Marriage records in Bristol, Massachusetts, are available through several channels. BristolCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Bristol County. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — in Massachusetts, that is the city or town clerk where the marriage took place, or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records. Records may be obtained online through the state's vital records ordering system, in person at the local clerk's office, or by mail.
Bristol Marriage Records Search
In Massachusetts, marriage records are maintained at two levels: the city or town clerk in the municipality where the marriage license was issued, and the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS), which is part of the Department of Public Health. Bristol County does not have a single centralized county clerk for vital records — instead, each city and town within the county keeps its own marriage records.
For marriages that took place in the City of Fall River, for example, records are held by the Fall River City Clerk's office. Other Bristol County municipalities — including Taunton, New Bedford, Attleboro, and others — maintain their own records through their respective city or town clerks.
The marriage records collection typically includes:
- Marriage licenses issued by the city or town clerk
- Marriage certificates (returns) filed after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records, some dating back to the 1800s or earlier depending on the municipality
For records older than roughly 50–100 years, the Massachusetts State Archives may also hold copies. To search for a specific record, contact the clerk's office in the municipality where the marriage took place.
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
For Fall River specifically:
Fall River City Clerk
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bristol
Fees for marriage record copies in Massachusetts are set by state law under M.G.L. Chapter 46, Section 2B. City and town clerks charge the same base fees statewide. The state Registry of Vital Records may charge slightly different fees for its own copies.
| Service | Fee (City/Town Clerk) | Fee (State RVRS) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy — first copy | $10 | $20 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $10 | $20 |
| Uncertified/informational copy | Not typically offered separately | Not typically offered separately |
| Search fee (no record found) | Varies by municipality | Included in request fee |
| Expedited processing (state level) | N/A | Additional fee applies; check RVRS |
At the city or town clerk level, processing is usually handled the same day for walk-in requests if the record is on file. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks. State-level requests through RVRS may take four to six weeks for standard processing.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bristol
There are three main ways to order a Bristol County marriage certificate:
Online
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records partners with VitalChek for online ordering. You can request a certified copy of a marriage record through this portal. Note that VitalChek charges an additional processing fee on top of the state fee. Some municipalities may also offer their own online ordering — check the specific city or town clerk's website.
In Person
Visit the city or town clerk's office in the municipality where the marriage took place. Bring a valid photo ID. Most offices handle walk-in requests while you wait, depending on staff availability and the age of the record. No appointment is usually required, but calling ahead is a good idea.
For marriages in Fall River, visit:
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the appropriate city or town clerk — or to the state RVRS:
- A written request or completed application form (available from the clerk's office or the RVRS website)
- Full names of both spouses as they appeared on the marriage record
- Approximate date and place of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the city/town clerk or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the state should be sent to:
Keep in mind that Massachusetts restricts access to vital records for certain time periods. Marriage records less than 50 years old are generally available only to the individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a documented need. Records older than 50 years are typically open to the public. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the clerk's office or RVRS before submitting your request.