Town of Dunstable, MA

Couples who will be married in Massachusetts must appear together at the office of any city or town clerk in the Commonwealth to file the Intention of Marriage. An appointment is required if you are filing with the Town Clerk in Dunstable. Following completion of a Marriage Intention, a three day waiting period is required before a license can be issued. In certain circumstances, a waiver of the waiting period may be granted by the local District Court. In that instance the couple brings the court waiver to the town clerk and a marriage license may be issued immediately.

Persons seeking a marriage license must be at least eighteen years old or have a court order providing for an exception. As of January 28 2005, a premarital blood test is no longer required in Massachusetts. If an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, the clergy person must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony.

A marriage license must be used within sixty days from the date of filing the Intention of Marriage. Following the marriage ceremony, the officiate must sign the license and return it to the city or town where it was issued. The fee for a marriage license is $15.00, certified copy included.

Your marriage certificate will be a permanent record in the Town Clerk's Office in the town where your Intentions are filed.

For full information, please call the Town Clerk’s office and request a free copy of the booklet “How to obtain a Marriage License in Massachusetts”.