Procedure to Perform Marriages in Massachusetts By Members of the Clergy Living in Massachusetts

Section 38 of Chapter 207 of the Massachusetts General Laws states in relevant part that a marriage may be solemnized according to the usage of any church or religious organization which has filed information relating to persons recognized or licensed as aforesaid and in relation to usage of such organizations in such form and at such times as the Secretary of the Commonwealth may require. Pursuant to this statute, the clergy member, or a representative of the church, must file the following with the Commissions Section of the Public Records Division:

• a copy of the clergy member’s ordination papers-if ordination is not applicable, a license or similar certificate issued by the religious organization will be accepted;
• a letter of good standing from the leader of the religious organization on church letterhead; and
• a completed Massachusetts Resident Clergy Form which is available to download here.

Upon receipt of the above information, this office will consider the individual duly recorded to perform marriage ceremonies within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This information may be sent by mail, fax or email to:

Secretary of the Commonwealth
Commissions Section
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(FAX) 617-727-5914
pre@sec.state.ma.us

If you have any further questions, please contact the Commissions Section at 617-727-2836.