The procedures for "tying the knot" in jurisdictions that recognize same-sex couples vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Couples are well-advised to do some research on their own, talk with an expert at a local freedom to marry organization, and perhaps consult an attorney.

The Highlands Inn is ready to help you celebrate your commitment, whether you have a civil union ceremony, a Massachusetts or Canadian wedding, or a traditional commitment ceremony. Since hosting our first commitment ceremony in 1985, the Highlands has been the site of dozens of commitment ceremonies. Additionally, since Vermont's civil union law went into effect in 2000, over 300 couples have stayed at the Inn while becoming "civilly united" in nearby Vermont … and of course most have stayed on for their honeymoon at the Inn!

As of January 2008, we now are offering New Hampshire civil union ceremonies right at the Inn! In addition, we will continue to provide information about Vermont civil unions to those who may prefer having a VT civil union.

 

New Hampshire Civil Unions

The New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition (NHFTM) has published information on their website about civil unions and how to apply for a New Hampshire civil union license. GLAD, the Massachusetts-based organization "Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders," has also published an informative guide to civil unions in New Hampshire.

Eligibility: According to these sources, a woman is eligible to enter into a New Hampshire civil union if she:

1. Is not a party to another civil union or a marriage;

2. Is of the same sex as the other party to the civil union;

3. Is at least 18 years of age;

4. Is not closely related by blood to the other party to the civil union.

There is no requirement that you must be New Hampshire residents or that you plan to become NH residents.

Procedures to obtain a New Hampshire civil union: In order to obtain a New Hampshire civil union license, both members of the couple must appear in person and complete an application with the clerk of any New Hampshire city or town. You must bring photo IDs and proof of age. If either or both of you are divorced or widowed, you must also bring a copy of your final divorce decree and/or spouse's death record. When all of the forms are completed, the clerk will prepare the civil union license, which is valid for not more than 90 days.

The civil union license fee is $45, payable to the town clerk when you apply for the license. After obtaining the license, you will need to have the civil union certified in a ceremony performed by either a New Hampshire Justice of the Peace (JP) or clergy member.

We recommend that you make arrangements for your New Hampshire civil union well in advance. You will need to obtain a civil union license from a New Hampshire city or town clerk. Any NH city or town clerk can issue a civil union license. However, many town clerk's offices are only open part-time, so you should contact the town clerk where you're planning to apply for your license to determine their hours of operation. Also, you will need to make arrangements with a JP or clergy member to perform the ceremony, and you may want to spend some time talking with this person about what you would like your ceremony to include.

We have all the contact info that you will need: town clerks, JPs, and clergy in our area. However, you will need to contact these folks directly to make arrangements for your ceremony. Our NH Civil Unions info sheet contains contact info for town clerks, JPs, and clergy in our area. To receive a copy, please click here to send us an e-mail and put "CU info" in the subject.

Civil union celebrations vary in size. For years we've been holding commitment ceremonies ranging in size from just the couple to much larger celebrations, so we have well-established contacts with florists, cake bakers, caterers, DJs, photographers, etc.

Whether your civil union is small or large, we are ready to help you plan the perfect event! Our supportive atmosphere, romantic guest rooms, gorgeous sunsets, and quiet moonlit nights provide an ideal setting for this very special time.

 

New Hampshire Civil Union Package

Our Civil Union Package includes your room with private bath, the services of a Justice of the Peace or clergy member, an 8-inch cake, champagne with two commemorative champagne glasses, a fresh floral arrangement, a basket full of treats and surprises, and breakfast in your room one morning (not available in Farmhouse). Civil Union Packages range from $680 for a 3-night stay in a double bed room to $1,010 for a 3-night stay in our deluxe queen room. Longer or shorter stays are available.

Please note that the package does not include the $45 license fee, payable directly to the town clerk.

To receive our NH Civil Unions info sheet, please send us this e-mail and put "CU info" in the subject. You'll hear from us soon!

