Access Springfield Marriage Records
Springfield marriage records date back to 1638, giving the city one of the oldest vital records histories in western Massachusetts. The Springfield City Clerk holds all marriage licenses, intentions, and certificates for the city. Records are available in person at City Hall, by mail, or through VitalChek for online orders. The Massachusetts State Archives and RVRS provide state-level access to records from 1841 onward. Whether you need a certified copy of a recent certificate or want to trace a family marriage from the 1800s, Springfield and state offices have options for you.
Springfield Overview
Springfield City Clerk Office
The Springfield City Clerk handles all marriage records for the city. The office is in Room 123 at City Hall on Court Street. Staff issue marriage licenses, record completed marriages, and provide certified copies of marriage certificates. Records start from 1638, though the most complete records run from the 1640s onward. Marriage certificates are available for marriages that took place after February 1980.
Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts. The clerk's office serves a large and varied population across the city's many neighborhoods. Walk-in service is available during regular hours. Extended hours on Thursdays make it easier for people who cannot get there during the standard workday. For mail requests, the office requires cash, money order, or certified bank check. Personal checks may not be accepted, so confirm current payment rules before mailing.
The city's website is at springfield-ma.gov. Navigate to the City Clerk section to find the marriage license and certificate pages.
| Office | Springfield City Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Room 123, City Hall, 36 Court Street, Springfield MA 01103 |
| Phone | 413-736-3111 (or dial 311) |
| Fax | 413-787-6502 |
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Website | springfield-ma.gov |
Springfield Marriage License Process
Both parties must appear in person at the Springfield City Clerk to apply for a marriage license. No residency is required. The license fee is $40. Massachusetts law under MGL c. 207, § 28 requires a 3-day waiting period after you apply. The license becomes active after that period and stays valid for 60 days.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old, as required by MGL c. 207, § 7. Bring government-issued photo ID for both parties. If you were previously married, you may need to provide the date and place your prior marriage ended, whether by death, divorce, or annulment.
If you need to skip the 3-day waiting period, you can apply to a Probate or District Court for a waiver under MGL c. 207, § 30. The waiver costs $195 and is not automatic. The court decides whether your reason qualifies.
The screenshot below shows the Springfield city website, which is the starting point for finding the clerk's marriage license information.
From the city's home page, use the search or navigation to reach the City Clerk section. The clerk's office has direct links to marriage-related forms and instructions from that page.
Certified Copies of Springfield Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of Springfield marriage certificates cost $20 per copy. This is higher than the rate in some other Massachusetts cities. The clerk accepts cash, money order, or certified bank check for both in-person and mail requests. In person is usually faster. Mail requests can take several weeks.
For mail requests, send your request to: City Clerk's Office, 36 Court Street Room 123, Springfield MA 01103. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the wedding, your return address, and a check or money order for the correct amount. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to speed return delivery.
VitalChek also handles online orders for Springfield. Their site is at vitalchek.com Springfield. Fees through VitalChek may differ from the in-person rate, and there may be additional processing charges. The screenshot below shows the VitalChek ordering page for Springfield.
VitalChek is a good option if you cannot visit City Hall in person or prefer online ordering. Expect a few days for processing plus standard mail delivery time.
Marriage certificates are available for marriages that took place after February 1980. For marriages before that date, contact the City Clerk directly to ask about availability and formats.
Historical Springfield Marriage Records
Springfield's marriage records go back to 1638. That spans nearly four centuries of local history. The oldest records are handwritten ledgers from the colonial period. Many of these have been preserved and some have been microfilmed or digitized for easier access.
The Massachusetts State Archives holds vital records from 1841 to 1930 for all cities and towns, including Springfield. The Archives are at 220 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston, phone 617-727-2816. Certified copies cost $3. Search the online database at sec.state.ma.us vital records search. FamilySearch has indexed Massachusetts vital records from 1841 to 1915 and makes them searchable for free.
For records from 1931 to the present, the Massachusetts RVRS at 150 Mount Vernon Street in Dorchester can provide certified copies. Fees are $20 in person, $32 by mail, or $54 through VitalChek. Call 617-740-2600 or visit mass.gov RVRS for details.
The Hampden County Registry of Deeds at 50 State Street in Springfield is another local office worth knowing about. While it does not hold marriage licenses directly, it handles related legal documents like name changes on real property and other civil filings. The Springfield City Library also holds a local history and genealogy collection that may include older marriage data, family histories, and newspaper records related to Springfield weddings.
Massachusetts Marriage Law Overview
All Massachusetts cities and towns follow the same state marriage law in MGL Chapter 207. The rules in Springfield are the same as in Boston or any other city. Both parties must be 18 or older. Both must appear in person to apply. A 3-day waiting period applies. The license is valid for 60 days. There is no residency requirement.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the City Clerk within the required time. The clerk records it and sends it to the state. That completed document is the official marriage certificate. You can then get certified copies from the city or from the RVRS depending on the year.
The state's overview of marriage law is at mass.gov marriage law. Their guide for couples who want to get married in Massachusetts is at mass.gov getting married guide. Both pages are useful if you have questions about the process or want to understand the legal requirements before you visit the Springfield City Clerk.
Hampden County Marriage Records
Springfield is the county seat of Hampden County. The county page has details on the court system and other offices that serve the Hampden County area, including resources for legal aid and the Probate Court.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have marriage records pages with local clerk office details and search options.