Getting married in Boston during your Massachusetts travels is similar to getting married in any other state. You must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts, as out-of-state licenses are not accepted.

Taking the first steps

In order to apply for a marriage license during your Massachusetts travels you must apply in person. According to Massachusetts law, you must file jointly at the city clerk. While you are in Boston, a marriage license costs $50 and may only be paid in cash. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, but they are closed on Wednesday and weekends. For more information, please call (617) 635-4179. The City of Boston can only grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they intend to reside in the state after the marriage.

There is a three-day waiting period to receive your marriage license and it is valid for 60 days from when you originally file. This license can be used anywhere in the state during your Massachusetts travels.

Reminisce your big day

Getting married in Boston during your Massachusetts travels is something you will want to remember forever. The city has beautiful parks and gardens where you can take photographs of your wedding party. To take these pictures you will need a permit from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. They will explain to you how you can use the parks for your photos and what you have to do with the general public also using the park. When you are applying for a wedding ceremony or photographs in the city during your Massachusetts travels, be prepared to pay a fee of $100 and get your license 10 days before the event.

A note about same-sex marriage in Boston

In the state of Massachusetts, same-sex couples have the right to get married, provided they follow the same steps in getting their marriage license. There is an old law that suggests that if you are not legally able to marry in your home state, then you can not marry in Massachusetts. At the same time, the court has suggested that they cannot discriminate among couples. This issue is still being sorted out and the governor has told clerks not to issue marriage licenses to out-of-state couples. Some clerks have ignored the order, some have not.

Getting married in Boston during your Massachusetts travels can be a great experience and a memorable one as well. Check out some of the areas parks and gardens for some ideas for ceremonies and pictures. There are also a number of hotels and other venues in Boston to hold the party after the ceremony!