Get Married Through The Registry Department At City Hall

You can tie the knot at Boston City Hall with the Registry Department! Learn more about what you need and what to expect from a Boston City Hall ceremony.

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If you are planning to get married at City Hall there are a few things you'll need to know. This page will detail what to expect when getting married at Boston City Hall.

Reminder: You cannot be married without a valid Massachusetts Marriage License. Learn more about how to apply for a marriage license.

Still have questions? Contact:
Registry: Birth, Death, and Marriage

617-635-4175

Use our contact form

1 City Hall Square
Room 213

Boston, MA 02201-2006
United States

What Do I Need?

Appointments

Marriage appointments are available 60 days in advance. If you don't see an available time, we may be able to accommodate you. Contact us at marriage@boston.gov.

Book an appointment

Fee

There is a $75 dollar cost for ceremonies, payment is cash only.

Ceremony

Each ceremony is 15 minutes and consists of an exchange of vows, an optional exchange of rings and a pronouncement of marriage. Ceremonies are officiated by a Registry Division Justice of the Peace. See our frequently asked questions below for more information about City Hall wedding ceremonies and officiants.

Accommodations

We have interpreters available at no cost to you, please contact us at marriage@boston.gov for more information.

About your City Hall Ceremony

What does the space look like?

The registry performs wedding ceremonies at Boston City Hall on the 2nd floor.
Wedding ceremonies are performed in the City Registrar's Office which can seat 14 guests and accommodate up to 20 people standing.

Check out our gallery to see photos of previous City Hall ceremonies

Visit the Gallery

What is the ceremony like?

The City of Boston conducts wedding ceremonies for couples from around the world. We believe that love makes our city and the world a better place. City Hall ceremonies at the Registry Division are 15 minutes long and usually consist of:

an exchange of vows.
an optional exchange of rings. Some couples exchange rings, some do not. There is no legal requirement to exchange rings.
A pronouncement of marriage by the officiant.

When do I receive my certificate?

If the City of Boston issued your marriage license, we will register the marriage after the ceremony and mail a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

In some cases, marriage certificates can be issued immediately following the ceremony. Please contact us for more details.

Do I need a witness?

No, Massachusetts law does not require a witness to solemnize a wedding ceremony.

Can I record the ceremony or bring a photographer?

Absolutely! You are more than welcome to bring a photographer and record and take pictures of your ceremony.

Can I stream or video conference guests who cannot attend the ceremony in person?

Yes, please indicate when you make an appointment whether or not you want a meeting link to invite guests.

What is the difference between wedding ceremonies at the City Clerk's Office and the Registry Division?

Ceremonies are largely the same between the two offices. The difference is mainly the location:

City Clerk's Office, Room 601
The Registry Division, Room 213

To schedule a ceremony with the City Clerk's Office in Room 601, book online, or if you are having technical challenges, call 617-635-2684 or 617-635-2690