How to get married at the courthouse in New Hampshire is a common question for couples looking to celebrate their love in a straightforward and legally recognized way. New Hampshire, known for its charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and strong local governance, offers a simple legal process for couples who want to tie the knot without the stress and cost of a large ceremony. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state, getting married at the courthouse in New Hampshire is a practical option that still allows for a meaningful and intimate ceremony. With its lenient residency laws, no waiting period, and quick application process, New Hampshire is ideal for couples who value efficiency and legality over extravagance. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about getting married at the court in New Hampshire, from legal requirements and step-by-step instructions to important considerations to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Hampshire
To legally marry in New Hampshire, you must meet the following criteria. These requirements apply whether you're a resident of the state or a visitor:
1. Age Requirements: Both individuals must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent. Those who are 16 or 17 years old may marry with written parental or guardian permission and a court waiver. Individuals under 16 are not permitted to marry under any circumstances.
2. No Residency Requirement: You do not need to be a resident of New Hampshire to get married in the state. This makes the Granite State a good destination for out-of-state couples looking for a legal and scenic location to wed.
3. Valid Identification: Both parties must provide proof of identity and age using valid, government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Foreign nationals may use their valid passports.
4. Social Security Number (if applicable): U.S. citizens are asked to provide their Social Security numbers. If one or both applicants are not U.S. citizens and do not have a Social Security number, they may provide a signed statement explaining the absence.
5. Marriage License Application: You must apply for a marriage license in person at any City or Town Clerk’s Office in New Hampshire. Both parties must be present to complete and sign the application. A license issued in any town is valid throughout the state.
6. Marriage License Fee: The standard fee for a marriage license in New Hampshire is \$50. Payment methods vary by municipality, but most accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.
7. No Waiting Period: There is no waiting period in New Hampshire, meaning you can marry immediately after receiving your license. This allows for same-day courthouse weddings in most towns and cities.
8. License Validity: The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If not used within that time, the license expires and a new one must be obtained.
9. Previous Marriages: If either applicant has been previously married, they must provide documentation stating how and when the marriage ended. This includes divorce decrees or death certificates.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Hampshire
1. Visit a Town or City Clerk’s Office to Apply for Your License
The process of getting married at the courthouse in New Hampshire starts with obtaining a marriage license from any local City or Town Clerk’s Office. Both parties must appear together with valid photo identification and provide personal information, including full names, dates of birth, places of birth, and parental details. If either person has been married before, proof of the dissolution of that marriage must be provided. For example, if you are applying in Concord or Manchester, you can walk into the Clerk's Office during regular business hours without an appointment. The staff will process your application, collect the \$50 fee, and issue your marriage license on the spot. There’s no waiting period, so you can proceed to the next step as soon as you’re ready.
2. Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony with a Justice of the Peace or Judge
While New Hampshire does not offer large courthouse wedding programs like some other states, many towns do have Justices of the Peace, judges, or magistrates who can perform civil ceremonies at the courthouse or municipal building. In most cases, you'll need to schedule an appointment for your ceremony, especially in smaller towns where staff availability may be limited. If you’re getting married in a larger city such as Nashua or Dover, you may be able to find a civil officiant directly through the court or municipal office. Always call ahead to check availability, required documents, and any additional fees. A small officiant fee may be charged, often ranging from \$50 to \$100 depending on the location and day of the week.
3. Bring Required Items on the Day of the Ceremony
On the day of your ceremony, arrive at the courthouse or municipal building with the marriage license, valid photo IDs, and any required fees or witnesses. New Hampshire does not require witnesses to be present at the wedding, but some officiants prefer to have one or two people present as a formality or personal preference. Dress neatly—courthouse weddings are typically informal, but some couples still choose semi-formal attire for photos. The ceremony itself is usually short and legal in nature but can be personalized depending on your officiant. Many civil officials are open to brief vows or ring exchanges if requested.
4. Have the Marriage License Signed and Returned
After the ceremony, your officiant will complete and sign your marriage license. They are then responsible for filing the license with the Town or City Clerk’s Office where it was issued. This step is essential for your marriage to be officially recorded and legally binding. You do not need to return the license yourself unless your officiant instructs you otherwise. Processing generally takes a few days, after which your marriage certificate becomes part of the public record.
5. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage license has been filed, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Town or City Clerk’s Office. These documents are needed for legal name changes, immigration filings, insurance updates, and Social Security purposes. Each certified copy typically costs around \$15 to \$20, and you can request them in person, by mail, or sometimes online. It’s recommended to purchase at least two certified copies for your records.
6. Update Legal Records and Celebrate Your Marriage
After your courthouse wedding is officially registered, you can begin updating legal documents such as your driver's license, passport, and bank accounts if you choose to change your name. New Hampshire’s straightforward process ensures your marriage is recognized nationwide and internationally. Even if you chose a simple courthouse wedding, consider planning a celebration afterward with family and friends to commemorate your union in a more personal way.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Hampshire
1. Courthouse Weddings Are Ideal for Budget-Conscious Couples
Courthouse weddings in New Hampshire are significantly more affordable than traditional weddings, with most couples spending under \$200 total. The marriage license fee is \$50, and civil ceremony officiant fees are often modest. This makes it a smart option for couples saving for a home, education, or other future goals.
2. Availability of Officiants Varies by Location
Not all courthouses have judges or magistrates available for weddings on short notice. In rural areas, it may be more practical to hire a local Justice of the Peace rather than use a courthouse official. Always contact your local Clerk’s Office to confirm ceremony options and officiant availability.
3. No Waiting Period Means You Can Marry the Same Day
New Hampshire’s lack of a waiting period is a major advantage for couples who want to marry quickly. You can obtain your license and have your ceremony on the same day, even within a couple of hours. This is helpful for spontaneous elopements or legal marriages before a destination ceremony.
4. You Can Personalize a Simple Ceremony
Although courthouse ceremonies are short, many officiants allow couples to exchange rings, read personalized vows, or bring in meaningful traditions. Talk to your officiant ahead of time if you have specific requests, and bring your own props or printed vows if desired.
5. Certified Copies Are Needed for Name Changes and Legal Use
You won’t receive a marriage certificate automatically after your wedding. You must request and pay for certified copies separately, which are essential for making your marriage legally recognized in institutions. Keep in mind that different agencies may require original certified copies rather than photocopies.
6. New Hampshire Is a Beautiful State for Post-Wedding Celebrations
Whether you’re getting married in Portsmouth, Keene, or the White Mountains region, New Hampshire offers countless natural and cultural destinations to enjoy after your wedding. Even if you have a courthouse ceremony, you can still enjoy a romantic celebration or honeymoon close by—perhaps a cozy cabin in the woods, a seaside bed and breakfast, or a visit to a historic inn.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in New Hampshire gives couples the freedom to focus on what truly matters—making a legal and heartfelt commitment to each other. The process is designed to be accessible, efficient, and welcoming for both residents and visitors. From applying for your license at a local clerk’s office to scheduling a ceremony with a judge or justice of the peace, getting married at the courthouse in New Hampshire is an ideal option for couples who prefer simplicity and legality over grandeur. Whether you're exchanging vows in a quaint town hall in Hanover or a more formal courthouse in Concord, getting married at the court in New Hampshire is a beautiful, practical, and stress-free way to begin your life together.
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