Information Regarding New Hampshire Marriage License Requirements and Laws

Where do I go to get a marriage license?

In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license (Actually titled: CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE ) at the any town clerk's office. You do not have to be married in the same town from which you obtain your license.

What does a marriage license cost?

The marriage license fee is $45.00 dollars as set by RSA 457:29

What documents do I have to supply to obtain a license?

The applicants shall supply to the clerk, prior to the issuance of the marriage license, the following documents: proof of age; a certified copy of a death certificate of a former spouse, if applicant is widowed; a certified copy of a final divorce decree, if the applicant is divorced; a certified copy of an annulment decree, if the applicant's previous marriage was annulled.

What are the residency requirements for New Hampshire?

None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of New Hampshire to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.

Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?

No. You can get married the same day.

What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?

A male or female that has reached the age of 18 can marry without parental permission. 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. A female below the age of 13 and a male below the age of 14 are not allowed to marry under any condition.

The above laws on age apply to NH residents or to non-residents who desire to marry NH residents. If both parties are non-residents and are below the age of 18 they cannot be married in NH under any condition.

Additionally, marriage is not permitted in NH between people who are related by blood as first cousins or in any more direct lineage.

Are blood tests and physical exams required?

No blood test or physical exam is required.

How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?

Your license will expire 90 days from the date it is issued.

What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?

If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.

How do I go about changing my last name after marriage?

Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several government agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).

What does the officiant do with the license?

I will first check the names on the license against your identification. I then check to make sure that the license hasn't expired. After you are married, I complete the "Officiant" section of the license and return it, in person or by certified mail, to theTown Clerk who issued it. If I have your email address, I will email you a copy of the certified mail receipt so you can track online, at the Postal Service website, the day when the town clerk receives your license back. Then you can request a certified copy. To get a certified copy, you must request it in person or by mail.

Other Marriage In New Hampshire Questions

Are marriages by proxy permitted?

No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.

Are cousin to cousin marriages legal?

Cousin to Cousin marriages are not lawful.

Are common law marriages permitted?

Common-law marriages are not recognized.

Are same sex "marriages" legal?

Beginning January 2010, same sex "marriages" are allowed in New Hampshire, thus circumventing, the traditional, historical and physiological definition of marriage by statutorily redefining marriage. Many will view these same sex marriages as faux "marriages" reasoning that calling an apple an orange makes the apple an orange in name only.