State guide
New Hampshire
New Hampshire lets residents and nonresidents apply at any city or town clerk’s office in the state, and the license can be used statewide for 90 days. The state has no waiting period and does not require ceremony witnesses, while also offering special one-marriage officiant licenses through the Secretary of State.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- city or town clerk
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 90 days
- Witnesses
- not required
- License fee
- $50 statewide
- Friend or one-day officiant
- Yes. The Secretary of State issues special officiant licenses for one marriage, including an $85 option for any individual; some other special one-marriage categories are also listed.
Official resources in New Hampshire
Core marriage chapter covering who may perform marriages and related rules.
Vital-records rules covering statewide issuance and the 90-day validity period.
Official page for one-marriage and special officiant licensing options.
Official city clerk page summarizing the statewide $50 fee, no waiting period, no witness requirement, and 90-day validity.
Official City Hall page for same-office licensing and marriage ceremonies in Manchester.
Key facts for New Hampshire
- You may apply for a New Hampshire marriage license at any city or town clerk’s office, regardless of residence.
- New Hampshire has no waiting period, and witnesses are not required for the ceremony.
- The marriage license is valid for up to 90 days from filing the marriage intentions.
- The statewide filing fee for a marriage license is $50.
- After the ceremony, the officiant must return the record to the issuing clerk within 6 days.
- Any individual can apply through the Secretary of State for a special officiant license for one marriage; the page posts an $85 fee and 90-day validity.
Courthouse ceremonies in New Hampshire
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | Manchester City Clerk offers marriage ceremonies at City Hall on a first-come basis. |
| Strafford County | Dover City Clerk says JP services are available through the office, though availability is not guaranteed. |
What to do next
- Go together to any city or town clerk with the documents that office requires; local offices may spell out their own intake checklist.
- If you want a friend or family member to officiate, start the Secretary of State special-license process before setting the ceremony date.
- If you want a simple city-hall ceremony, confirm the local clerk or JP offering in advance because availability varies by municipality.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?