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City of Boston exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from City of Boston?

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Direct answer

In City of Boston, a Massachusetts minister, priest, rabbi or justice of the peace can officiate. A friend or family member can officiate one ceremony under a One-Day Marriage Designation from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Clergy from outside Massachusetts need state authorization. Couples can also marry at City Hall: the Registry Division holds 15-minute ceremonies in Room 213, officiated by a Registry Division justice of the peace, for $75 cash; the City Clerk's Office runs comparable ceremonies in Room 601. Registry Division ceremonies can be streamed for guests who cannot attend in person if you say so when booking. The ceremony room seats 14 guests and holds up to 20 people standing.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
A Massachusetts minister, priest, rabbi or justice of the peace can officiate. A friend or family member can officiate one ceremony under a One-Day Marriage Designation from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Clergy from outside Massachusetts need state authorization. Couples can also marry at City Hall: the Registry Division holds 15-minute ceremonies in Room 213, officiated by a Registry Division justice of the peace, for $75 cash; the City Clerk's Office runs comparable ceremonies in Room 601.

Registry Division ceremonies can be streamed for guests who cannot attend in person if you say so when booking. The ceremony room seats 14 guests and holds up to 20 people standing.

Official requirement

A Massachusetts minister, priest, rabbi, or justice of the peace can officiate the ceremony. You can also have a friend or family member marry you with a One-Day Marriage Designation.

Issuing office

City of Boston Registry Division (Registry: Birth, Death, and Marriage)

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Official sources for this answer

  • How to Get Married in BostonCity of Boston Registry Division - checked July 26, 2026

    To apply for a marriage license couples must apply together, make an appointment, and come to City Hall in person. A marriage license is only good to use between 3 and 60 days in Massachusetts from the date you applied. You also can't use the marriage license outside of Massachusetts. The Registry will issue your marriage license immediately. However, you cannot use it to get married for 3 days after your appointment. A $50 application fee. We take cash, a debit or credit card, or a money order made payable to the "City of Boston".

  • Get Married Through The Registry Department At City HallCity of Boston Registry Division - checked July 26, 2026

    No, Massachusetts law does not require a witness to solemnize a wedding ceremony. There is a $75 dollar cost for ceremonies, payment is cash only. Each ceremony is 15 minutes and consists of an exchange of vows, an optional exchange of rings and a pronouncement of marriage. We have interpreters available at no cost to you.

Answer boundary

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