New Hampshire Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any NH county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.
Cost of License
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $45.00 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirements
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.
Waiting Period
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period.
Age Requirement
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order. Males under the age of 14 and females under the age of 13 can not marry without a court order.
Blood Tests and Physical Exams
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
License Expires
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.
Divorced and Widowed Applicants
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. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online.
How Do I Legally Change My Name?
What's the process of legally 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 goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
We have created a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient.
Miscellaneous Questions
Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.
Are cousin marriages legal?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.
Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.
Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not allowed.
County Clerk Address and Phone Number List
Concord City ClerkRegister Of Deeds
163 N Main St
Concord, NH 03302
603-225-8500
Map Coos County Clerk
148 Main St
P.O. Box 286
Lancaster, NH 03584
603-788-3391
Map Dover City Clerk
County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
603-743-6021
Map Exeter Town Clerk
Hampton Road
Exeter, NH 03833
603-778-0591
Map Hampstead Town Clerk
11 Main Street
Hampstead, NH 03841
603-329-4100
Map Haverville Town Clerk
Route 10, N Haverhill
P.O. Box 226
Woodsville, NH 03785
603-787-6200
Map Keene City Clerk
33 West St
Keene, NH 03431
603-352-0133
Map Laconia City Clerk
64 Court St
Laconia, NH 03247
603-527-1265
Map Nashua City Clerk
Administrative Services Division
229 Main St
P.O. Box 2019
Nashua, NH 03061
603-589-3010
Map