Marriage records in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, are available through several channels. RockinghamNHCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Town/City Clerk directly, who in New Hampshire is the official authority that issues marriage licenses and maintains records. Requests are also accepted in person and by mail through the NH Division of Vital Records Administration.
Rockingham Marriage Records Search
In New Hampshire, marriage records are maintained not at the county level but at the level of individual towns and cities. Each Town or City Clerk within Rockingham County registers marriage licenses issued in their jurisdiction and retains returned marriage certificates after the ceremony. The State Division of Vital Records Administration maintains a centralized register of marriage records since 1640.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued by local clerks
- Marriage certificates submitted after the ceremony
- Historical records stored in the state archive
To search for a specific record, contact the clerk of the town or city where the license was issued. If the location is unknown, a request can be sent to the state Division.
NH Division of Vital Records Administration
Individual towns in Rockingham County — for example, Salem, Portsmouth, Exeter, Derry — have their own clerks' offices with different operating hours. Check the hours directly with the required Town/City Clerk.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Rockingham
Fees for copies of marriage records in New Hampshire are set at the state level according to RSA 5-C:10. Rates are the same whether you contact a local clerk or the state Division.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $15.00 |
| Each additional copy of the same record (in one order) | $10.00 |
| Search fee without issuing a copy | Included in the cost of the first copy |
| Expedited processing through the state office | Additional $5.00 plus the cost of express delivery |
Local clerks usually issue copies on the day of the request. Processing of mail requests at the state Division takes approximately 4–6 weeks.
Important: Certified copies of marriage records less than 50 years old in New Hampshire are issued only to the parties of the marriage, their parents, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order. Records older than 50 years are public.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Rockingham
You can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate in several ways.
Online
The State of New Hampshire provides the option to order certified copies through the Vital Records portal on the Secretary of State's website. Payment is made by credit or debit card. Online orders are processed by the state Division, not local clerks, so the waiting time may be longer.
In Person
Contact the Town or City Clerk of the locality in Rockingham County where the marriage was registered. For example:
- Salem Town Clerk — 33 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079
- Portsmouth City Clerk — 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801
- Exeter Town Clerk — 10 Front Street, Exeter, NH 03833
Bring valid photo identification. Payment by cash or check — verify payment forms with the specific office.
By Mail
Send a request to the state Division or the appropriate local clerk. The letter should include:
- A completed application for a copy of the record (form available for download from the Vital Records website)
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire" or to the name of the local clerk
- A copy of photo identification
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (for mail return)
Mailing address of the state Division:
If you need help determining the correct office for your request, RockinghamNHCourt.us can help you navigate the available resources in Rockingham County.