How to Get Your Marriage License in North Carolina

If you are planning a wedding or elopement in North Carolina, this guide will walk you through the marriage license process, what to bring, and the small details that couples often overlook so you can spend your energy on the part that matters most: the people and the promises.

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The Overview

Before we go too into the details, here’s an overview of the basics required in North Carolina:

• Witnesses required? Yes, you need 2
• How long is the license valid for? 60 days
• Is there a wait period? No
• Do both partners need to be present? Yes
• What is the minimum age? 18 years
• Can you self-solemnize? No
• Do you need NC residency? No
• Do you need a blood test? No
• What is the cost? It differs by county

In North Carolina the marriage license must be issued before the ceremony, and it is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. There is no state-mandated waiting period, which means in many counties you can be issued a license and married the same day. Both applicants are generally required to appear in person at the Register of Deeds when finalizing the license, though many counties let you start an application online. Because counties run their own offices they may differ in hours, accepted payment methods, and whether they require appointments, so always check with the county you will use.

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The Marriage License Process Step by Step

Figuring out the logistics of your marriage license can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know the steps, it’s straightforward. Here’s how it usually works in North Carolina:

1. Identify your county – Start by determining which county’s Register of Deeds you’ll be using. You don’t have to use the county where your ceremony will take place, but you will need to return the signed license to the same office that issued it. Most counties have websites with clear instructions, hours, and contact info. Here are a few of the more common ones:
   • Forsyth County– Winston-Salem
   • Guilford County– Greensboro
   • Mecklenburg County– Charlotte
   • New Hanover County– Wilmington
   • Buncombe County– Asheville
   • Wake County– Raleigh
2. Decide if you want to start online – Many counties allow you to fill out a pre-application online. This is optional but can save time at the office. Even if you start online, both applicants will still usually need to appear in person to finalize the license.
3. Go to the Register of Deeds office – Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and any required documents for prior marriages. You’ll pay the license fee (and optional certified copy fee if desired). The staff will review your application and issue the license on the spot if everything is in order.
4. Get your license signed during the ceremony – Your officiant and two witnesses sign the license immediately after your wedding ceremony. These signatures make the marriage official.
5. Return the license to the office – After the ceremony, either you or your officiant must return the signed license to the Register of Deeds office that issued it. Once recorded, the office can provide certified copies that you’ll need for legal name changes or other paperwork.

Following this step-by-step process ensures there are no surprises, and once it’s done, you can focus entirely on the parts of your day that will last forever in your memories and your photos.

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What a North Carolina Marriage License Actually Does

A marriage license in North Carolina must be issued before your ceremony. Once issued, it is valid for 60 days, so you’ll need to be married within that window. You can apply and get married the same day if your county allows it, but it is generally recommended to get it at least a few days ahead of your wedding. The North Carolina Judicial Branch clearly outlines these rules.
(NC Courts – Marriage Overview)

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What to Bring to Your Appointment

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need when you show up to apply:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Social Security number, or proof that you do not have one
• Documentation of any prior marriages (certified divorce decree, death certificate, etc.)
• If applicable: additional paperwork for minors (16–17 year olds)

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Understanding the Fee and Payment Methods

The base marriage license costs $60 in every county. Plus, if you want a certified copy of the recorded certificate (which many couples do for name changes), it usually costs around $10 more.

Counties differ in how they accept payments: some want cash, others accept credit or debit cards. It’s smart to call ahead and ask what payment method your Register of Deeds office prefers.

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Age Requirements

North Carolina’s rules for marrying by age are very clear:

• 18 and older: can marry freely.
• 16–17 years old: can marry only with parental or guardian consent, and sometimes a court order is required.
• Under 16: generally not allowed unless there is special court permission (rare).

These rules come directly from state laws and are reflected in the statewide marriage overview.
(NC Courts – Marriage Overview)

If one of you is under 18, make sure to reach out well ahead of time to your Register of Deeds — these applications take more planning.

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Officiants and Witnesses

In North Carolina, the person who performs your ceremony must be legally authorized: that means ordained ministers, magistrates, judges, or others recognized by the state.

You also need two witnesses present at your ceremony to sign the license afterward. These can be family or friends — just make sure they are prepared to sign.

NC does not allow self-solemnization, meaning you cannot marry yourselves without an officiant. This is an important detail many couples don’t realize until later.

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Returning the License After the Ceremony

Once the ceremony has ended, your officiant and your two witnesses sign the license. Then:

1. Return the signed license to the same Register of Deeds office that issued it.
2. Many counties have a preferred window for return — for example, some ask that the license be returned within 10 days.
3. After it is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate, which you’ll need for things like Social Security, bank accounts, or driver’s license name changes.

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Practical Timing Tips

Here are some photographer-friendly tips to pass along to couples so their license process is smooth:

1. Time your application — apply within 2–8 weeks before the wedding so you stay safely within the 60-day validity window.
2. Bring all required documents — even if you think you might not need something.
3. Use online pre-applications if your county offers them — they’ll save time in person.
4. Tell your witnesses ahead of time — they will need to sign immediately after the ceremony.
5. Order certified copies at the time of applying if possible — it saves a second trip.

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Final Thoughts

Your marriage license may not feel like the romantic heart of your day, but it is one of the most meaningful pieces of paper you will hold. It is what makes your promises official. And once you have it in hand, you get to focus your attention on everything else — the laughter, the tears, the way your partner looks at you right before you say “I do.”

Getting this part sorted early gives you space to savor the rest. The timeline. The first look. The quiet, real moments in between. My job is to capture those forever, and helping you nail the logistics beforehand gives you room to breathe on your wedding day.