Marriage is the legally recognized union of two people. Any person who meets the eligibility requirements as outlined below may marry any other eligible person. Couples wanting to be joined in marriage, whose ceremonies will be occurring in the State of New Hampshire, may obtain a marriage license from any New Hampshire city/town clerk’s office. The state-set fee for a marriage license is $50.
The City Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
A couple wishing to marry in the State of New Hampshire, regardless of their place of residence, may file their intentions to marry at any New Hampshire city/town clerk's office.
In order to obtain a marriage license, the couple must appear together in person to fully complete a marriage application worksheet. Worksheets cannot be taken home or off-site to complete. To accurately complete the worksheet, each person must present the following documents:
Photocopies or faxes of required documents are not accepted. Documents in languages other than English require a certified translation.
Required documents provide vital information and eliminate errors. Errors or falsification can cause great hardship and may make either party liable for criminal prosecution.
When completing the marriage application worksheet, both parties must indicate what their middle and surnames will be following marriage. Either party may:
Name changes other than those listed above must seek approval of the court.
If all requirements are met, a marriage license may be issued the same day. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and may be used for a ceremony occurring anywhere in the State of New Hampshire.
Signing the marriage license does not signify the couple is married as a ceremony must occur. The ceremony is to be officiated by a party deemed appropriate, and witnesses to the ceremony are not required.
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the officiant section of the marriage license and return the license and any special solemnization licenses issued by the New Hampshire Secretary of State to the city/town clerk of issuance within six days.
Certified copies cannot be issued until the completed license along with any special solemnization licenses have been returned to the city/town clerk’s office where it was obtained. Please allow approximately two weeks from the date of the ceremony before requesting certified copies. You may then contact any New Hampshire city/town clerk to obtain certified copies. The state-set fee for one certified copy is $15. Additional copies issued at the same time are $10 each.
Cash and debit/credit cards are accepted as payment for marriage licenses. Cash, check, and debit/credit cards are accepted forms of payment when obtaining certified copies.
For additional information about applying for a marriage license, please refer to our Marriage License Policy.