How to Officiate a Wedding in Worcester, Massachusetts

So, you’re getting married in Worcester, the heart of the Bay State! Bostonians may think the state capital is where it’s at, but Worcester natives appreciate their small town way of life, and so do we! As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better place to plan a classic New England wedding.

But before you get wrapped up in the wedding planning details, let’s take care of your logistical to do list, such as getting your officiant-of-choice ordained and obtaining the marriage license. We have all the need-to-know info about getting married in Worcester County right here in our guide, so without further ado, let’s jump into it.

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let’s start with the ordainment process. According to Massachusetts state law, any duly ordained minister of the gospel in good and regular standing with his church or denomination may perform wedding ceremonies in the state. 

If you haven’t gotten ordained yet, no sweat. You can sign up with AMM to become a minister with us. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

After getting your credentials, all officiants must also register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth before they officiate their first wedding. To do so, you’ll need to file these 3 forms with the Commissions Section of the Public Records Division:

• a copy of the clergy member’s ordination papers-if ordination is not applicable, a license or similar certificate issued by the religious organization will be accepted;
• a letter of good standing from the leader of the religious organization on church letterhead; and
• a completed Massachusetts Resident Clergy Form which is available to download here.

AMM will provide you with a copy of your ordination papers and a letter of good standing. These materials can be found in our Massachussetts Minister Ordination Package, which can be found on our store. 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Worcester County

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, tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes to the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain it from the city clerk’s office, but just be sure to double check that they have a valid marriage license in their possession before the “I do’s.” After the ceremony, be sure to help them complete it and notarize it correctly.

It’s also your job as the officiant to return the license to the city clerk who issued it before the 60-day time period is up, so be sure to mark your calendar.
 

Now let’s turn our attention to the couple’s responsibilities. At present, all couples planning to file a marriage intention with the Worcester City Clerk must make an appointment online due to the pandemic. Face coverings are required at all times while in the buildings.

When you go to your appointment time, just remember to bring:

• $40 for the marriage license fee (cash, money order to check)
• Your social security numbers
• Valid, state-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)

At your appointment, you will be issued your marriage license, which your officiant will help you complete on the day of the wedding.
 

The Basics

If you want to stay close-in to Worcester, you have Tuckerman Hall, the Wachusett Ballroom, and the White Room all at your fingertips. But if you’re willing to take a drive outside of town, you’ll find Massachusetts has plenty more options.

Celebrate your nuptials at the Asa Waters Mansion, a classic New England estate just a 10 minute drive south of downtown Worcester. You can say your “I do’s” out on the stately portico and then move the reception inside to enjoy the mansion’s elegant interior -- or, set up camp right on the mansion’s grounds to soak in a balmy Massachusetts summer evening. 

Or, for a more casual vibe, just head a few miles west and you’ll hit Zukas Hilltop Barn. This venue’s indoor and outdoor reception spaces ooze country elegance.

Or, if you want to get really crazy, you can even head east to Boston or Cape Cod. Your Worcester-issued marriage license is valid throughout the state, so the world is your oyster!

Transportation

If you want to get around Worcester on the cheap, you can utilize the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) during your stay. You can find a link to WRTA’s bus tracker and schedule here. Or, if you don’t feel like navigating the public transit system, keep Lyft and Uber handy. Both of the ride-sharing apps are available in Worcester.

Weather

Worcester 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 months of June, July, and August. 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.