Marriage records in Strafford County, New Hampshire, are available through several channels. StraffordCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies can be obtained directly from the Town Clerk of the city or town where the marriage was registered, as well as from the NH Division of Vital Records Administration. Requests are accepted in person, by mail, and online.
Strafford Marriage Records Search
In New Hampshire, marriage records are maintained at the municipal level — they are kept by the Town Clerk or City Clerk of the city where the marriage license was issued. For Strafford County, this means that each of the thirteen cities and towns in the county (Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Durham, Barrington, Farmington, Milton, Rollinsford, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, New Durham, and Strafford) has its own clerk who registers marriages. For example, the Town Clerk of Strafford is authorized by the Secretary of State to issue certified copies (extracts) for events that occurred in this locality.
The marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued before the ceremony
- Marriage certificates submitted after the ceremony
- Historical records — older documents may be stored in the state archive
At the state level, records from 1640 and later are kept by the NH Division of Vital Records Administration. Recent records are available in the state's electronic database, while older ones are in paper archives. The official Strafford County website provides general information about the structure of local governance, although the judicial system now operates at the state level.
To search for a specific record, contact the Town Clerk of the city where the marriage took place or the state department.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Strafford
Fees for obtaining copies of marriage records are set by New Hampshire law (RSA 5-C). Below are the standard rates applicable when contacting the Town Clerk or the NH Division of Vital Records Administration.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first) | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $10.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the cost of the first copy |
These fees are charged by both municipal clerks and the state department. Part of the fee goes to the state budget, and part to the local budget. Uncertified (informational) copies are generally not issued separately — New Hampshire provides only certified extracts.
Processing time depends on the method of request submission. In-person requests to the Town Clerk usually yield results the same day. Mail requests are processed within four to six weeks at the state level. Expedited processing is available through the state's online portal for an additional service provider fee.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Strafford
There are three main ways to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of New Hampshire offers online ordering through the NH Vital Records portal, serviced by a third-party provider (VitalChek). On the portal, you need to:
- Select the record type — "Marriage"
- Provide the full names of both parties, the date, and place of the marriage
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card (a provider service fee is added to the standard cost)
This method is the fastest for those who cannot visit the office in person.
In Person
Contact the Town Clerk or City Clerk of the city where the marriage was registered. For the town of Strafford:
Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is usually accepted by check or cash — check with the specific clerk. Separate City Clerk offices with their own schedules operate for the cities of Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth.
By Mail
Send a letter to the Town Clerk of the respective city or to the state department at the address:
Include in the envelope:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses, approximate date, and place of the marriage
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A check or money order for $15.00 made out to "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire" (or to the respective city if contacting the local clerk)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
The right to obtain a certified copy is granted to the individuals named in the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest — in accordance with RSA 5-C:9. If you are unsure of your right to obtain a copy, call the Town Clerk's office in advance to clarify the requirements.