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New Hampshire · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

City or Town Clerk (municipal level - New Hampshire has ~234 cities and towns; NOT county-level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Both parties appear TOGETHER in person at any New Hampshire city or town clerk's office; most clerks have limited hours - call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed; the process typically takes about 30 minutes
  2. Both parties present required ID and complete the marriage license application with the clerk
  3. Pay the $50 fee (state-set); license issued immediately - NO waiting period; can marry same day
  4. License valid for 90 days from the date of application; must get married within 90 days
  5. No witnesses required by New Hampshire law
  6. Officiant must complete the officiant section of the marriage license AND return the completed license to the issuing city/town clerk within SIX DAYS of the ceremony; any special solemnization license (if officiant was issued one by the NH Secretary of State) must also be returned
  7. Wait approximately 2 weeks from the ceremony date before requesting certified copies; certified copies available from ANY New Hampshire city or town clerk for $15 (first copy), $10 (each additional copy at same time)
  8. NAME CHANGE: New Hampshire law allows either party to: (a) retain their pre-marriage surname, (b) change to the spouse's surname, or (c) use a hyphenated combination of both surnames; the name selected on the marriage license application becomes the legal name after marriage; a middle name may also be changed to the prior surname
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport; some towns require birth certificates - call ahead to verify)
  • If previously married: certified copy of divorce decree/annulment with raised/embossed seal, OR death certificate; cannot marry in NH if prior divorce is not finalized
  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old effective January 1, 2025 - minimum age raised from 16 to 18 with no exceptions; nobody under 18 may marry in New Hampshire
Fee
$50 statewide (state-set fee); payment accepted: cash, bank check, or money order in most towns; some also accept credit/debit cards (convenience fee may apply); verify with your specific town clerk
Waiting Period
NONE - license effective immediately upon issuance LICENSE VALIDITY: 90 days from date of application OFFICIANT RETURN DEADLINE: 6 days after ceremony; special solemnization license must also be returned WITNESSES: NOT required by New Hampshire law NON-CLERGY OFFICIANTS: Must obtain a Special Solemnization License from the NH Secretary of State at least 45 days in advance of the ceremony; apply at sos.nh.gov CERTIFIED COPIES: $15 first copy/$10 each additional; may be requested from ANY NH city or town clerk after the completed license has been filed; wait approximately 2 weeks after the ceremony
Online Option
No statewide online application; must appear in person together; some larger towns/cities have downloadable forms to prepare
Where to Go
Any New Hampshire city or town clerk's office (no residency or ceremony-location restriction)
New Hampshire Notes

Important state-specific details

  • No waiting period - can marry same day.
  • No blood test required.
  • No residency requirement - out-of-state couples welcome at any NH town clerk.
  • License valid anywhere in NH (NOT in other states).
  • Minimum age now 18 with NO exceptions effective January 1, 2025.
  • Non-clergy officiants need a Special Solemnization License from NH Secretary of State - apply well in advance.
  • Willfully making false statements on the marriage license application is a Class B Felony.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
New Hampshire Secretary of State, Vital Records / Special Solemnization Licenses - sos.nh.gov | (603) 271-3242; City or Town Clerk (varies by municipality); NH DVRA: sos.nh.gov/vital-records-0