Marriage records in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, can be accessed through several channels. CheshireCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also obtain records through the town clerk's office where the marriage took place, the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration, or the city or town clerk's vital records office. Requests can be submitted online through the state's vital records system, in person at a local town clerk's office, or by mail.
Cheshire County Marriage Records Search
In New Hampshire, marriage records are maintained at the town or city level rather than by a county-level recorder. The clerk of the town or city where the marriage license was issued keeps the original record. For Cheshire County, this means the clerk's office in the municipality where the couple applied — such as Keene, Swanzey, Jaffrey, Hinsdale, or any of the county's 23 towns — holds the marriage license and return of marriage.
These records typically include:
- Marriage license applications
- Marriage certificates (returns of marriage filed after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records dating back to the town's founding
The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration in Concord also maintains statewide marriage records. Records from 1640 to the present may be available through the state office. For Cheshire County's largest municipality, the Keene City Clerk handles vital records including marriages:
For records older than roughly 100 years, the New Hampshire Secretary of State's archives may also be a resource. Contact the relevant town clerk or the state Division of Vital Records at (603) 271-4650 to confirm record availability.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Cheshire County
Fees for marriage record copies in New Hampshire are set by state statute (RSA 5-C). Town and city clerks throughout Cheshire County follow the same fee schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order) | $10.00 each |
| Search fee (when no record is found) | $15.00 |
These fees apply whether you order through a town clerk in Cheshire County or through the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration in Concord. The state office accepts credit card payments for online and phone orders; town clerks typically accept cash, check, or money order. Processing times vary — in-person requests at a town clerk's office are often handled the same day, while mail requests through the state office may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Cheshire County
There are three main ways to order a certified marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in Cheshire County:
Online
The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration offers online ordering through its vital records portal. You can order certified copies of marriage certificates for events recorded anywhere in the state. A valid credit or debit card is required, and additional processing fees from the third-party vendor may apply.
In Person
Visit the town or city clerk's office in any New Hampshire municipality to request a certified copy. You do not need to go to the town where the marriage occurred — under RSA 5-C, any New Hampshire town clerk can issue a certified copy of a marriage record from the statewide database. In Cheshire County, the Keene City Clerk's office is one of the most accessible options:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk-ins are generally accepted.
By Mail
Mail requests can be sent to either a local town clerk or the state office. Include:
- A written request with the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and place of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $15.00 (payable to the town or to "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire")
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level mail requests, send to:
Allow two to four weeks for processing by mail through the state office. Local town clerks may process mail requests more quickly depending on volume. Contact the clerk's office beforehand to confirm current turnaround times and accepted payment methods.