How to get married at the courthouse in North Carolina is a frequently asked question by couples looking for an affordable, straightforward, and legally recognized way to tie the knot. North Carolina offers many options for couples—whether they live in larger cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Asheville, or in smaller towns such as Boone or Wilmington—to get married quickly and legally through a courthouse wedding. Courthouse marriages in North Carolina provide a no-fuss, intimate alternative to traditional weddings, with minimal paperwork and low fees. With clear rules and accessible county clerk offices, couples can finalize their marriage without the need for extravagant ceremonies or long waiting periods. In this comprehensive article, you’ll discover everything about getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina, including the essential requirements, detailed steps, and important considerations to help you plan the perfect courthouse wedding.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in North Carolina
Before you can get married at the courthouse in North Carolina, it is important to know and meet the state’s legal requirements:
1. Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. If either individual is 16 or 17 years old, they may marry only with written consent from a parent or legal guardian and must obtain judicial approval from a district court judge. Those under 16 years old are not permitted to marry under North Carolina law.
2. No Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to get married in the state. Couples from other states and even international visitors can apply for a marriage license and get married in any North Carolina county courthouse.
3. Marriage License Application: You must apply for a marriage license at the county Register of Deeds office where you plan to marry. Both parties must appear in person to complete the application and provide required documentation.
4. Identification Documents: Both parties must present a valid form of photo identification such as a state driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. This confirms your identity and age.
5. Fee for Marriage License: The marriage license fee varies slightly by county but is generally around \$60. Fees must be paid at the time of application, and many counties accept cash, credit, or debit cards. It’s a good idea to check with the specific Register of Deeds office ahead of time for exact fees and payment methods.
6. No Blood Test or Medical Exam: Unlike some states, North Carolina does not require blood tests or medical exams as part of the marriage license process.
7. Waiting Period: North Carolina has a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued before you can legally marry. This means you cannot have your ceremony until at least 24 hours after obtaining the license. However, if you complete a premarital preparation course approved by the state, this waiting period may be waived by the Register of Deeds.
8. License Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, giving couples ample time to schedule their courthouse wedding within this window.
9. Previous Marriages: If previously married, you must provide the exact date your prior marriage ended through divorce, annulment, or death, but you generally do not need to provide documentation unless specifically requested.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in North Carolina
1. Visit the County Register of Deeds Office to Apply for a Marriage License
The first step in getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina is applying for a marriage license at the county Register of Deeds office. Both you and your fiancé must appear together in person to fill out the application. For example, if you live in Durham but plan to marry in Wake County, you must apply in Wake County where the marriage will take place. Bring valid photo IDs such as driver’s licenses or passports to verify identity and age. The clerk will ask for basic information including names, Social Security numbers (if applicable), date of birth, and whether you have been previously married. You will then pay the license fee, typically around \$60, and receive your marriage license. Remember, after receiving the license, you must wait 24 hours before the marriage ceremony can legally occur.
2. Decide if You Want to Waive the 24-Hour Waiting Period
If you wish to bypass the mandatory 24-hour waiting period, North Carolina allows a waiver if you complete a state-approved premarital education course. This course usually involves several hours of counseling or education about marriage, communication, and finances, and can sometimes be completed online or in person. After completing the course, you present a certificate to the Register of Deeds and the waiting period is waived. This can be beneficial for couples who want a quick turnaround between applying for the license and getting married.
3. Schedule Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
Once you have your marriage license and have observed (or waived) the waiting period, you can schedule your courthouse wedding ceremony. In many North Carolina counties, you can get married at the Register of Deeds office or at a courthouse where a judge or magistrate performs the ceremony. Some counties offer walk-in ceremonies, while others require appointments. For instance, in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), appointments are strongly recommended and can be made online or by phone. You should contact your local courthouse to confirm hours, fees (if any), and available dates for ceremonies. Remember, many counties require at least one witness over the age of 18 to attend your ceremony.
4. Arrive for Your Courthouse Ceremony Prepared
On the day of your courthouse wedding, plan to arrive early with your valid marriage license, photo IDs, and your witness (if required). Dress appropriately depending on your preference; some couples wear formal attire while others opt for casual clothing since courthouse weddings tend to be brief and low-key. The ceremony will be conducted by a magistrate, judge, or clerk who will guide you through your vows and pronounce you legally married. Expect the ceremony to last roughly 10-15 minutes. After the ceremony, the officiant will sign your marriage license, making your marriage official.
5. Return Your Signed Marriage License to the Register of Deeds
The officiant or one of the newlyweds must return the signed marriage license to the Register of Deeds office where the license was originally issued. This step is crucial because the marriage is not legally recorded until the license is returned and filed. Most officiants handle this, but it’s wise to confirm to avoid any delays. Once filed, your marriage becomes part of the official public record.
6. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
After your marriage license is filed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds office. Certified copies are official documents you’ll need to update your name, apply for benefits, and handle legal matters. Fees for certified copies typically range from \$10 to \$15 per copy. It’s recommended to order multiple copies to have on hand for banks, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in North Carolina
1. Courthouse Weddings Are Affordable and Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of courthouse weddings in North Carolina is cost savings. Compared to traditional weddings, courthouse ceremonies have a very low price tag—generally just the marriage license fee and any small officiant fee if applicable. This makes it a great option for couples on a budget, those who want to avoid wedding planning stress, or couples needing a quick, no-frills marriage.
2. The 24-Hour Waiting Period Can Affect Timing
North Carolina’s 24-hour waiting period is a key factor to plan around. Couples should be aware that they cannot legally marry on the same day they obtain the license unless they complete a premarital course and get a waiver. This can affect travel plans for out-of-state couples or those who want a quick wedding date.
3. Scheduling and Availability Vary by County
Each county in North Carolina may have different policies on courthouse wedding scheduling. Larger counties such as Wake or Mecklenburg often require appointments and may have limited times for ceremonies, especially during busy wedding seasons. Smaller rural counties may offer more flexibility or even walk-in ceremonies. It’s important to contact your local Register of Deeds or courthouse in advance to learn about procedures, hours, and fees.
4. Witness Requirements Differ by Location
Some North Carolina counties require a minimum of one witness aged 18 or older for the courthouse wedding ceremony, while others do not. Make sure to confirm this ahead of time so you can bring the necessary person with valid ID. Forgetting a witness could delay or cancel your wedding appointment.
5. No Blood Test or Medical Requirements Simplify the Process
Unlike some states, North Carolina does not require blood tests or health examinations to obtain a marriage license. This simplifies the process and speeds up getting your license and ceremony scheduled.
6. You Can Make Your Courthouse Wedding Personal and Memorable
Even though courthouse weddings are simple, they can still be meaningful and beautiful. Many couples personalize their vows, bring small flowers, or celebrate with a reception afterward at a local restaurant or scenic park. Popular North Carolina spots for courthouse wedding photos include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Outer Banks beaches, or historic downtown areas in towns like Wilmington and Asheville.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get married at the courthouse in North Carolina empowers couples to plan a legally binding, cost-effective, and stress-free wedding. With clear requirements, a straightforward application process, and options for quick ceremonies throughout the state—from Charlotte’s vibrant city courthouses to quiet mountain towns—getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina is an excellent choice for many couples. By preparing your documents, respecting the 24-hour waiting period, scheduling your ceremony carefully, and requesting certified copies afterward, you can ensure your courthouse wedding day is smooth and memorable. Whether you seek a quick elopement or a simple legal marriage, getting married at the court in North Carolina provides a respectful, accessible, and officially recognized way to start your life together.
