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1. When are you open?

Our hours for Marriage Intentions are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
-
Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Closed Saturdays, Sundays and all legal holidays

2. Where are you located?

The Gardner City Hall is located at 95 Pleasant Street. The City Clerk’s Office is on the first floor, Room 121. On-street parking is available.

3. When should we apply?

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the day you apply (after the 3-day waiting period). Apply for your license no sooner than 60 days before your planned wedding date.

4. Do I have to apply where I live?

If your marriage is going to take place outside of Massachusetts, you must contact the local officials in the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place. Marriage laws vary from state to state.

If the marriage is to take place in Massachusetts, you may apply for your license at any City or Town Clerk’s Office in Massachusetts regardless of where you live. Fees and hours vary from office to office. Information on offices in other cities and towns can be obtained from the Commonwealth Communities page on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

5. Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?

No appointment is necessary, however, you should call ahead to be assured that the City Clerk or the Assistant City Clerk is available to administer the oath to the parties intending to be married. A couple must appear at the City Clerk’s Office together, in person, to file a “Notice of Intention to Marry” and must present valid photo identification. This can be done any time during our regular office hours. Please allow approximately fifteen minutes for completion of your application.

Applications for Marriage Licenses will not be taken after 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or after Noon on Friday.

6. Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a three-day waiting period. Your license will be available on the third calendar day after the day that you apply. For example, if you apply on a Thursday, your license can be issued on or after Monday. Please note that licenses are not issued on Saturdays, Sundays, and all legal holidays (i.e., whenever the City Hall is closed).

7. Is a waiver of the three-day waiting period available?

If there is reason to dispense with the three-day waiting period, a couple may apply to a Justice of a Massachusetts Probate or District Court to have the license issued without delay. Applicants can proceed to the courthouse after filing the “Notice of Intention to Marry” with the City Clerk. Upon such court order, the license may be issued without delay. The parties, prior to issuance of the license, must present the certified copy of the court order to the City Clerk which will be retained.

The Gardner District Court is located at 108 Matthews Street and can be reached at 978-632-4276. The fee for the waiver is currently $195. Call the District Court for the for the waiver and methods of payment. The Court staff recommends that applicants for waivers arrive at the Courthouse no later than 3 p.m. to assure ample time for consideration of the waiver prior to closing time.


Imminent Death - If the death of either party is imminent, a license may be issued without delay upon request of a minister, clergyman, priest, rabbi, authorized representative of a Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is or attending physician. The request must be notarized and should include a statement that the possibility of death before three days exists (G.L. c.207 §30).

Immigrants - If either party to the marriage has arrived as an immigrant from a foreign country within five days of the wedding, the Intentions may be filed at any time before the wedding and the license may be issued any time after filing Intentions (G.L. c.207 §29). Immigration papers are to be shown to the City Clerk, who will make a true copy attest to be maintained.

8. Is a blood test required before a license can be issued?

No, a blood test is not required. On October 29, 2004, the Governor signed a law eliminating the premarital medical certificate requirement in Massachusetts. This law went into effect on January 28, 2005.

9. What is the fee for obtaining a marriage license in Gardner?

The fee is $25, which includes the license only.

10. How do I find a Justice of the Peace?

Find a Justice of the Peace in your area by visiting the Justices of the Peace Association website.

11. Is Massachusetts residency required to obtain a marriage license in Massachusetts?

No, residency is not a requirement for marriage in Massachusetts.

12. What if one or both of us has been divorced?

You are not required to present a divorce decree when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that his/her divorce is absolute. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for divorce. The City Clerk reserves the right to require a divorce decree under certain conditions.

13. Are witnesses required to be present at the ceremony?

Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. The officiant serves as the witness.

14. What if I have further questions?

Our mailing address is City Clerk, 95 Pleasant Street, Room 121, Gardner, MA 01440.

You may contact the City Clerk’s Office by telephone during the office hours at 978-630-4058, or by emailing
Alan Agnelli.