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City of Manchester exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from City of Manchester?

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Direct answer

In City of Manchester, the Clerk's Office performs ceremonies at City Hall between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointment. With a valid New Hampshire license already in hand the total is $250 ($235 for the Justice of the Peace and $15 for the marriage certificate); getting the license and marrying the same day is $300 ($50 for the license, $235 for the Justice of the Peace and $15 for the certified marriage certificate). Elsewhere in New Hampshire a marriage may be solemnized by a Justice of the Peace commissioned in New Hampshire; an ordained minister of the gospel who resides in New Hampshire and is in regular standing with the denomination; a minister residing outside New Hampshire but with a pastoral charge wholly or partly in the state; Jewish Rabbis who are United States citizens residing in the state; Quakers; a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church; and judges of the United States, United States magistrate judges residing in the state, unordained clergy and non-resident Justices of the Peace, ministers and Jewish Rabbis after being licensed by the Secretary of State. Only service dogs are allowed in City Hall; comfort and emotional support animals are not. The lobby is small, so the Clerk asks couples to keep that in mind when bringing guests.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
The Clerk's Office performs ceremonies at City Hall between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointment. With a valid New Hampshire license already in hand the total is $250 ($235 for the Justice of the Peace and $15 for the marriage certificate); getting the license and marrying the same day is $300 ($50 for the license, $235 for the Justice of the Peace and $15 for the certified marriage certificate). Elsewhere in New Hampshire a marriage may be solemnized by a Justice of the Peace commissioned in New Hampshire; an ordained minister of the gospel who resides in New Hampshire and is in regular standing with the denomination; a minister residing outside New Hampshire but with a pastoral charge wholly or partly in the state; Jewish Rabbis who are United States citizens residing in the state; Quakers; a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church; and judges of the United States, United States magistrate judges residing in the state, unordained clergy and non-resident Justices of the Peace, ministers and Jewish Rabbis after being licensed by the Secretary of State.

Only service dogs are allowed in City Hall; comfort and emotional support animals are not. The lobby is small, so the Clerk asks couples to keep that in mind when bringing guests.

Official requirement

We are happy to offer wedding ceremonies here at City Hall for couples who would simply like to exchange vows.

Issuing office

City of Manchester Office of the City Clerk

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Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage Licenses and CeremoniesCity of Manchester Office of the City Clerk - checked July 30, 2026

    Anyone wishing to be married in the State of New Hampshire must complete a Marriage License Application with any City or Town Clerk regardless of their place of residence. Once the marriage license is issued, the couple is free to marry within any city or town in the State of New Hampshire within 90 days. Both individuals must appear at the same time between 8 am-3 pm (no later) in the Office of the City Clerk. Identification Requirements: (no photo or electronic copies) Proof of age (example - driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate); Photo identification (example - driver's license or passport); Certified copy of a final divorce certificate, if either applicant is divorced. An individual who has reached the age of 18 can marry. NH RSA 457:4. The fee to apply for a marriage license is $50.00. Payment can be made with cash, check, or credit card. There is no waiting period in the State of New Hampshire. The license is valid for use for 90 days from the date of the application. No witnesses are required, however, you are more than welcome to bring a small group of guests with you.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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