How to Get Ordained and Legally Officiate a Wedding in New Hampshire
Everything You Need to Know About Officiating a Wedding in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, with its breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, and charming small towns, is an ideal location for couples seeking a picturesque wedding setting. The state’s unique combination of natural beauty and laid-back charm attracts couples from all over the country. Beyond the scenery, New Hampshire offers a relatively straightforward process for officiants and couples to follow, making it an appealing choice for those looking to tie the knot. Whether you are officiating for friends, family, or as part of your professional services, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to legally and beautifully officiate a wedding in New Hampshire.
Why Choose New Hampshire for a Wedding?
New Hampshire’s appeal lies in its stunning natural backdrops—from the White Mountains to the Seacoast region—as well as its welcoming policies for officiants. The state recognizes online ordinations, allowing couples to have a close friend or family member officiate their special day. Moreover, New Hampshire’s user-friendly marriage laws and lack of a waiting period make it an accessible and convenient destination for weddings.
General Tips for Officiating a Wedding
Before diving into New Hampshire-specific requirements, here are some general tips to ensure a smooth and memorable ceremony:
- Meet with the Couple: Spend time with the couple to understand their vision for the ceremony. Discuss their preferences for tone, length, and any special rituals or readings they want to include.
- Craft a Personalized Ceremony Script: Writing a ceremony script tailored to the couple’s story will make the event more meaningful. Provenance.co offers excellent tools to help you create a unique and memorable script.
- Practice the Ceremony: Rehearse your script and practice your delivery to ensure confidence on the big day.
- Get Out of the Way for the First Kiss: After announcing the couple as married, step aside to allow photographers to capture the couple’s first kiss without any distractions.
- Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Stay flexible and ready to handle any last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, a variety of individuals are authorized to officiate weddings. This includes judges, justices of the peace, magistrates, and members of the clergy, including those ordained online by organizations such as The Provenance Center. The state’s recognition of online ordinations means that friends or family members can easily become officiants.
Legal Excerpt: According to N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 457:31, a marriage may be solemnized by a justice of the peace, a state supreme court justice, a superior court judge, a circuit court judge, judges of the United States appointed pursuant to federal law, or ministers of the gospel ordained according to their denomination's usage.
How to Become an Officiant in New Hampshire
Becoming an officiant in New Hampshire is straightforward, particularly if you choose to get ordained online. Here’s how:
- Get Ordained: Obtain ordination through The Provenance Center, a reputable online ordination site.
- Complete the Online Application: Provide the necessary information to receive your ordination. This process is typically quick and free.
- Receive Your Ordination Documents: Once ordained, you may need to provide proof of your credentials, particularly if you are an out-of-state officiant. These documents can often be purchased through the ordination website.
- Apply for a Special License (if applicable): Non-resident officiants must obtain a special license from the New Hampshire Secretary of State, which is valid for the specific wedding they are officiating. You can find the application here.
Legal Excerpt: Per N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 457:32, out-of-state officiants must apply for a special license from the Secretary of State, requiring submission of ordination credentials or other proof of legal authority to perform marriages in their home state.
How to Officiate a Wedding in New Hampshire
Here are the steps to officiate a wedding in New Hampshire:
- Meet the Couple: Discuss ceremony details and expectations.
- Review the Marriage License: Verify that the couple has obtained their marriage license from the appropriate municipal office.
- Plan the Ceremony: Collaborate with the couple to craft a personalized ceremony. Use tools like Provenance.co to design a meaningful script.
- Perform the Ceremony: On the wedding day, conduct the ceremony according to the couple’s wishes and ensure all legal requirements are met.
- Complete the Marriage License: After the ceremony, fill out the marriage license with all required details, including your name, title, and ordination organization.
How to Fill Out a Marriage License in New Hampshire
Correctly filling out the marriage license is a critical step:
- Obtain the License: The couple must secure their marriage license from the municipality where the ceremony will take place. The fee is $50.
- Sign the License: The officiant, the couple, and any witnesses (if applicable) must sign the marriage license.
- Return the License: The officiant must return the completed license to the issuing office within six days of the ceremony.
Legal Excerpt: According to N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 5-C:49, the officiant must certify the fact of marriage and return the record to the clerk of the town or city where the license was issued within six days.
FAQs
Can a friend or family member officiate our wedding in New Hampshire?
Yes, as long as they are ordained through a recognized organization like The Provenance Center, they can legally officiate your wedding.
Do officiants need to register with the state of New Hampshire?
No, New Hampshire does not require officiants to register with the state. However, non-resident officiants must obtain a special license from the Secretary of State.
How long is a marriage license valid in New Hampshire?
A marriage license in New Hampshire is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Is there a waiting period for obtaining a marriage license in New Hampshire?
No, there is no waiting period. Couples can marry immediately after obtaining the license.
What documents are required for obtaining a marriage license in New Hampshire?
Both parties must provide valid photo identification, proof of age, and, if applicable, documents such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
Final Thoughts
Officiating a wedding is both a privilege and a responsibility. By taking the proper steps to get ordained, preparing thoroughly, and adhering to New Hampshire's legal requirements, you can help create a memorable and legally sound ceremony. To learn more about becoming an officiant, check out the Guide to Becoming a Wedding Officiant. For state-specific ordination details, visit Which States Allow Officiants Ordained Online.
Please Note: State and county marriage certificate requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, and we would always advise that you contact the office of your local marriage authority or a licensed attorney to address any specific questions or concerns you may have. While Provenance will aim to update this information as relevant and as able, you should reach out to the local county clerk for the most up to date information.
