What a waiting period means
A waiting period is the time between filing for a marriage license and when a ceremony can legally take place.
Some states require a delay, while others allow the license to be used immediately.
Official guide
Marriage License Waiting Period in Massachusetts
Learn Massachusetts' three-day waiting period, how Sundays and holidays are counted, and the 60-day validity window.
Last verified 2026-01-16Source linked
Key takeaway: Confirm the current fee and requirements with the issuing office before visiting.
Draft page — excluded from indexing (view missing items)
This page is not yet verified and is excluded from indexing until the required data is added.
- - Content length outside 1,800-2,400 words
Source notes summary
Title: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 207 Section 28
Section: Section 28 allows the certificate to be issued on or after the third day after filing and not later than 60 days after filing, and it requires unused certificates to be returned within 60 days.
Last updated: Not listed
Verified on: 2026-01-16 by LocalFees Research
Conflict status: none
Source URL: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleIII/Chapter207/Section28
At a glance
Confirm the current fee and requirements with the issuing office before you go.
Fee
Not published
Deadline
Certificate is valid between 3 and 60 days after filing the notice of intention.
Waiting period
Three-day waiting period after filing the notice of intention; courts may issue a Marriage Without Delay waiver.
Apply online
Not published
Official details
Where to file and verify.
Confirm the exact fee and requirements with the issuing office before you visit.
Guide
What you need to know before you apply.
These sections summarize official guidance and highlight the steps that most often cause delays.
Summary
- Fee: Not published
- Deadline: Certificate is valid between 3 and 60 days after filing the notice of intention.
- Where to file: City or Town Clerk/Registrar
Massachusetts three-day waiting period
Massachusetts requires a waiting period after you file the notice of intention to marry.
Chapter 207, Section 19 says the notice must be filed not less than three days before the marriage, and Section 28 says the certificate can be issued on or after the third day after filing.
How the three-day period is counted
Section 19 states that Sundays and holidays are counted when computing the three-day period.
That means the waiting period is a calendar-day count, not a business-day count.
Marriage without delay waiver
Section 30 allows a judge of probate or a justice of a district court to issue a Marriage Without Delay waiver when it is expedient to solemnize the marriage without the three-day waiting period.
The judge can require evidence or a hearing. The same section allows immediate issuance in extraordinary or emergency cases when death is imminent, based on a request from a minister, clergyman, priest, rabbi, authorized Baha'i representative, or attending physician.
A waiver shortens the waiting period but does not remove the requirement to file the notice of intention.
Certificate issuance and 60-day validity
Section 28 directs the clerk or registrar to issue the certificate on or after the third day after filing, but not later than 60 days after filing.
If the certificate is not used, it must be returned within 60 days after the notice was filed.
In practice, the certificate is usable only between day 3 and day 60 after filing.
Where to file and scheduling considerations
You can file the notice of intention with the clerk or registrar of any Massachusetts city or town.
Local clerks set appointment rules and office hours, so confirm scheduling requirements before you choose a ceremony date.
Local example: City of Boston
Boston guidance states that a marriage license can be used only between 3 and 60 days from the application date and that it is not valid until three days after issuance.
Boston also notes that a Marriage Without Delay waiver requires a court order and lists a $195 court fee.
Use Boston as a local example and confirm the current process with your clerk and court.
How to plan your ceremony date
Plan the notice filing so the ceremony takes place at least three days after filing and within 60 days after filing.
If you need a faster timeline, ask your clerk which court handles Marriage Without Delay waivers.
Planning checklist for applicants
Use this checklist to align with Massachusetts timing rules:
- Contact a city or town clerk or registrar and confirm appointment rules and required documents.
- File the notice of intention at least three calendar days before the ceremony, counting Sundays and holidays.
- Schedule the ceremony within 60 days after filing.
- Deliver the certificate to your officiant before the ceremony.
- If you need to waive the waiting period, ask the clerk which court issues a Marriage Without Delay waiver.
Common reasons timing gets delayed
Delays often happen when couples file too close to the ceremony date, miscount the three-day waiting period, or schedule the ceremony after the 60-day validity window.
Another common issue is assuming the waiver is automatic; it requires a court order.
Official sources and disclaimer
Official sources for this page include:
- MGL c. 207, Section 19 (three-day notice and counting Sundays/holidays)
- MGL c. 207, Section 28 (certificate issuance and 60-day validity)
- MGL c. 207, Section 30 (marriage without delay waiver)
- City of Boston: How to get married
This page summarizes statewide rules and provides a local example for context. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always confirm details with your clerk.
Local differences
County-level differences
County-level data will be embedded here when verified. For now, use the official county sources listed above.
Keep exploring