How to Officiate a Wedding in Springfield, Massachusetts

So, you're tying the knot in the "City of Firsts!" As the fourth largest city in New England and the birthplace of basketball, Springfield has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, from places like the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss to the Springfield Armory. Whether it's for the science and art museums or the tasty cuisine, Springfield is sure to have you coming back to visit long after you exchange your "I do's."

Whatever you have planned, AMM's job is to help you work through the legal aspects of your wedding. We'll walk you through ordaining the minister of your choice and help you complete and sign the marriage license. 
 

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let's begin with the ordainment process. According to the Massachusetts State Website, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies in Massachusetts:
 

• In-state clergy members and in-state justices of the peace
• Out-of-state clergy members and out-of-state justices of the peace
• Anyone with a 1-day designation

By getting ordained with AMM, you can qualify as an in-state or out-of-state clergy member. Ordination is free and takes just a few minutes to complete. 
 
After you've completed our online ordination process, you'll qualify as a clergy member, but you'll still need to file a separate application through the Massachusetts Secretary of State's website. The Massachusetts Secretary recommends filing at least four weeks before the wedding, but no earlier than six weeks prior. Then, once you receive the certificate for the state, you'll file it with the same city hall or town clerk's office in which the couple plans to register for their marriage license within ten days of the ceremony. 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Springfield

Now that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 
 
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts to brainstorming prompts, preparation tips, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, double-check that the couple has a valid Massachusetts marriage license in their possession before the ceremony. It's the couple's responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but it's your job to submit it to the state office after the wedding. In Massachusetts, the license must be turned back in within 60 days of completing the ceremony. 
 
For more details on correctly completing forms, please consult our guide on how to complete a marriage license. 
 
Once that's done, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. You've earned yourself a bowl of famous New England chowder, or better yet, make it a full lobster dinner.
 

File for a Marriage License from the Springfield City Clerk's Office

Now let's turn to the couple's responsibilities. First, you can apply for a Massachusetts marriage license from any city or town in the state — it doesn't necessarily have to be from the Springfield City Clerk's office. 
 
Once you fill out the marriage license form and submit it to the office, there is a three-day waiting period that must occur before the ceremony. The fee for the marriage license in Springfield is $40. You'll also be required to present a copy of your birth certificate at the clerk's office. 
 

The Basics 

There are your everyday golf course weddings, and then there's the Springfield Country Club. This venue is everything you've dreamed about, from breathtaking views of the New England countryside to a stately clubhouse that includes a bar, delicious food, and even an indoor swimming pool.
 
For a stunning indoor wedding venue location, check out the Castle of Knights. This lavish venue features fancy dining tables and elaborate decorations and serves complimentary champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and locally sourced, custom-made wedding cakes.
 
If you really want to pull out the stops for your big day, The Starting Gate is the place where you want to go. This luxurious stone and cedar venue has the best views combined with plenty of space and expert staff to help you plan the perfect wedding. So it's not surprising that it was rated "The Best Of Weddings" by the knot in 2019. 

Transportation

The Pioneer Transit Valley Authority or PVTA is Springfield's number one public transportation service. However, if you would rather avoid public transportation, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft should also be available. You can also use the city's Valley Bike share option for getting quickly from A to B. 

Weather

Springfield offers a humid continental climate typical of New England. Summers are ideal for outdoor weddings, with high temperatures around 70 to 80 degrees for the summer months. Winter will dip into the 20s with average high temperatures barely above 40 degrees, so dress warm if you have not experienced East Coast winters.