Marriage records in Grafton County, New Hampshire, can be accessed through several channels. GraftonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also obtain records through the town or city clerk where the marriage took place, the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration, in person, or by mail. In New Hampshire, marriage records are maintained at the local level by town and city clerks rather than by a single county office, so knowing where the marriage was solemnized is essential.
Grafton County Marriage Records Search
Under New Hampshire law (RSA 5-C), vital records — including marriage records — are filed with and maintained by the clerk of the town or city where the event occurred. Grafton County encompasses more than 40 towns and cities, each with its own town or city clerk responsible for recording marriages performed within its jurisdiction. The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration (DVRA), part of the Secretary of State's office, also maintains a statewide index of marriages dating back to 1640.
Marriage records in Grafton County typically include:
- Marriage licenses issued by the town or city clerk
- Marriage certificates (returns) filed after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records, some dating to the colonial era
Because there is no centralized Grafton County clerk for vital records, you should contact the clerk of the specific town where the marriage license was issued. The Grafton County government complex is located in North Haverhill, but marriage records requests are handled at the municipal level. For statewide searches or records where the town is unknown, contact the DVRA:
New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Grafton County
Fees for certified copies of marriage records in New Hampshire are set by state statute (RSA 5-C:010). The same fee schedule applies whether you order through a local town clerk in Grafton County or through the state DVRA.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order) | $10.00 each |
| Search fee (included in certified copy fee) | Included |
These fees are established under RSA 5-C:010. Payment methods vary by town — most accept checks or money orders made payable to the town. Some clerks also accept cash for walk-in requests. The DVRA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards for online or mail orders. Processing times typically range from a few days for in-person requests to two to four weeks by mail.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Grafton County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in Grafton County:
Online
The New Hampshire DVRA partners with an online ordering system through the Secretary of State's website. You can order certified copies of marriage records for events that occurred anywhere in the state, including any town in Grafton County. A convenience fee applies in addition to the standard copy fee.
In Person
Visit the town or city clerk's office in the municipality where the marriage took place. Bring a valid photo ID. Most town clerk offices in Grafton County can issue certified copies while you wait during regular business hours. Hours vary by municipality — smaller towns may have limited office hours, so call ahead.
By Mail
Send your request to either the local town clerk or the DVRA. Include:
- A written request with the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and town where the marriage occurred
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the DVRA should be sent to:
Under New Hampshire law, certified copies of marriage records are generally available to the individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the issuing clerk or the DVRA before submitting your request. For additional Grafton County information, visit GraftonCourt.us.