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Officiating a wedding in NH

samiam0270samiam0270 member
10 Comments
in New Hampshire
Hi guys,

I live in MA, but I'm getting married next June at The Granite Rose in Hampstead.  My fiance and I wanted a mutual friend to perform the ceremony for us...it's on his bucket list to marry his friends, haha.

Does anyone know anything about how to do this?  He's an MA resident, so that might make it more complicated too.  I've looked online for info on this, and nothing gets specific about this in particular, or a straight answer.  Has anyone had this done before?  He's not a minister, clergyman or anything, just a regular MA resident.

Any help would be appreciated!  We don't want a stranger to marry us unless we have no choice!
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Re: Officiating a wedding in NH

  • Jillibeans11681Jillibeans11681 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My dad did this for my cousin's wedding. All he has to do is find -- I believe -- two JP's to vouch for him, sign a form that is notarized and pay whatever the fee is. I may be missing a step or two, but there isn't a test, and as far as I know not being a NH resident shouldn't affect the licensure. It's where they're licensed to perform the ceremony that matters.
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  • chelley599chelley599
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My FFIL is a deacon so we are having  a catholic mass wedding.  He needed to get a certified letter to give the priest saying that he is in good standing and stuff.  Not sure about JPs though
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  • chayer227chayer227
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The legality/validity of your marriage isn't something you want to cut corners on.
    http://www.sos.nh.gov/marriage.htm
    basically: JPs, clergy, and similar (from other states) who get special permission from the Secretary of State.
    In order to BE a JP in any state, you must be a resident of that state...  crossing the border WILL complicate this, at the very least.
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  • MrsR0511MrsR0511 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I called to find out because I wanted my step father to marry us and he is a Mass resident and not licensed in any way. I was told that New Hampshire doesn't give permission for one day permits like Mass does. The woman who answered the phone said if the person is licensed to perform weddings in the state they live in, then you an apply for a one day permission to marry you in NH, but otherwise you are out of luck. I asked if he could get the one day pass in Mass and apply for NH with that and was told no. Hope that helps.
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  • mrussell1983mrussell1983 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Very helpful link Chayer, I was wondering where to find that information.
    Good luck OP, I hope you are able to have it work out!
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  • samiam0270samiam0270 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    MrsR0511, I was thinking the same thing, maybe our friend could get ordained for MA, and then take that to NH and get permission...I thought I read about that somewhere on the web too, but it's still very vague.  Maybe I'll call the Secretary of State's office and ask about what Jillibeans11681 mentioned, having 2 JPs vouch for you, etc.  I also heard if you are a notary public in NH you can perform ceremonies, wonder if that's a feasible option too!  Thanks everyone!
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