Marriage Licensing

Getting Married in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a couple first files their intentions to marry, then there is a mandatory three day waiting period before a marriage license is issued. If you filed your intentions on a Monday, for example, we could then issue you your marriage license any time after 8 am on a Thursday. You would then take that marriage license to a qualified officiant, such as a member of clergy or a Justice of the Peace, and have the ceremony. The marriage is not considered a legal union until the officiant conducts the wedding and signs the marriage license. The marriage license then becomes a legal document and the original is returned to its point of origin (where you filed your intentions). A copy is forever kept as a part of the town's vital records, and the original is sent to the State Department of Public Health to be recorded in the State's vital records statistics.

Persons who wish to obtain a marriage license to be married in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Appear in person together
• Provide satisfactory identification (driver’s license)
• Swear or affirm to an oath under the penalties of perjury

Applying for a Marriage License in Westport:

1. Call the Town Clerks office at 508-636-1000 to set up an appointment.
2. Complete all of the following forms (DO NOT SIGN) and email to: clerk@westport-ma.gov
   • Review: "Instructions for Marriage Intention"
   • "Marriage Worksheet"
   • "Supplement to Intention" (Social Security Number should be filled out in person at the your appointment)
   • "Marriage Intention"
3. We will print your completed forms for you. 
4. Both parties must attend your previously scheduled appointment which, in most cases, takes under 10 minutes.
   • We are located at 816 Main Road, Westport.
   • Payment of $25.00 due at time of appointment. (We accept check or cash only)
   • After you are married, certified copies may be ordered and are $10.00 per copy.

More Information on Getting Married In Massachusetts

Visit "Getting Married in Massachusetts"  or call our office at 508-636-1000 for more information.