Marriage license · Free to use

New Hampshire marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What New Hampshire's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

New Hampshire marriage license at a glance

Fee: $50, set by state law and paid by the couple to the town or city clerk. Waiting period: None. There is no waiting period in New Hampshire. How long it is valid: The license is valid for up to 90 days from the date of filing.

New Hampshire marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $50, set by state law and paid by the couple to the town or city clerk. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. There is no waiting period in New Hampshire. (Source: manchesternh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is valid for up to 90 days from the date of filing. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Apply in any city or town; the license is good for a ceremony in any New Hampshire city or town. Licenses from other states are not accepted. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Judges and commissioned justices of the peace for civil ceremonies; ordained ministers who live in the state, or unordained clergy licensed by the Secretary of State, for religious ones. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Both applicants must be at least 18. No one under 18 can contract a valid marriage. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Applicants need a birth certificate, driver license, passport or other photo ID showing name and date of birth. Divorce or death records are needed if previously married. (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Both people apply in person at any New Hampshire city or town clerk, regardless of residence, unless excused (for example armed forces or documented medical reasons). (Source: gc.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request from the state Division of Vital Records Administration or a local city or town clerk. The state search fee is $15, with additional copies at $10 each. (Source: sos.nh.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in New Hampshire?

$50, set by state law and paid by the couple to the town or city clerk.

Is there a waiting period to get married in New Hampshire?

None. There is no waiting period in New Hampshire.

How long is a New Hampshire marriage license valid?

The license is valid for up to 90 days from the date of filing.

Who can officiate a wedding in New Hampshire?

Judges and commissioned justices of the peace for civil ceremonies; ordained ministers who live in the state, or unordained clergy licensed by the Secretary of State, for religious ones.

How do you get a certified copy of a New Hampshire marriage certificate?

Request from the state Division of Vital Records Administration or a local city or town clerk. The state search fee is $15, with additional copies at $10 each.

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