This information has been summarized and is available in greater detail from the Town of Jackson Website.
First off, if you are planning a wedding in Jackson, know that you DO NOT have to get your marriage license here. You can get a license at any New Hampshire town office.
If you do it in Jackson, “the application process will take about 45 minutes so please plan to arrive about an hour prior to office closing hours.” – www.jacksonvillage.net
The license is valid for 90 days from the issued date.
Effective January 1, 2010 same-gender marriages will be allowed and civil unions will no longer be permitted. All New Hampshire civil unions completed by December 31, 2009 can be converted to a marriage after January 1, 2010 at no additional cost to the individuals.
Application – both parties must appear in person and sign the application. Armed forces personnel may forward an affidavit prepared by armed services or legal representative and send to town clerk if they can not appear in person. Falsification of any fact may make the applicant subject to criminal prosecution.
Blood Test – New Hampshire does not require a blood test
Document Requirements -
1. Birth certificate – required for each individual
2. Certified copy of a death certificate of former spouse, if applicable;
3. Certified copy of a final divorce decree, if applicable;
4. Certified copy of an annulment, if applicable.
Fee for the marriage license is $45.00 payable at the time of the application. Copies of the marriage certificate once the ceremony is complete are $12.00 for the first copy and $8.00 for additional copies when ordered together. These can be ordered through the mail, see address below.
Residence Requirements – None – Couples wishing to be married in NH may complete application regardless of residence.
Solemnization – In NH marriage may be perform by :
A justice of the peace
A minister of the gospel in NH ordained according to the usage of his denomination, residing in NH, and is in regular standing with the denomination.
A minister within his parish, residing outside NH, but having a pastoral charge wholly or partly in NH
Jewish Rabbis who are citizens of the U.S. and resident in this state
Quakers
Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church ordained according to the usage of his denomination:
Clergymen who are not ordained and non-resident ministers or Jewish Rabbis, after being licensed by the Secretary of State. The application for the special license is on the NH Secretary of State Web site. Reference this web site for additional information and clarification on other persons permitted to perform marriages within the state.
Validity Period of the license – A license may be issued the same day of the application, provided all signatures and statutory requirements are met. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of filing.
Waiver – Party Under Age – When either of the parties is under 18 but meets the minimum age requirements ( Female 13 – 17 and male 14 – 17) he or she may request permission to marry from a justice of the superior court or a judge of probate of the county in which one of the applicants resides. The request shall be in writing and the parents or guardian of the applicant shall join in the request. No age waiver shall be granted to persons below the age of consent (18) if both parties are nonresident. No age waiver is permitted for individuals under 18 wishing to join in a same gender marriage.
Restrictions – Marriage is not permitted in NH between people who are related by blood as first cousins or in any more direct lineage.
Shortening Time Period – On application to a justice of the superior court or justice of probate within the county where the proposed marriage is to be solemnized.
For more information on contact the Town Clerk, 54 Main Street, Jackson, NH 03846 or call (603) 383 – 6248.
I have known JP Jane Galloway since I was a kid and it’s so fun to see her in this role as a Justice of the Peace. She is so fun, laid back, easy going, and does a wonderful job personalizing each ceremony. Give her a call at 603.447.4407 or if you are Eloping at the Snowflake Inn in Jackson, NH she is the in house JP and also a licensed Massage Therapist, so you may even have her for your couples massage! All flowers below by Dutch Bloemen Winkel.
Jane performs a ceremony at dusk at Jackson Falls for Lauren + Jill
Jane helped with the photo shoot after the ceremony at Jackson Falls.
Jane always keeps things fun yet emotional.
Jane will customize every ceremony and allow you to take a copy home with you.
I love the White Mountain Hotel! Not only to they have stunning scenery and breathtaking backdrops, but onsite is Dennis Duprey, resident Justice of the Peace. Dennis is so easy going, approachable, and funny! He takes his job very seriously but also puts the couple at ease with his fun outgoing personality. Having Dennis on property is easy for me, as the last few weddings I’ve photographed or filmed there have been early or moved location (because of snow). He’s great about going with the flow. No stress, no pressure. Thanks again for a fun time at the White Mountain Hotel and Resort!
Amanda and Nunzio celebrated on 5/1/10 at Jackson Falls and Whitney’s Inn with Kim The JP presiding. It was a really warm day out, it felt like summer. I just love their story – they met at at car event in the Pocono’s both hundreds of miles from home! They parked next to each other! Talk about wild timing! Thanks for allowing NH Elopements to photograph your day. Carrie from Dutch Bloemen Winkel did the flowers.
When people contact me for an elopement/private ceremony they often times have their B&B or Inn picked out and the location of where they want to say their vows…. but who is conducting the ceremony? If you are looking for a Justice of the Peace (JP) it’s easy to click on over to my friend Kim Steward’s site perfectly named www.KimTheJP.com. There you can find sample ceremonies, photos of unique locations to tie the knot, and more! Kim makes it easy for couples planning from afar, because she is extremely savy on the web getting back to people via email, and making things a snap. I think couples like Kim’s calm nature and respect for the importance of the union in which she is able to witness. She will fill you in on what you need to do to get your marriage license and where to go. Witnesses and blood tests are not needed in NH.
Like most people, I’m sure you are swamped at work and just want to plan this as easy as possible. When it comes to getting your marriage license and planning the ceremonial aspect of your elopement, a great resource I’m always pointing couples to is www.KimTheJP.com. Kim is Jackson’s resident JP and a Lieutenant on the Jackson Fire Department! Last year we put together a quick video of a few elopements and smaller ceremonies we had together. It’s a great way to get to know Kim. She’s easy to talk to, prompt to respond to emails, and always on time. I love working with Justice of the Peace Kim Steward!
JP’s: Kim Steward | 603.383.9496
Paul Krause | 603.986.8123
Jane Galloway | 603.447.4407
Barbara Theriault | 603.986.5168
Norman Head | 603.9866278
Kate Soule | 603.986.5587
A beautiful day in Jackson, NH at The Inn at Ellis River, perfect for the union of Dawn and Richard. I love to photograph elopements because they are so intimate and laid back – never a huge rush to stick to a time schedule because its typically just the couple, the JP and I. Kim the JP performed the ceremony, which was perfectally fitting for Dawn + Richard. Kim has a great website, so if you are planning a wedding and don’t know where to start with ideas for a ceremony, KimTheJP.com is the place to start. The Inn at Ellis River had a wedding cake and champagne toast for the newlyweds too! I love their personal touch. They help with everything and really go the extra mile. The Inn at Ellis River is quaint, private, and in the warm months they have an in-ground pool for you to relax by.
The pictures came out BEAUTIFULLY!! You have magical talents as a photographer. I never looked so good!! We cannot thank you enough!! Dawn R.
Amanda and Nunzio celebrated on 5/1/10 at Jackson Falls and 
A beautiful day in Jackson, NH at 
