Appointments & Commissions

Applying for a 1-Day Designation Certificate

Purpose:

A one-time designation certificate allows an individual to officiate a marriage ceremony on a specific date. The application must be approved by the Governor's office before the Secretary's office can issue the certificate. The application is valid only for ceremonies within Massachusetts, and by a person who is not otherwise authorized to officiate a marriage ceremony. To learn about marriage requirements, visit getting married in Massachusetts (opens in new window or tab).

Clergy and others who are authorized to solemnize marriages in other states should obtain the Non-Resident Clergy Petition. Obtain this form (opens in new window or tab) from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Deadline for submitting an application:

You can apply 6 months in advance of the wedding date, and up until 1 week before the ceremony. If you have an urgent request, contact the Commissions office at 617-727-2836 for assistance.

Ceremony and residency requirements:

* The ceremony must be performed in a city or town within Massachusetts.
* There is no residency requirement for the applicant, or either party.

Two ways to file this application:

Submit online: The fee is $20.00, plus a $3.50 expedited fee. Once your request is approved, your certificate will be expedited in 5 business days.

Submit by mail: Complete the application online, then print and mail it with a check or money order. The fee is $25.00 and will be processed in 4 to 6 weeks.

Correcting a certificate:

**You can make a correction to a certificate that has already been mailed to you. Select "Update certificate" to submit a correction and request a new certificate.

Questions about a 1-day designation?

Contact a member of the Commissions office at 617-727-2836 for assistance.