So You Wanna Tie the Knot at Boston City Hall: A Not-So-Serious Guide
Let's face it, weddings can get a tad...extravagant. Between the sky-high floral arrangements and the doves mysteriously appearing during the ceremony (seriously, where do those things even come from?), it's enough to make you want to elope to Vegas in your pajamas (which, by the way, is totally an option, but this guide is about Boston City Hall).
Fear not, budget-conscious lovebirds and commitment-ready goofballs! Boston City Hall offers a perfectly delightful (and affordable) way to say "I do" without the fuss. Here's how to turn your City Hall shindig from "municipal mumble" to "memorable matrimony."
Step 1: Applying for Your Marriage License - It's Like Applying to a Really Chill Club
Think of this as your VIP pass to wedded bliss. Head to City Hall (or, you know, don't, because appointments can be made online – score!) and fill out the "Marriage Intention Form." It's basically a questionnaire that asks if you're both over 18 and not secretly related (fun fact: being a third cousin twice removed disqualifies you. Who knew?). There's a small fee, but hey, it's cheaper than a bouquet of those overpriced freesias.
Pro Tip: Be prepared to show some ID. Driver's licenses, passports – the usual suspects. Just don't accidentally flash your library card; they might think you're signing up for a book club on sonnets.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Step 2: The Waiting Game: How to Not Freak Out in 72 Hours
There's a mandatory three-day waiting period after you apply. Think of it as a "pre-wedding cleanse" to ensure you're not making any rash decisions fueled by wedding cake samples (though a three-day sugar rush might explain some extravagant ceremonies...).
How to Avoid Pre-Marital Jitters During the Wait:
- Channel your inner Martha Stewart: Use this time to brainstorm some seriously awesome post-wedding snacks for your reception (think pizza and donuts – your guests will thank you).
- Practice your vows: Spoiler alert: They don't have to be Shakespearean sonnets. A heartfelt "I love you, you goofball" is perfectly acceptable.
- Binge-watch trashy reality TV: Let's be honest, it'll take your mind off things, and who knows, you might get some hilarious wedding reception prank ideas.
Step 3: The Ceremony: Short, Sweet, and Totally Legal
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
Now for the main event! City Hall ceremonies are swift – think 15 minutes, tops. There'll be a Justice of the Peace (the official wedding officiant), some basic vows (feel free to add your own pizzazz!), and the magical exchange of rings (or gummy bears, if that's your thing). Just remember, laughter is encouraged, fainting is not.
Step 4: The Reception: Time to Celebrate (and Eat Cake!)
Okay, so there's no built-in reception area at City Hall. But hey, that's your chance to get creative! Here are some reception ideas for the adventurous couple:
- Rent out a quirky bar: Think dive bars with shuffleboard or karaoke – way more fun than a stuffy banquet hall.
- Throw a backyard bash: Break out the lawn chairs, string lights, and a playlist of your favorite love songs.
- Host a picnic in the park: Fresh air, good food, and a chance to reenact that scene from The Princess Bride.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
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| How To Get Married At Boston City Hall |
How To Wrap Up Your Big Day:
- Take goofy photos with your new spouse: Forget the staged stuff. Capture those candid moments of pure joy (and maybe a little post-wedding cake sugar rush).
- Thank your guests (even if it's just your parents and the mailman who happened to walk by): A heartfelt "thanks for celebrating with us" goes a long way.
- High-five yourselves: You did it! You got married without breaking the bank (or your sanity).
FAQs:
How to make an appointment for a marriage license?
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Appointments can be made online through the Boston City Hall website.
How much does a marriage license cost?
There's a $50 application fee.
Is there a waiting period to get married?
Yes, there's a mandatory three-day waiting period after you apply for your marriage license.
How long are the wedding ceremonies at City Hall?
Ceremonies are typically 15 minutes long.
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