Premarital Counseling
A couple considering marriage should meet with the pastor, preferably before the engagement (or, at the very least, immediately after). The pastor will arrange a program of premarital counseling with marriage mentors. Plan at least nine months ahead.

Wedding Date
If you plan to have a reception at a banquet hall, you should arrange the date with them first (typically banquet halls book up to eighteen months ahead). Once you have found a suitable date, confirm the availability of the officiating pastor, and contact the church office to book the sanctuary (781.863.1755 x.10).

Officiating Minister
Members and regular participants may request any of the CBCGB ordained pastors to solemnize a wedding. If you wish to invite another pastor of similar faith and practice to participate in the service, this can usually be arranged with the officiating minister.

Marriage License
These regulations were in effect in Massachusetts in 2001. Contact a local town hall to confirm that they are still in effect.

Prospective bride and groom must appear in person and together at any town hall in the state to file an intention to marry. This must be done at least three (3) days before the wedding; it may be done a maximum of sixty (60) days before the wedding. The cost of application is $15. The certificate may be picked up three days later; only one party need be present to receive it.

The couple must present evidence of blood tests. Health clinics commonly supply this form. The tests may be taken a maximum of thirty (30) days before filing intention to marry. The results may be presented either at the time of filing intention, or when the marriage certificate is picked up.

Bring the marriage certificate to the wedding rehearsal with a stamped envelope addressed to the town hall where you filed intention. The officiating clergy signs it, and the church returns the certificate to the town hall. The town hall sends you a certified copy of the marriage certificate several months later.