Clergy not canonically resident in the Diocese of New Hampshire but who wish to officiate in the diocese at a wedding, as summer chapel supply, for a baptism, etc. are required to write a letter to the Bishop requesting permission to officiate in the diocese. The letter should include date, location, and names of couple being married or person being baptized, etc. Permission to officiate will be granted subject to receiving a letter from the diocese in which the clergyperson is canonically resident stating he/she is a "priest in good standing". In accordance with Title III Canon 9.6 of the National Canons, the clergyperson is also required to obtain permission from the priest in whose cure he/she will be officiating. (This information can be determined by calling Paula Bibber in the Bishop's Office.)

For weddings when one of the couple has been previously married, the Bishop's Office will also need a copy of your bishop's letter granting permission for the clergyperson to perform the wedding.

Also, the State of New Hampshire requires non-resident clergy to file an application with the Secretary of State's Office requesting a one-day license for weddings. The fee is $25. More information is available on the Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.nh.gov/marriage.htm. The application may be downloaded by clicking on "State of NH form" below.

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It is the practice of the Diocese of New Hampshire to license non-canonically resident clergy only when the Bishop has assigned them to a specific ministry for a period of more than two months. Non-canonically resident clergy residing in New Hampshire may do occasional supply work without being licensed.

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For more information or assistance, please contact:

Paula A. Bibber

Executive Assistant to the Bishop

603-224-1914, ext. 11

pbibber@nhepiscopal.org