What Brings You Here Today?
Redacted Massachusetts Marriage Record From the 1940s, Showing Typical Information Recorded During This Time Period.
Example of a Massachusetts Marriage Record Transcribed for Genealogy Research.
Massachusetts State Law: "Chapter 46: Return and Registry of Births, Marriages, and Deaths mandates non-restricted marriage records are public records." Records are available for review, inspection, transcribing, or for purchasing certified copies.
Guide to Massachusetts Marriage Records
Obtaining a marriage certificate in Massachusetts can seem complex, but with the right information, it's a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the various options available, explain the differences between state-certified and local records, and provide step-by-step instructions for ordering your certificate. Whether you need a record for official purposes or genealogical research, you'll find all the necessary information here.
How do I Get Marriage Records From Massachusetts?
Record Accessibility: Are Marriage Records Public in Massachusetts?
Public Access and Restrictions
Most marriage records in Massachusetts are public. However, access may be restricted if:
- The original birth certificate of one spouse is restricted due to unmarried birth parents
- An adoption occurs and the name changes
- Some agencies or city clerks classify these as "impounded marriage records"
Restricted or "impounded" records are accessible only to:
- The individuals named on the record
- The birth parents named on the record
- A legal guardian
Proof of identity is required to obtain certificates for restricted records. For more information on accessing Massachusetts restricted marriage records, please consult our detailed guide.
When You Need a State-Certified Marriage Record
State-certified vital records are typically required for official purposes, such as:
- Obtaining a passport
- Processing a REAL ID application
- Updating your driver's license
- Applying for dual citizenship or social security benefits
Remember, many state and government agencies only accept state-certified vital records, not city or town copies. A state-certified vital record is the most official copy one can obtain.
How to Order a Massachusetts Marriage Record
To order an official Massachusetts marriage certificate, follow these steps:
- Click the "Order State-Certified Marriage Records" button below to access our secure, online order form
- Fill out the application with all required information, including:
- Full name of both spouses, if known
- Date of marriage, if known
- Place of marriage (city or town), if known
- Provide your contact and shipping information
- Complete the credit card payment process (cost is $45 per certificate)
- After a successful order placement, you'll receive a confirmation email with a transaction ID number
- Your state-certified marriage certificate will be delivered within 10-14 business days
- Expedited service is available for faster delivery at an additional cost of $30.
Are There Other Options to Get Massachusetts Marriage Records?
You have a couple of options to obtain a Massachusetts marriage certificate:
- State-Certified Copy: You can get a state-certified copy of a marriage record online through our service or directly from the State Registry of Vital Statistics. You can visit them in person or mail a request to the State Registry. Both options provide identical certificates as they come from the same source.
- A state-certified vital record is the most official copy one can obtain.
- Our cost for a state-certified copy is $45, and delivery typically takes 10-14 business days. Expedited service is available for faster delivery at an additional cost of $30.
- City or Town Clerk's Office: You can request a copy from the city or town clerk's office where the couple registered to get married. However, some agencies may not accept these for official purposes.
- Costs vary from town to town and city to city.
Comparing Local and State-Certified Marriage Records
Advantages and Limitations of Local Records
While local records have some benefits, they also come with limitations:
- Advantage: Generally less expensive than state-certified copies
- Limitations:
- Can take longer to obtain
- May appear less official than state vital records
- Sometimes not acceptable by government agencies, including:
- Social Security Administration
- Driver's license applications
- Passport applications (especially if living outside the U.S. or in Colorado or California)
Enhanced Security of State-Certified Marriage Records
State-certified marriage records offer superior security features compared to many city or town vital records:
- Embossed with Official Raised Massachusetts State Seal
- Signed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics
- Contains the Original Date of Issue
- Stamped with Current Date of Issue
- Printed on Secure, Watermarked, Heavyweight Paper
- Embedded with a Scannable, Digital Bar-Code for Tracking
Genealogical Marriage Records
Official vs. Genealogical Records: Understanding the Differences
| Aspect | Official Certificates | Genealogical Records |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Legal identification, official use | Family history research |
| Accessibility | Sometimes restricted to individual or immediate family | Often more accessible, especially for older records |
| Information Included | Basic marriage details | May include additional family information |
| Cost | Always involves a fee | May be free or have a nominal fee |
| Processing Time | Can take several weeks | Often available immediately or within days |
Marriage Records for Family History Research
Genealogical Records
For genealogical purposes, we offer transcribed marriage records as PDFs for a fee of $20 each. These are not certified but contain all relevant genealogical information transcribed directly from state marriage certificates.
Information Included in Genealogical Records
Genealogical Information Recorded on Marriage Records
Information can vary based on the years in question, as collected and recorded information changed over time. Generally, marriage records will contain:
- Names and genders of both parties
- Date and place of marriage (often includes the church, the official, etc.)
- Birthplaces and ages of both parties
- Names and birthplaces of parents for both parties
- Occupations of both parties, prior to the early 2000s
- Number of times married, divorced, or widowed (without former spouse's names)
For an example of a Massachusetts marriage record transcribed for genealogy, please visit our sample page.
How to Order a Genealogical Marriage Record
To order a transcribed Massachusetts marriage record for your family history project, follow these steps:
- Click the "Order Genealogical Marriage Record" button below to access our secure, online order form
- Complete the application, providing as much information as you know
- Enter your credit card details and email address for a PDF delivery of the document
- Upon successful order placement, you'll receive a confirmation email with a transaction ID number
- Within 10-14 business days, you'll receive the PDF transcription of the record via email
Need More Information?
If you're unsure whether you need a certified marriage certificate or a genealogical record, or if you have any questions about our services, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with your marriage records needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How long does it take to get a marriage record in Massachusetts?
- A: Typically, it takes 10-14 business days for delivery of a state-certified marriage certificate. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Q: Can I get a Massachusetts marriage certificate online?
- A: Yes, you can order a state-certified marriage record online through our secure service. However, the physical certificate will be mailed to you.
- Q: What's the difference between a state-certified and a town-issued marriage certificate?
- A: State-certified marriage certificates are accepted by all government agencies and have enhanced security features. Town-issued certificates may not be accepted for all official purposes and may lack certain security elements.
- Q: How much does a Massachusetts marriage certificate cost?
- A: Through our service, a state-certified marriage certificate costs $45. Prices may vary for town-supported certificates.
- Q: Can I get a copy of someone else's marriage certificate in Massachusetts?
- A: Generally, marriage records are public in Massachusetts. However, access may be restricted for certain records, such as those of children born to unmarried parents or adoptees.
Remember, for any specific questions about your situation, it's best to contact us directly for personalized assistance.
About the Author
J. James Simonson, a graduate of Suffolk University's Journalism and Marketing Communications program, with a minor in Local History, has been instrumental in genealogy research since the early 1990s. Known for his expertise in Massachusetts vital records, he has helped many piece together intricate family histories and is passionate about assisting individuals in discovering their ancestral narratives.