Detailed New Hampshire Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: Generally 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Where to Apply: Any New Hampshire city or town clerk
Couples may apply for a New Hampshire marriage license through any city or town clerk, regardless of residence, when the ceremony will occur in New Hampshire.
Marriage License Requirements
- Issued By: City or town clerk
- State Fee: $50 per common clerk guidance
- Where Valid: Anywhere in New Hampshire
- License Validity: 90 days
- Waiting Period: No general waiting period
If requirements are met, New Hampshire clerks commonly issue the license the same day. The license may be used for a ceremony anywhere in the state during its validity period.
Minister and Officiant Requirements
- Special Licenses: Certain officiants need a Secretary of State special marriage officiant license
- Unordained Clergy: Special license may be required
- Confirm Authority: Officiants should verify authority before the ceremony
New Hampshire's Secretary of State provides special marriage officiant licenses for people who need state authorization to perform a ceremony. Ministers and other officiants should confirm whether their role requires a special license.
Ceremony Requirements
- Ceremony Location: Must occur in New Hampshire
- License Timing: Ceremony must occur while license is valid
- License Completion: Officiant completes the marriage record
The ceremony itself can be customized, but the license must be valid and completed by an authorized officiant.
Final Steps
- Return Office: Issuing city or town clerk
- Responsible Party: Officiant commonly returns the completed record
- Certified Copies: Available through the clerk or vital records process
The officiant should return the completed license to the proper clerk promptly so the marriage can be recorded.