 

Commitment Ceremonies

Since hosting our first commitment ceremony in 1985, The Highlands Inn has been the site of hundreds of commitment ceremonies and honeymoons.

We usually have two or three large commitment ceremonies each year, when the entire Inn is rented for the occasion. However, most of our commitment ceremonies simply involve the couple, sometimes with a few close friends or family. Please let us know what you'd like to do, and we will make every effort to be sure it happens! We'll help you find everything and everyone you'll need for a perfect ceremony - a minister if you wish, florist, caterer, tent rental, musicians - you name it!

 

Canadian Weddings

The Highlands Inn is located about an hour from the Canadian border. In order to assist guests who are interested in getting legally married in Canada, we have established working relationships with officiants in nearby Quebec towns ... a Unitarian-Universalist minister, an attorney, and an official of the Civil Marriage office of the Quebec Ministry of Justice. Any one of these contacts will be able to help you through the process of getting married in Canada.

If you're interested in getting more information about Canadian same-sex weddings, please phone or email us and ask for our guide, "Planning Your Canadian Wedding." This guide includes contact information for the three officiants mentioned above, an overview of the process, and some helpful websites.

 

FROM A FEW OF THE COUPLES ...

The evening was just perfect and absolutely one we'll never forget! The details were touching and amazing; from the chilled champagne upon our arrival, to the friendly staff and guests we had never met coming up and congratulating us at the party, the nervousness creeping in as we counted down to midnight, and then being whisked over to the fireplace, complete with fresh flowers, for our Civil Union. We especially loved the very personal and meaningful double-ring ceremony Maria, our JP, prepared for us. It was so emotional after sixteen years together, knowing that our relationship was finally validated and legally recognized by the State of New Hampshire. We also felt the true meaning of "family" with everyone from the party joining around us to witness history, and were honored that we could be a part of it. Grace even surprised us after the ceremony with a big cake and more champagne!  We can't say enough about our hosts Grace and Maria, all the guests at the Inn, and the DJ for providing such a welcoming and joyous atmosphere. Thank you so much and we look forward to the time when we can come back to the Inn to celebrate when our relationships become recognized nationwide! Carrie & Lucie, New Hampshire

"Nothing could have been more perfect! Having our ceremony at the Highlands allowed our guests (and us) to stay right on site and relax all weekend. We got to spend over two days with our loved ones at this very important time in our lives. Everyone raved about the beauty of the setting, the pool, the guest rooms, and the uniqueness of our ceremony. Looking back we would not have done anything differently! Grace and her staff were incredible. From referrals to logistics, they really helped us create our wedding." Barbara & Heidi, Washington, DC

"A special thanks to you from us for all of your help and support. It's so nice to have such wonderful people to work with, especially when your wedding is 300 miles from home!" Kelli & Joan, Connecticut

"The Highlands Inn was the perfect spot for our ceremony. The setting was beautiful! It provided us with a rare opportunity to bring the many people of our lives together in one place to help us celebrate this special occasion. It felt like a true community of friends and family gathered together to celebrate with us." Mandy & Wendy, New Hampshire

 

Honeymoons - We have two fabulous honeymoon packages. Our Special Honeymoon Package includes your room with private bath, a fresh floral arrangement, a basket full of treats and surprises, breakfast in your room one morning (not available in Farmhouse), and champagne with two commemorative champagne glasses!

The Deluxe Honeymoon Package includes everything in the Special Package PLUS ONE HOUR OF MASSAGE.

Three-night Special Packages start at $430 per couple for a standard double bed room; four-night Deluxe Packages start at $650 for a double bed room. Rates are higher for rooms with a queen or king-size bed. Longer stays are available for both packages.

Add a gourmet cake to your celebration! With either of our honeymoon packages, we'll order you a festive cake made especially for you by one of our local gourmet bakers. Cakes start at $25.

For more information about civil unions, Canadian weddings, commitment ceremonies, and honeymoons, please phone Grace at 603-869-3978.