Weddings are legal ceremonies which follow state and national requirements. Commitment ceremonies or unions are not legally binding. Renewal ceremonies are a chance for a couple to renew their vows after a number of years of marriage. As of May 17, 2004, same-sex marriages are legal in Massachusetts.
Several choices are available to you: You can choose from a broad selection of existing secular, religious, interfaith, and neo-pagan wedding ceremony formats. You can work with Reverend Tomlinson to create your own unique ceremony or you can create something in between. How much or how little you want to get involved in the design is up to you. Popular wedding components you may wish to include are:
Massachusetts residents, before you can be legally married you must do the following:
For more information on Massachusetts legal requirements, licenses, and so on, refer to: "Obtaining A Marriage License In Massachusetts," at the Official Website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Weddings rate (2010): $275 (basic rate for most weddings; elaborate weddings may be more. The first half payment is due at the initial meeting, the remainder is due at the rehearsal). Additional travel costs at the current IRS reembursement rate may be incurred depending on location.