Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
- Both parties must apply together, either in person or online, with the Acton Town Clerk to file your marriage intentions. This applies to both residents and non-residents of Massachusetts.
- You may file your intentions to marry with the Acton Town Clerk, regardless of where in Massachusetts the ceremony will take place.
- The Town of Acton offers the option to begin the marriage intention process online. However, both parties must still appear in person at the Town Clerk’s Office to sign the paperwork and complete the application.
- Once filed, the marriage license is valid for 60 days and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town.
- The license is not valid outside of Massachusetts.
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The following knowledge is required from both parties in order to fill out a marriage intention: 1. Social Security Number 2. Mother’s Maiden Name 3. Place of Birth It is always good to bring your birth certificate, social security card, and/or a form of identification with you for proper spelling and proof of age and identification.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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If you do not have Social Security Number you must give a valid reason why upon filing the intention of marriage.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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If the couple is not married within the 60 day time period than the license becomes invalid and the couple will have to reapply for a license.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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If a person is in the military, both intentions may be filed by either party, providing one is a Massachusetts resident. A letter with original signature from a commanding officer expressing that the person is indeed active military is required. The signature must be original in order for it to be accepted.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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If a person is incarcerated in a county house of correction or a state correctional facility, intentions may be filed by either party.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
Yes, there is a 3 day waiting period. The license can be picked up on the 3rd day during regular office hours. (Weekends and holidays do count towards the waiting period.)
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Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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You should file your intentions first with any city or town clerk. Then an application for a waiver must be filed by both of you at a probate or district court. After a hearing, the court may issue a certificate allowing the marriage license to be issued, and the marriage performed without delay.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
Please visit our Forms & Fees page for more details.
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A Massachusetts resident may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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You are not required to present a divorce certificate when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that his/her divorce is absolute. If you are uncertain as to the absolute date of your divorce, you should contact the court where the divorce was granted. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce has been granted, regardless of the grounds for divorce.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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No.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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Massachusetts statue does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. However, if a member of the clergy performs the ceremony, you should ensure that you are in conformity with the appropriate religious tenets.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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The member of the clergy or justice of the peace must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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A list of the Town of Acton Justices of the Peace is available at the Town Clerk’s office upon request.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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A person who is not a recognized member of the clergy in Massachusetts or a Justice of the Peace (such as a relative or family friend) may obtain one-day special permission from the Governor to perform a marriage. Call the Governor's office at (617) 727-5787 to obtain an application for a one-time special appointment to solemnize a marriage. A $25.00 fee is paid to the Commissions Division of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and a one day solemnizer certificate is sent to the approved solemnizer.Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
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Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses
If an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, the clergy person must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony. This certificate, which is issued by the Public Records Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, is to be attached to the original license and returned to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. For further information, contact: Division of Public Records Secretary of the Commonwealth