I bought a home prior to getting married and need to know will a short sale effect my husband's credit?

A mortgage default is only chargable against the person making the mortgage.  the reason for this is becasue a contract may only be enforced against the parties to the agreement.  if your husband is not a party to the mortgage as you indicate there is no basis for your husband to be responsible for the payments and therefore, his credit is not in jeopardy.  If you do a short sale you will want to hire a real estate agent and a person to help you negotiate the short sale.  the short sale will affect your creidt, but not as bad as a foreclosure.  i also suggest that you hire a lawyer to help you in connection with the sale and make sure all the right people are paid off so you do not have any other creditors relating to the mortgage chasing you for a deficiency judgment - i.e. a second mortgage holder of the property or other lien.