10 Essential Facts to Know Before Officiating a Wedding in Massachusetts
The facts below cover all the important aspects of what requirements you need to meet to be able to legally officiate a wedding ceremony in Massachusetts.
1.
Who Can Officiate Weddings in Massachusetts?
This is the relevant exerpt from the Massachusetts General Laws § 207-38.
" A marriage may be solemnized in any place within the commonwealth by the following persons who are residents of the commonwealth: a duly ordained minister of the gospel in good and regular standing with his church or denomination, including an ordained deacon in The United Methodist Church or in the Roman Catholic Church; a commissioned cantor or duly ordained rabbi of the Jewish faith; by a justice of the peace if he is also clerk or assistant clerk of a city or town, or a registrar or assistant registrar, or a clerk or assistant clerk of a court or a clerk or assistant clerk of the senate or house of representatives...
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Churches and other religious organizations shall file in the office of the state secretary information relating to persons recognized or licensed as aforesaid, and relating to usages of such organizations, in such form and at such times as the secretary may require. "
Basically, this means that as long as you are ordained through any church, you can officiate weddings.
2.
Are Online Ordinations Recognized in Massachusetts?
Yes. All online ordained ministers, including those ordained through AMM are recognized in Massachusetts.
Get Ordained Now
3.
Is Government Registration Required to Officiate a Wedding in Massachusetts?
Yes. All officiants must register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth before they officiate a wedding.
4.
What Office Do I Register with Before Officiating a Wedding in Massachusetts?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth in Massachusetts is responsible for officiant registration.
5.
What is the Minimum Legal Age to Officiate a Wedding in Massachusetts?
All Wedding Officiants in Massachusetts must be at least 18 years old.
6.
Does my Residency Affect the Registration Process?
No. Your state or country of residence is irrelevant to the officiant registration process in Massachusetts.
7.
Does the Massachusetts Government Provide an Application I Need to Complete?
8.
Do I Need to Submit Proof of my Ministry Credentials to the Massachusetts Government?
Yes. You are required to submit an official copy of your Ministry Credentials to the Secretary of the Commonwealth if you are a Massachusetts resident.
9.
How Much Does the Officiant Registration Process Cost in Massachusetts?
It will cost you about $50 to register as a wedding officiant in Massachusetts.
10.
How Long Does it Take to Register as a Wedding Officiant in Massachusetts?
It can take 4 - 6 Weeks for your application to be processed.
For a more detailed guide on how to complete the officiant registration process in Massachusetts, check out our Massachusetts Officiant Registration page by clicking the button below.