Everything to Know About How to Get Married in New Hampshire

If you love a beautiful natural landscape, it's no surprise you might be wondering how to get married in New Hampshire. Whether you're a visitor or live in the state, New Hampshire is a stunning place to say your "I do's" in every season. One of the best parts of the state is its diverse backdrops for beautiful celebrations. Local wedding photographer Meghan Hamilton of Rodeo & Co shares, "New Hampshire has so many different regions that are uniquely their own. We have a snippet of the sea coast, big lakes (notably Lake Sunapee and Winnipesaukee) and, of course, our White Mountains in the north."

What does it take to get married in New Hampshire? Read ahead to learn how to tie the knot legally in the state, as well as ideas for your ceremony destination and tips to get planning.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in New Hampshire
• Notable Wedding Locations in New Hampshire
• How to Plan a Wedding in New Hampshire Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in New Hampshire

There are a few steps you must take in order to get a New Hampshire wedding license and officially tie the knot. First, the couple must appear together at a town or city clerk's office where they fully complete a marriage application worksheet. According to NH marriage laws, each person must present a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or a passport and a copy of their birth certificate. If you have changed your name legally, you must present a certified copy of the legal name change. If you have been previously married, you also must bring a certified copy of the document ending your most recent marriage. Photocopies or faxes of these documents are not accepted.

If all information is accurate, you can receive a State of NH marriage license the same day. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. For the marriage to become official, a ceremony must take place by an officiant, and the couple must sign the license. The officiant then must complete their section of the marriage license and return it and any special solemnization licenses issued by the New Hampshire Secretary of State to the city or town clerk of issuance within six days.

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Notable Wedding Locations in New Hampshire

Now that you know how to get married in the state, it's time to look into New Hampshire wedding venues. Ahead, we break down some of the best places to tie the knot within the Granite State.

Portsmouth

Want to get married along the coastline? The seaside escape of Portsmouth is a great area to tie the knot. One favorite option near the town is Wentworth by the Sea Country Club thanks to its waterfront views.

Lake Sunapee

For a lakeside wedding, consider hosting your nuptials by Lake Sunapee. "[It] is a hidden gem with the Twin Lakes Village giving Dirty Dancing camp vibes," Hamilton shares. "Just down the road is The Fells Estate, which is straight out of The Secret Garden with beautiful old grounds."

White Mountain National Forest

If you love the idea of a mountain wedding, check out venues throughout the White Mountain National Forest area. "Nestled in the White Mountains is the historic and iconic Omni Mount Washington Hotel, which makes for a stunning location in all four seasons," Hamilton says. Loon Mountain Resort is also a great option thanks to its elevated views.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Another amazing lake in New Hampshire is Lake Winnipesaukee. With 21 miles of waterfront, this beautiful destination has plenty of lovely resorts to host your waterfront celebration. Mill Falls at the Lake is a particular favorite of The Knot and has even won our Best of Weddings award four times.

How to Plan a Wedding in New Hampshire Step-by-Step

Ready to bring your vision to life? Read ahead for tips on how to plan a wedding in New Hampshire with ease.

1. Set a Budget

One of the first tasks on your wedding planning checklist is to create a budget. Once you have an idea of what you are able to spend, then you can approach looking for a venue and vendors with greater confidence. The Knot Budget Advisor is a helpful tool that can give you an estimate of the costs of weddings in your area to help you craft that spreadsheet. Another perk of getting married in NH to consider while building your budget? "There is no sales tax in New Hampshire," Hamilton notes.

2. Consider the Seasons

If you want a wedding that highlights the best features of a season, New Hampshire is a great spot to tie the knot. The fall has beautiful foliage, the winters are cold and snowy, the spring is cool with blooming flowers and the summers are warm and humid. The perfect time to marry in New Hampshire depends on what seasonal backdrop you want for your wedding.

3. Choose a Venue and Secure Vendors

Once you have a clearer vision of your budget and desired season for your wedding, it's time to find your location and wedding team. The Knot Vendor Marketplace is an excellent spot to begin your search. It allows you to search for the kinds of venues and vendors you're interested in, filter by budget and even read reviews of past couples who have worked with each company.

4. Send Invitations

Once you lock down a date and venue, it's time to work on your guest list. Once you know who you want to attend your wedding, it's best to send out a save-the-date at least six months in advance to give your friends and family proper time to make travel arrangements for your celebration. Then a few months out, send the invitations so you can get a final headcount with RSVPs.