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New Hampshire
Marriage license Laws in the state of New Hampshire, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the New Hampshire marriage laws before filling out the New Hampshire marriage license form.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement Valid picture identification.
Acceptable identification includes:
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid Identification Card from DMV
• Valid Passport
• Valid Military ID
• Resident Alien card
• Certified or original Birth Certificate.
• If a foreign birth certificate, it must be translated into English and notarized.
• You need to know your social security number, too!
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of New Hampshire.
• However, if both parties reside outside of the state the marriage intentions must be filed with the clerk of the same city or town where you plan to be married.
• If one of the parties reside in the state, the marriage intentions must be filed with the clerk of the city or town where the resident lives. If both parties reside in New Hampshire in different cities/towns, the intentions can filed at either location. However, only one filing is required. This license may be used anywhere within the state BUT it must be returned by the officiant after the marriage to the clerk who issued the license. A license is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of filing. If license is not used for some reason, it must be returned to clerk who issued it.
• Anyone resident or not can obtain a license anywhere in the state and be married anywhere in the state.
• After the marriage ceremony is performed the officiant will provide the couple with the contracting parties copy of the marriage certificate. This is strictly a "souvenir" copy until brought to the clerk of issuance and certified by him/her free of charge.
• This certificate then becomes a legal document.
• The certification cannot take place until the clerk has in his/her possession the completed copy of the certificate from the officiant. Permit adequate time (approximately two weeks) for this to take place before requesting this service.
If Divorced: Provide certified copies of divorce and/or death certificates for any previous marriages.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Fees: $45 - Cash Only.
Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.
Under 18: Applicants who has reached the age of 18 can marry without parental consent.
• A female between the age of 13 and 17 years and a male between the age of 14 and 17 years can be married only with the permission of their parent (guardian) and a waiver (See Waiver).
• A female below the age of 13 and a male below the age of 14 are not allowed to marry under any conditions.
The above regulations on age apply to New Hampshire residents or to a non-resident who desires to marry a resident. If both parties are non-residents and are below the age of 18 they cannot be married in N.H. under any conditions.
Waivers: When "good and special cause" is shown waivers may be obtained which can alter certain requirements.
• Age: When either of the applicants is not yet 18 years of age but meets the minimum age requirements (See Age) whether a resident or marrying a resident of this state, when joined in the request by their parents or guardian, he/she may request and obtain permission to marry by applying to a justice of the superior court or to the judge of probate where one of the parties resides within N.H.
• Waiting period: This requirement can be waived on application to a justice of the superior court or judge of probate within the county where the marriage is to take place
Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.
Cousin Marriages: No.
Solemnization Authority: In the state of New Hampshire marriages may be performed by:
• A Justice of the Peace commissioned in New Hampshire and in good standing;
• An ordained clergyman, resident in New Hampshire who is in good standing with his congregation.
Special permission is required for an unordained clergyman:
• An ordained clergyman, who is not a resident of New Hampshire. Must obtain a special license which can be used only for that particular marriage;
• Jewish Rabbis or Quakers;
• No one can marry him/herself. Witnesses are not required but permitted, if desired.
Questions and applications relative to solemnization licenses should be addressed directly to the Secretary of State, 603. 271-3244. $5.00 is charged for the license issued to out-of-state clergymen.
Uniform Marriage Recognition Law: If a N.H. resident goes to another state to get married to avoid N.H. requirements of if a nonresident comes to New Hampshire to avoid their state's requirements such a marriage will be declared null and void with the same effect as though such prohibited marriage had been entered into in the state of residence.
Officiants: Marriages may be performed by any ordained minister of the gospel who resides in the state and is in good standing with his church. Ministers not residing in the state may obtain permission to perform a marriage upon application to the Secretary of State. Ministers must send a copy of the marriage certificate to the town clerk.
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
New Hampshire Clerk's Office
Concord City
Concord, NH
603.225.8500
Coos County
Lancaster, NH
603.788.3391
Dover City
Dover, NH
603.743.6021
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Exeter Town
Exeter, NH
603.778.0591
Hampstead Town
Hampstead, NH
603.329.4100
Haverville Town
Woodsville, NH
603.787.6200
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Keene City
Keene, NH
603.352.0133
Laconia City
Laconia, NH
603.527.1265
Nashua City
Nashua, NH
603.589.3010
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