up their marriage license three days after applying, at which point they’re free to wed. The license is valid for 60 days.
After saying their “I dos,” the couple’s officiant needs to sign the license before returning it to the city office. Then, the city will formally record the marriage, and couples can request a certified copy of their license using the steps outlined in this article.
With the help of this article, finding Massachusetts marriage records is possible, making it convenient to learn more about citizens of the state.
References
1Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Making a Request for Public Records. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/public-records/public-records-law/public-records-request.htm>
2Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Order a birth, marriage, or death certificate. Mass.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate>
3United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). S1201: Marital Status. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S1201?q=Massachusetts%20Families%20and%20Living%20Arrangements>
4Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS). (n.d.). Application for Vital Record. Mass.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.mass.gov/doc/vital-records-mail-order-form/download>
5Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). City & Town Contact Information. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/cis/contact/town-contact.htm>
6Boston City Registry Division. (n.d.). Request A Marriage Certificate – Review your record request. Boston.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://registry.boston.gov/marriage/review>
7Worcester City Clerk’s Office. (n.d.). Marriage Certificates. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.worcesterma.gov/city-clerk/certificates-licenses/marriage-certificates>
8Worcester City Clerk’s Office. (n.d.). Search Results. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.worcesterma.gov/city-clerk/certificates-licenses/marriage-certificates/search-results?field1=brown&field2=%25&field3=>
9Springfield City Clerk. (n.d.). Marriage Certificate Request Form. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/fileadmin/clerk/active-forms/Marriage_Certificate_Form.pdf>
10Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Archives. (n.d.). Mass. Archives Vital Records Search Screen. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VitalRecordsSearch/VitalRecordsSearch.aspx>
11Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Getting Married in Massachusetts: Before the Wedding. Mass.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.mass.gov/guides/getting-married-in-massachusetts-before-the-wedding>
12City of Boston. (2023, October 13). How to get married in Boston. Boston.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.boston.gov/how-get-married-boston>
13Worcester City Clerk’s Office. (n.d.). Marriage Intentions. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from <https://www.worcesterma.gov/city-clerk/certificates-licenses/marriage-intentions>