How do I apply for a marriage/civil union license?

You not required to be a resident of New Hampshire in order to be legally married in the state. A marriage application may be filed for in any city or town within the State of New Hampshire (click here for city/town offices)

Back to Top

Where can I obtain a certified marriage certificate ?

A certified copy of your marriage license may be obtained from the city or town clerks office where you were married after the officiator has completed and returned the marriage license to the clerk.  This will take approximately one to two weeks after your ceremony.

Back to Top

Is there a waiting period after we receive our license ?

No. At one time New Hampshire mandated a three day waiting period from the date you applied for the license but currently there is no waiting period. Be advised that a marriage/civil union license is only valid for ninety days after it is issued by the state so plan accordingly.

Back to Top

Who can officiate a New Hampshire wedding or civil union?

Justice of the Peace commissioned in New Hampshire
 

A minister of the gospel in New Hampshire who has been ordained according to the usage of his denomination and resides in state and is in regular standing with the denomination
 

A minister within his parish, residing outside New Hampshire but having a pastoral charge wholly or partly in the state
 

Jewish Rabbis who are citizens of the US and reside in New Hampshire
 

Quakers
 

A Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church ordained according to the usage of his denomination
 

Clergymen who are not ordained and non-resident ministers or Jewish Rabbis only after being licensed by the Secretary of the State.

Back to Top

What is the for for a Justice of the Peace to perform a ceremony?

Each Justice of the Peace is individual and he or she may charge a reasonable fee. Many factors play a part in determining a fee such as travel, time, and schedule. Feel free to ask the Justice of the Peace for an estimate for the service.

Back to Top

When is the perfect time to get married in New Hampshire ?

ANY TIME! New Hampshire has something to offer every couple planning to get married, from the seacoast to the mountains, in winter or in summer New Hampshire is the perfect place to get married anytime.

Back to Top