NH Justice of the Peace - Robert Jenness
Traditional or Same Sex Marriages
Robert E Jenness
FAQ
What do we need to get married?
The mandatory requirements for a Civil Ceremony in N.H. are:
1. The two people intending to get married
2. The officiant
3. A valid marriage license.
Can we just elope?
Yes, but remember you need a valid New Hampshire marriage license.,
Do we need blood tests?
Blood tests are not required in New Hampshire.
Do we need any witnesses present at our ceremony?
No. N.H. law does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony.
Do we need rings?
No. While they are traditional, rings are not required.
Can we select our own vows?
Absolutely, I have a number of samples available from which you may choose. If you prefer, you can write your own words.
Do we have to speak at the ceremony?
Only if you want to. There is a lot of latitude in what is, and in’t, required at wedding ceremonies. You can get away with as little as just saying, “I do.”
Can others be included in the ceremony?
Definitely. There are many ways to include family members and friends in the ceremony. For example, your loved ones can do readings, walk down the aisle, carry the rings, participate in a candle lighting, and more. There are unlimited possibilities.
Can we include both Christian and Jewish traditions?
Definitely. We can also include any other special traditions you desire, or we can omit any religious reference.
Where can the ceremony be held? Anywhere you want – outdoors, at your home, in my home, at a hospitality site.
Do we have to hold a rehearsal?
A rehearsal is important if you are planning anything more than just a basic wedding. It gives everyone, not just the couple getting married, an opportunity to become familiar with their roles in the wedding ceremony. However, it is not a “must.”
What is the purpose of the pre-nuptial conference?
The meeting at my home sets the tone for your wedding ceremony. We can customize your ceremony with passages and readings that express your thoughts, feelings, and commitment. The meeting also affords you the opportunity to become familiar with me and gives me the chance to know you a little better. It is for these reasons that I recommend a pre-nuptial conference. On the other hand, if you "just want to get married," call me and we can set up a time and a place to do just that, even on short notice.
What will you wear?
For more formal weddings, I usually wear a plain black suit. However, if you prefer, I can fore go the suit and just wear business attire.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the wedding, I will sign the marriage certificate. You will not automatically receive an official copy of your Certificate of Marriage. You must apply for this with the Town Clerk or City Clerk where you applied for your license. There is usually a nominal charge (about $10 to $15, varying by town) for each copy. Officiants are not permitted to give you a copy. Instead, they are required (by law) to complete the Certificate of Marriage and mail it back to the Town Clerk or City Clerk from whom you obtained your license or deliver in person, which I prefer to do. I advise you to obtain a copy of your Certificate of Marriage now and file it away with your other important documents (such as your Birth Certificates). You may not need it for many years, but it will be good to know that you always have a ready copy, rather than having to retrieve it from the state at some date in the future.
Can you renew our vows?
Yes.
The mandatory requirements for a Civil Ceremony in N.H. are:
1. The two people intending to get married
2. The officiant
3. A valid marriage license.
Can we just elope?
Yes, but remember you need a valid New Hampshire marriage license.,
Do we need blood tests?
Blood tests are not required in New Hampshire.
Do we need any witnesses present at our ceremony?
No. N.H. law does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony.
Do we need rings?
No. While they are traditional, rings are not required.
Can we select our own vows?
Absolutely, I have a number of samples available from which you may choose. If you prefer, you can write your own words.
Do we have to speak at the ceremony?
Only if you want to. There is a lot of latitude in what is, and in’t, required at wedding ceremonies. You can get away with as little as just saying, “I do.”
Can others be included in the ceremony?
Definitely. There are many ways to include family members and friends in the ceremony. For example, your loved ones can do readings, walk down the aisle, carry the rings, participate in a candle lighting, and more. There are unlimited possibilities.
Can we include both Christian and Jewish traditions?
Definitely. We can also include any other special traditions you desire, or we can omit any religious reference.
Where can the ceremony be held? Anywhere you want – outdoors, at your home, in my home, at a hospitality site.
Do we have to hold a rehearsal?
A rehearsal is important if you are planning anything more than just a basic wedding. It gives everyone, not just the couple getting married, an opportunity to become familiar with their roles in the wedding ceremony. However, it is not a “must.”
What is the purpose of the pre-nuptial conference?
The meeting at my home sets the tone for your wedding ceremony. We can customize your ceremony with passages and readings that express your thoughts, feelings, and commitment. The meeting also affords you the opportunity to become familiar with me and gives me the chance to know you a little better. It is for these reasons that I recommend a pre-nuptial conference. On the other hand, if you "just want to get married," call me and we can set up a time and a place to do just that, even on short notice.
What will you wear?
For more formal weddings, I usually wear a plain black suit. However, if you prefer, I can fore go the suit and just wear business attire.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the wedding, I will sign the marriage certificate. You will not automatically receive an official copy of your Certificate of Marriage. You must apply for this with the Town Clerk or City Clerk where you applied for your license. There is usually a nominal charge (about $10 to $15, varying by town) for each copy. Officiants are not permitted to give you a copy. Instead, they are required (by law) to complete the Certificate of Marriage and mail it back to the Town Clerk or City Clerk from whom you obtained your license or deliver in person, which I prefer to do. I advise you to obtain a copy of your Certificate of Marriage now and file it away with your other important documents (such as your Birth Certificates). You may not need it for many years, but it will be good to know that you always have a ready copy, rather than having to retrieve it from the state at some date in the future.
Can you renew our vows?
Yes.
