How to Obtain a Civil Marriage Ceremony

In Massachusetts, civil marriage ceremonies may be performed by a Justice of the Peace. Many City and Town Clerks are Justices of the Peace, and can perform civil ceremonies if scheduled well in advance. The fee is set by state law.

Massachusetts law provides the Governor with the authority to designate anyone as a Justice of the Peace for performing a particular marriage ceremony. An application for the special designation** can be obtained by calling the Office of the Chief Secretary at 617-727-5787. The fee for the designation is $25.00.

 For a list of other Justices of the Peace, call the Secretary of State's Commissions Section at (617) 727-2836.

**Special Designation: Any one can become a special designation for the day by contacting the state. A Justice of the Peace, Minister, Priest... must also apply for a Special Designation when they are to marry someone from out of the state that they are licensed in.

For additional information, please call the Townsend Town Clerk at 978-597-1704