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Where do I go to get a marriage license in NH?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Feb 26, 2026

Where do I go to get a marriage license in NH?

Marriage license applications may be applied for at any town or city clerks' office in the state. To be married in NH you do not have to establish residency. A couple wishing to marry in the State of NH may complete an application at any NH city or town clerk's office regardless of their place of residence.

Consequently, how long does it take to get a marriage license in New Hampshire?

You'll need to go with enough time to process the marriage license but within 90 days of your wedding day. There is no longer a waiting period, but a New Hampshire marriage license typically takes 30 minutes process.

Furthermore, what documents do you need to get married in New Hampshire? You'll need to provide your name, birth date, state of birth, social security number, race, parents information, education, and background on previous marriages (if applicable.) New Hampshire does not require a blood test. It costs $50 to obtain a marriage license.

Regarding this, do you need a witness to get married in NH?

In N.H. marriages may be performed by:

Witnesses are not required but permitted if desired.

How do I get married in New Hampshire?

Anyone wishing to be married in the State of New Hampshire must complete a Marriage License Application with any City or Town Clerk regardless of their place of residence. Once the marriage license is issued, the couple is free to marry within any city or town in the State of New Hampshire within 90 days.

Can you get married same day in NH?

Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. There is no longer a waiting period and the license may be used the same day.

How do I become officially married?

When Does a Marriage Become Legal?
  1. The marriage license must be signed by the couple, one or more witnesses, and the officiant conducting the ceremony.
  2. The officiant must take the signed marriage license to the appropriate court office to have it filed.
  3. Once the license has been filed, the marriage is officially legal.

Do you need a birth certificate to get married in New Hampshire?

Marriage License Requirements. New Hampshire Marriage License Fee is $50. Minimum age to marry is 18. Both parties must present their birth certificates or passports and their drivers licenses at the time of application.

How much does a justice of the peace cost in NH?

Hiring a Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire typically will run you $350-$500. While the fee for the Justice of the Peace license is $75 (for a 5-year commission).

What happens if you lie on your marriage certificate?

My soon-to-be ex lied about never being previously married on our marriage application. Lying on a marriage license may make a marriage void or voidable. To determine whether these facts fit that scenario, you should contact an experienced marital and family law attorney.

How much does it cost to elope in NH?

Eloping in NH or New Hampshire Marriage License Requirements:
Minimum AgeCost for licenseApplication Waiting period
18 yrs$503 days

Can I get married in New Hampshire if I live in Massachusetts?

If one of the applicants is a resident of New Hampshire, the marriage license must be filed in the same town or city he or she resides in. However, unlike Massachusetts there is no waiting period for your license, you will receive it immediately but it will not become valid until after 3 days receiving it.

How do I become a wedding officiant in NH?

Before officiating weddings in New Hampshire you will first need to get ordained online as a minister. This is as easy as Googling for a website that offers online ordinations. Most of these organizations offer ordination for free though there are a few that charge exorbitant fees.

Is New Hampshire a common law marriage state?

"In New Hampshire, marriage is controlled by statute. Common law marriage is not recognized, except to the limited extent provided in RSA 457:39.

How do you get eloped in NH?

Luckily in New Hampshire it is actually quite simple to elope and get officially married. It's just like weddings. All you need is a marriage license and have your ceremony done by an approved officiant.

Are marriage records public in NH?

In NH, birth records prior to 1908 and death, marriage, divorce, legal separation or civil annulment records prior to 1958 are considered public records. Search fees for the issuance of birth, death and marriage records are set by state law, not the local city or town clerk.

How do I change my last name after marriage in NH?

  1. Step 1 – Complete Petition. Download and complete the New Hampshire Name Change Petition.
  2. Step 2 – File Petition.
  3. Step 3 – Attend Hearing (If Applicable)
  4. Step 1 – Complete Petition.
  5. Step 2 – Complete Assent Form (If Applicable)
  6. Step 3 – File Forms.
  7. Step 4 – Attend Hearing (If Applicable)

Who can marry you in Maine?

The following individuals are authorized to perform marriages in Maine:
  • Ordained ministers of the gospel.
  • A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.
  • Judges or justices (residents of Maine only)
  • Lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar (residents of Maine only)

How do I become a justice of the peace in NH?

Justice of the Peace
  1. Every person applying to become a justice of the peace must be a resident of New Hampshire.
  2. You must have been a registered voter in New Hampshire for at least 3 years immediately prior to the date of the application.

How can you find out if someone got married?

Today, information relating to marriage between persons is publicly registered and can be obtained online through verifiable websites like staterecords.org which provide easy access to the public records in full compliance with all laws relating to the confidentiality of certain information.

How do I become an ordained minister online?

Getting Ordained Online

Go to an online non-denominational ministry's website, such as The Universal Life Church Ministries or Open Ministry. Click on “Get Ordained” or something to that effect. Fill out the form. Pay the nominal online ordination fee, if any.

How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate in New Hampshire?

Copies of records may be obtained from State office or from City or Town Clerk in place where the marriage license was issued. Recent records (marriage since 1989) may be obtained from ANY City or Town running the Vital Records Automated software called NHVRIN.