Massachusetts

Residents record once (free); nonresidents petition per wedding

What a Lumen minister should do

Massachusetts residents: send the prefilled Resident Clergy Form with the enclosed certificate and letter — no fee. Out-of-state ministers: file the nonresident § 39 petition for each wedding (we prefill your part; add the couple, date and place).

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section

Authority

M.G.L. c. 207 §§ 38 (resident clergy), 39 (nonresident clergy)

How

Mail, fax (617-727-5914) or email comm@sec.state.ma.us

Documents

Residents: ordination copy + letter of good standing + Resident Clergy Form. Nonresidents: § 39 petition naming the couple, date and place (one marriage)

Fee

None

Processing

Nonresidents 2–4 weeks; file no more than 6 weeks before the ceremony

Expires

Resident recording permanent; nonresident certificate is for one named marriage and must be filed with the town clerk within 10 days after

Official form

Resident Clergy Form (prefilled) · Nonresident Clergy Application (prefilled)

Official page Form from the office

Your registration packet

One PDF: the official form prefilled with your details and the church's, a cover letter from the church, your Letter of Good Standing and your Certificate of Ordination.