Marriage License Information for the State of NH

It’s best for newlyweds to contact the town clerk 7 to 14 days after the ceremony, if they want to obtain an official copy for their records

Many towns offer a form to be completed at the time of the application the couple can completed, and when the town clerk receives the signed

certificate of marriage from your Officiant the clerk can mail you the official certificate of marriage.

Additional Information:

License Application Process

Where do I apply for a license?

Licenses may be applied for at any town or city clerk's office. As it does take approximately 1/2 hour to process the license. 

What type of identification do we need to apply ?

A document that proves your identity and age such as a driver's license, nondriver's I.D. or passport.

How far in advance do we apply for a license?

The license is valid for use for 90 days from the date of application.

What if one of us has been married or in a civil union before?

Each party would bring the certified document that ended his or her last marriage or civil union, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper, dissolution or death certificate.

Is there a waiting period?

There is no waiting period.

If one of us in the military and is unable to return to New Hampshire before the ceremony, what can we do?

Contact the Clerk's Office for instructions.

Do we have to use the license in the same city or town where we applied?

No. The license is valid in any New Hampshire city or town.

Can we use the license in another state or country?

No. If the marriage will take place outside of New Hampshire, you must contact the location where the marriage will occur for license regulations.

If the ceremony takes place in another country, will it be valid in New Hampshire?

If any New Hampshire resident contracts a marriage in another jurisdiction that they were legally unable to contract in New Hampshire, (for example due to age, relation, etc.) the marriage would not be recognized by the State of New Hampshire. See RSA 457:43

Do both parties have to be present to complete the application?

Yes. The application must be completed in person and signed by both parties.

What is the fee?

Licenses are $45.00, payable in cash only.

Is a blood test required?

The State of New Hampshire does not require a blood test.

How do I change my name after marriage? Is it taken care of for me when I complete the license application?

Name changes are done by the couple and usually require presenting a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which is available after the officiant [person performing the ceremony] files the marriage license with the city clerk. The certificate is presented to any agency where the name change would be recorded; social security, driver's licenses, creditors, etc.

I don't want my name to change, what do I do?

Nothing. Name changes take place only upon your request.

How do we get a certified copy of our license?

Certificates are available for $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for subsequent copies issued at the same time following the filing of the license by the person who officiated the ceremony.

What information is required on the license?

Please be prepared to provide the following information for both persons.

Full Name
Address
Social Security Number
Race
Ancestry
Years of Education
Date of Birth
State of Birth
Certified record of date last marriage/civil union ended, if applicable
Father's Full Name and State of Birth
Mother's Full Name (Maiden) and State of Birth.