Marriage Intention Filings

Marriage Intentions

Marriage intentions must be filed jointly and in person. Appointments are required—please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 774-801-3225 to schedule.

Filing hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

• Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

If one party is in the military, intentions may be filed by either person, as long as one is a Massachusetts resident.

Valid identification is required at the time of filing.

Fee

The fee is $40 and includes a certified copy of the marriage license.

Waiting Period

There is a mandatory three-day waiting period in Massachusetts once intentions are filed.  A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed. Intentions may be filed at any Massachusetts city or town clerk's office.

After the Three-Day Waiting Period Has Passed

Prior to the ceremony, the marriage license will need to be picked up in person. Either Party or a person designated by the couple may pick up the license. The individual who picks up the license must verify that all of the information on the license is correct. We do not mail marriage certificates prior to the ceremony. (Sorry, no exceptions).

Please remember that you must pick up the license before your marriage ceremony; the person performing the marriage may not legally marry you without this important document.

Obtaining a Waiver of the Waiting Period

If you are unable to wait the three days and need your license issued immediately, both parties must apply for their marriage license at the Town Clerk's Office, then they must apply for a waiver at a probate or district court. After a hearing, the court may issue a certificate allowing the marriage license to be issued (which must be brought back to the Town Clerk), who will then issue your marriage license. At that point, the marriage may then be performed without delay.

If you need to waive the three-day waiting period, you will need to contact one of the following (see note):

• Orleans District Courthouse: 508-255-4700, ext. 4
• Barnstable District Courthouse: 508-375-6648
• Barnstable Family and Probate Court: 508-375-6710

Out-of-State Officiants

If the marriage officiant is from out-of-state, a one-time special appointment must be obtained for that person to solemnize a marriage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This appointment must be obtained from the Governor's office.  click here for Public Records Division.   This appointment is in addition to the required marriage license, not a substitute for the license. This appointment certificate must be made available to the Town Clerk's office prior to the wedding ceremony.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts no longer requires pre-marital blood tests.

Beach Wedding Permissions

Permission is required to perform marriages on Town of Eastham beaches and may be obtained from the Town Recreation Department. The telephone number for the Recreation Department is 508-240-5974.

Permission is also required to perform marriages within the National Seashore and may be obtained by contacting the National Seashore Visitors Center. The telephone number for the National Seashore is 508-771-2144.

Copy of Marriage License

Certified copies of marriage licenses are $10 each.