Search Taunton Marriage Records

Taunton marriage records are maintained by the City Clerk in Room 101 at 15 Summer Street. The office issues marriage licenses, records completed ceremonies, and provides certified copies to those who need them. You can visit in person or send a mail request. Researchers should be aware that original town books were destroyed in an 1838 fire, so some early records are incomplete or reconstructed. The state Registry of Vital Records and Statistics holds copies for all Massachusetts marriages since 1931.

Taunton City Clerk Office

The Taunton City Clerk is Jennifer L. Leger. The office is in Room 101 at 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780. Phone is 508-821-1024. Fax is 508-821-1098. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The clerk handles marriage licenses, certified copies of marriage certificates, and other vital records for Taunton. Staff can also help with corrections to existing records and answer questions about the marriage license application process.

For mail requests, write to the City Clerk at Room 101, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780. Include both parties' full names, the marriage date, your contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of copies. Mail takes longer than in-person visits. Call the office first if you have questions about what to send or how long processing takes.

The Taunton City Clerk page at the city website lists office services, hours, and contact details.

Check this page before visiting to confirm current hours and any documentation requirements for your request type.

Marriage Records Access in Taunton

Certified copies of Taunton marriage certificates cost $10 per copy. Payment is cash only for in-person requests. Bring a photo ID and know both parties' full names and the approximate marriage date. Staff can usually provide copies the same day for in-person requests made during regular office hours.

For mail requests, include the names, marriage date, your return address, and a check or money order for $10 per copy. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail takes longer to process. If you need a copy by a specific date, visiting in person is the more reliable option.

The Taunton birth, death, and marriage records page explains what records the clerk holds, how to request them, and what fees apply.

Review this page before submitting a request to confirm the current fee, payment method, and what information you need to provide.

Historical Note: 1838 Fire

Taunton's original town books were destroyed in an 1838 fire. Records from that period were later reconstructed from other sources, but gaps exist. If you are researching a Taunton marriage from before 1838, expect that the record may be incomplete or may not exist in the clerk's files. The clerk's staff can help direct you to alternative sources for early Taunton families.

For marriages after 1841, the Massachusetts State Archives holds the statewide vital records collection. The State Archives is at 220 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston. Phone is 617-727-2816. Certified copies cost $3. The state collection is complete from 1841 forward. Church records and private collections are often the best source for Taunton marriages from before 1841. The Old Colony History Museum in Taunton is a good starting point for pre-fire genealogical research.

Getting a Marriage License in Taunton

To get a marriage license in Taunton, both applicants must appear at the City Clerk's office together. Contact the office at 508-821-1024 to confirm the current license fee before your visit. The state requires a 3-day waiting period under MGL Chapter 207. The license does not become valid until three days after the application date. Once valid, the license is good for 60 days.

Both applicants must be 18 or older. No Taunton residency is required. Bring valid photo ID for each person. If you need to waive the 3-day wait, apply to a Probate or District Court. The court charges $195 for a waiver request and does not grant them automatically. Plan the application date so the waiting period clears with enough time before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk. The clerk records it and submits a report to the state. That becomes the official marriage certificate. Certified copies can be requested once the record is on file.

City Hall Wedding Ceremonies

Taunton City Hall offers wedding ceremonies for couples who want a simple civil ceremony. The fee is $100. Contact the clerk's office at 508-821-1024 to ask about scheduling and availability. You must complete the marriage license process first and observe the 3-day waiting period before the ceremony can be performed. The $100 ceremony fee is separate from the marriage license fee.

Old Colony History Museum

The Old Colony History Museum in Taunton was founded in 1853 and serves as a major genealogical resource for the Taunton area. The museum holds manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other primary source materials related to Taunton and the surrounding region. For researchers working on pre-fire or early marriage records, the museum's collection can fill gaps left by the 1838 fire. The museum is especially helpful for families with deep roots in Taunton and Bristol County.

Staff at the museum can assist with research requests and help identify which collections are most relevant for a specific family or time period. Contact the museum directly for current hours, research fees, and appointment requirements. Their holdings complement what the clerk's office and state archives hold, making them a key resource for Taunton family history research.

State-Level Historical Records

For Taunton marriages from 1841 to 1930, the Massachusetts State Archives at 220 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston holds the statewide vital records. Phone is 617-727-2816. Certified copies cost $3. The Secretary of State's online search tool is a useful first step before ordering copies. The state collection is complete from 1841 forward and is not affected by the 1838 local fire.

The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) at 150 Mount Vernon Street in Dorchester, MA 02125 holds all Massachusetts marriages from 1931 to the present. Phone is 617-740-2600. Certified copies cost $20 in person or $32 by mail. The RVRS accepts orders through VitalChek online as well. FamilySearch at familysearch.org provides free access to many Massachusetts vital records from the 1800s and early 1900s. American Ancestors at americanancestors.org has extensive early New England records that can help fill gaps from before the state system began.

Bristol County Marriage Records

Taunton is in Bristol County and serves as the county seat. Marriage licenses are issued at the city level, but the county page covers Probate Court records and broader Bristol County resources.

View Bristol County Marriage Records

Nearby Cities

These nearby cities have their own marriage records pages with local clerk contact details and information on requesting certified copies.