Marriage and Divorce Records in New Hampshire

Since New Hampshire is a pioneering state in terms of vital records collection, its Vital Records Office carries marriage records from as early as 1883. Earlier records may be found with the clerk of the town where the document was issued or filed.

Marriage and divorce records in New Hampshire are available at three levels: the state, the court (jurisdiction), and the city or town level.

If you are looking for a New England marriage record, check the town rather than the county. The reason for this is the unique situation where, at the local level, it is the town clerk who serves as primary record keeper.

From 1883 onwards, marriage records are filed at the Vital Records Administration in the Health & Welfare Bldg. on 29 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH 03301-6508. Their number is (603) 271-4654.

Copies of marriage records in New Hampshire cost $12 each (additional copies cost $8) and may be paid for by check or money order (Payee: Treasurer, State of New Hampshire).

The cost of divorce court records, however, varies across jurisdictions.

Visit the New Hampshire Vitals page.

States across the United States generally have laws that allow them to retain collected fees whether the search you request turns up a document or not. So make sure that you provide all the necessary data as outlined in the New Hampshire State website and check if you are qualified to apply.

Marriage and Divorce Records in New Hampshire: Access Limits

Marriage records at the NH Vitals Office begin in 1640 to the present. But the state has laws that limit access to qualified persons for records after 1938.

Also, before 1883, records may not be able to give you sufficient information for genealogy purposes. Moreover, these early records only include around one half of the population at the time.

After 1901, however, records are really complete and will be able to give you valuable genealogical data.

Divorce records, on the other hand, date from 1880 to the present. You may obtain copies from either of two places: the State Vitals Office or the Superior Court Clerk of the county that issued the decree of divorce.

The Marriage Records section of RecordsSiteReviews contains all you need to know finding marriage records in New Hampshire and in any other state in the U.S..