How to Officiate a Wedding in New Hampshire

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is straightforward for resident ministers — no registration required. If you’re a non-resident, you’ll need a Special License from the Secretary of State for each wedding you perform ($25 per ceremony). Either way, online ordination is recognized.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. If you’re a non-resident: Get a Special License — Non-resident ministers must obtain a Special License from the New Hampshire Secretary of State for each wedding ($25 per ceremony). The Special License must be filed with the marriage license when returning it. If you’re a New Hampshire resident, no registration is needed.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials, your Special License (if non-resident), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

New Hampshire allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage license. Residents need no registration; non-residents need a Special License from the Secretary of State.

Statute: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 457:31 — ordained ministers of the gospel in good standing, residents, may solemnize marriages. Non-residents may do so with a special license from the Secretary of State.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (residents freely; non-residents with Special License)
Registration required? Non-residents: Special License, $25 per wedding
Marriage license cost $50
Waiting period None
License valid for 90 days
Return deadline 6–7 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed Not required

Before the Wedding

  • Non-residents: Get your Special License — Apply through the New Hampshire Secretary of State. $25 per ceremony. This license must be filed along with the marriage license when you return it.
  • Call the Town Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Town Clerk’s office. No waiting period. Valid for 90 days. Cost: $50.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. New Hampshire doesn’t require witnesses, but having one or two sign doesn’t hurt. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Town Clerk within 6–7 days. If you’re a non-resident, include your Special License with the return. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

New Hampshire Tips

  • Residents: no registration needed — one of the easiest states
  • Non-residents: $25 per wedding for a Special License from the Secretary of State
  • Special License must be filed with the marriage license on return
  • No witnesses required
  • No waiting period
  • 90-day license validity is generous
  • 6–7 day return deadline — don’t procrastinate
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

County-Specific Info

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Town Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Town Clerk.