Marriage

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Massachusetts since May 17th, 2004. Not only was the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the first state in the nation to make same-sex marriage legal, but it was also the 6th jurisdiction in the world to do so. Initially provided to only Massachusetts residents or those in states that recognized same-sex marriages, non-residents can now get married in Massachusetts.

Obtaining a same-sex marriage license follows the same rules and procedures that govern opposite-sex marriages. Three criteria must be met in order for anyone to acquire a marriage license: one must be 18 years of age or older, not be married to anyone else, and not be closely related by blood or marriage to the spouse. There is a 3-day waiting period from the time you apply for a marriage license until the day it is issued, not including the day of application. To apply you will need proof of age and an application fee (fees vary, so best to check with the clerk in the town in which you are applying). In June of 2007, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have ended same-sex marriage lost by a significant vote in a joint session of the Massachusetts legislature.

More detailed information on same-sex marriage in the state of Massachusetts is available at the below sources.

Resources

GLAD.org (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in New England)
Pinkweb.com (planning resources)
HRC.org (national overview of the topic)
Trustees of Reservations (99 Special Places To Hold Your Ceremony)

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