How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Massachusetts

Congratulations, you're ready to officiate the wedding! If you need any assistance in this important task, we encourage you to utilize the tools below. Together these exclusive resources include everything you'll need to craft the perfect wedding ceremony for any couple. Created with our ministers in mind, they offer tips and helpful information for all aspects of performing a ceremony. Fun fact: many ULC ministers have become professional officiants using these tools as a guide!

Video: How to Perform a Wedding in Massachusetts

Whew, you made it through the entire Massachusetts wedding guide! More of a visual learner? Check out this in-depth video guide to performing weddings in Massachusetts! We'll walk you through each step of the process and provide clear action items to ensure you're properly prepared.

How to Get a Massachusetts Marriage License

Once you've determined what you need, simply log in to your account and order the materials from our online catalog. Based on the feedback we've received from our ministers in Massachusetts we recommend getting both a Classic Wedding Kit and a Letter of Good Standing to ensure a smooth process. Keep in mind that the couple may also like to see your credentials. As requested by the county clerks, please place your order well in advance of the wedding to avoid complications.

How to Perform a Wedding

Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's office, and will be picked up by the couple. As a minister, it's your responsibility to understand how marriage licenses work in Massachusetts and its individual counties. For example, if the couple plans to get a Worcester County marriage license, you should double-check if there are any rules specific to Worcester County. In the state of Massachusetts, the license is valid for 60 days. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period between the time it is picked up, and when the ceremony can be legally performed. Finally, the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office by the expiration date.

Finalizing the Marriage

After you perform the ceremony, you will sign the marriage license along with the couple and their two witnesses. Your title is 'minister', the ceremony type is 'religious', and the denomination is 'non-denominational'. You will not be required to provide a license number. You may also wish to give the couple a commemorative gift, like a marriage certificate to mark their special day. Last thing: make sure the signed license gets resubmitted to the marriage office before the deadline!