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Communities at the forefront
Today same-sex couples in Massachusetts can seek licenses to marry. While in some communities it's a low-key affair, others are planning official celebrations.
| Community | Hours | Policy on out-of-state applicants | Special events |
|
Boston City Hall |
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Discouraged but proof of residency is not required. | Reception tent with wedding cake in City Hall Plaza throughout the day. At 9:30 a.m., three Boston-area Goodridge plaintiff couples plan to fill out marriage license applications. |
|
Cambridge City Hall |
8:30 a.m-5 p.m. | Discouraged but proof of residency is not required. | Mayor planned to greet couples and open City Hall last night at midnight. Speeches and celebration planned. |
|
Provincetown Town Hall |
8 a.m.-5 p.m. 110 couples expected |
Explicitly welcomed. Proof of residency is not required. | Wedding cake planned in front of town hall. Sixty volunteers will direct and guide would-be newlyweds. A local theater promises free tickets to those who present their marriage license applications. |
|
Northampton City Hall |
8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. At least 100 couples expected |
Proof of residency is not required. | First spot reserved for Goodridge plaintiffs Gina Smith and Heidi Norton. |
|
Somerville City Hall |
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 19 inquiries as of Friday. |
Explicitly welcomed. Proof of residency is not required. | Marriage Equality Celebration at City Hall planned for 9 a.m. State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios and state Representative Patricia D. Jehlen plan to attend. |
|
Worcester City Hall |
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 250 couples expected |
Explicitly welcomed. Proof of residency is not required. | |
|
Newton City Hall |
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Proof of residency is not required. | Newton Mayor David B. Cohen hosts a Community Celebration of Equality and Family from 3:15 to 6 p.m. A private wedding ceremony is planned in the mayor's office for Goodridge plaintiffs Ellen Wade and Maureen Brodoff. |
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Compiled from Globe staff and news reports | |||
Steps to marriage
1. Get a blood test. Bring results when applying for the marriage license.
2. Go to city or town hall to fill out a "Notice of Intention of Marriage." This form includes the applicants' names, dates of birth, occupations, and a statement of the applicants' intent to reside in Massachusetts.
3. Wait three days, under state law, before obtaining the marriage license. Or get a waiver from a judge at a probate or district court.
4. Obtain the marriage license at the city or town clerk's office where the notice of intention was filed.
5. Get married by a Justice of the Peace, member of the clergy, or another official authorized by the state to perform marriages. That official then sends the license back to the clerk and the marriage is registered by the state.
Sources: Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Associated Press
