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Pick a picture-perfect location for your wedding or civil union
Destination weddings/civil unions are the latest trend as couples choose to celebrate their special day at a place that holds unique meaning for them.
There are hundreds of venues to choose from in New Hampshire. Today's couples can choose to have their ceremony on an ocean or lake cruise, fireside at a country inn, in a church built a century or more ago, or in the ballroom of a historic grand resort hotel.
The marriage/civil union license
You can get a license from the town clerk in any New Hampshire town; you don't have to be married in the same town where you apply for the license. Both parties need to be present and must provide a valid picture identification and social security number. If this is not a first marriage, a certified copy of the final divorce decree or certified death certificate (if the previous spouse is deceased) from any previous marriage will be required. The fee for the marriage license is $45. No blood test is required.
The license generated becomes valid in three days and is then valid up to 90 days. The officiant (the person performing the marriage/civil union, either clergy or justice of the peace) will fill out their portion of the license and return it to the town clerk within three days so that the marriage/civil union can be registered with the state. Couples then need to apply to the town clerk in writing or in person for a certified copy of the license.
For a list of justices of the peace, contact the local chamber of commerce, town clerk, the hotel or venue where you plan to have the wedding, or check the local Yellow Pages.
What's the date?
In addition to national holidays, certain times of the year are usually busy, such as late May and June for graduations and weddings, and late September and early October due to the influx of leaf peepers, people who come from all over the globe to see the foliage. If you want to schedule your event during these busy times, you might need to start planning more than a year ahead. Or consider holding your event during the quieter shoulder seasons: March through early May, and late October through December 24, which can offer cost savings as well.