How old do you have to be to get married in New Hampshire? Soon, at least 18.

 

 

A new ban on child marriage in New Hampshire goes into effect on January 1, 2025 – raising the legal age of marriage in the state from 16 years old to 18 years old. 

 

Governor Chris Sununu signed the legislation into law in June, but it won’t become active until next year. The bill also repeals multiple statutes that outline the state’s procedures for underage marriages. 

 

Read the full text of the bill here: NH SB359: Raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age

 

Until now, children as young as 16 could get married in New Hampshire provided at least one party to the marriage was a resident of the state, and there were no restrictions on how old the spouse of a child could be. Minors could petition the court to marry if they had the permission of a parent or guardian, and might be interviewed by the court to determine if the marriage was in their best interest. 

 

Beginning January 1, 2025, no one under 18 years old will be able to marry in New Hampshire, without exception. It will be illegal for a clerk to issue a marriage license to a minor (regardless of an applicant's state of residency), and for a wedding officiant to perform a marriage ceremony for a minor. 

Why raise the legal age to marry in New Hampshire? 

 

Many readers might be surprised to know that child marriage is still legal in many U.S. states, although there are usually limitations on how and when these underage marriages can take place. 

 

In recent years, experts on children’s health around the world have advocated strongly against child marriage. These experts explain that when children get married, they suffer many negative consequences, including lower rates of education, higher rates of domestic violence and abuse, increased pregnancy and childbirth risks, and worse mental health than average. In addition, most underage marriages involve a child and a much older adult spouse, rather than two young people marrying.   

 

Because of the clear dangers and disadvantages facing these children, many states are outlawing child marriage. Other states that have outlawed underage marriage recently include Virginia (which passed a law in July of 2024), Washington State (which passed a law in March of 2024), Michigan (which banned child marriage in September of 2023), and Connecticut (which passed its law in June of 2023). 

 

There are now more than a dozen states and U.S. territories where it is illegal for children to marry: New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico (where parties must be 21 years old).

 

In other states, legislators have worked to increase limitations and protections for children. 

 

Related: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Married In Each State?
 

What do AMM Ministers need to know about this changing law? 

 

This change will not impact AMM Ministers who officiate weddings in New Hampshire, or how they officiate weddings there. 
 
The new laws raise the age requirement to apply for a marriage license in New Hampshire. It is a couple's responsibility to apply for their marriage license. A NH marriage license is issued by a City or Town Clerk's Office anywhere in the state. This clerk will ask each applicant for proof of their age and any other necessary documents, ensuring they are old enough to get married.
 
Officiants should always check in with a couple to ensure they’ve applied for, or will apply for, a marriage license before the wedding date. On the day of the wedding, Officiants should ask the couple to present their marriage license before they perform the marriage ceremony. Learn more by clicking the link below. 

 

• What Are My Wedding Day Duties As The New Hampshire Officiant?

 

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Read Next: 

 

How to Get Married in New Hampshire:

Planning a Wedding in the Granite State
 

Planning a New Hampshire wedding? This short guide will help -- from finding an officiant to completing the marriage license. 

 

• Read the full article here! 
   

 

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