Getting Hitched in North Carolina? Here’s What You Need Before You Say “I Do”

Planning an elopement in the Tar Heel State? Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain ceremony in Asheville or a seaside soiree on the Outer Banks, North Carolina is a pretty great place to get married. But before you cue the Bluegrass band and pop the bubbly, let’s make sure you’ve got your legal ducks in a row. As an Asheville Elopement Photographer, I’ve had to walk many a client through this process. If you want to take a look at more of my work, you can see that here.

Here’s everything you need to get legally married in North Carolina, no moonshine required.

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1. Marriage License: Your Ticket to Wedded Bliss (your Asheville Elopement Photographer can’t do this for you)

Before you can walk down the aisle, you’ve got to walk into a county Register of Deeds office—any county will do.

Here are the Register of Deeds websites for Asheville (or Buncombe County), Charlotte (or Mecklenburg County), Raleigh (Wake County), Dare County (which includes the Outer Banks). Every other county, you can look up yourself. You’ve got an Internet connection, I’m sure.

• Both parties must appear in person to apply. Yes, even if one of you is busy arguing with a florist.
• Bring valid ID. A government-issued photo ID and something showing your Social Security number (like a card or tax document) will do the trick.
• No waiting period. That’s right, you can get married as soon as you get the license. Procrastinators, rejoice!
• The license is good for 60 days. After that, it turns into a very official-looking souvenir.

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2. The Fee

The marriage license costs about $60, depending on the county. Most offices take cash, card, or money order—but double-check before you go so you’re not fumbling at the counter like it’s prom all over again.

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3. Age Requirements

• 18 and up? You’re good to go.
• 16 or 17? You’ll need parental consent (and the parent must be present at the time of application).
• 14 or 15? Only allowed if there’s a court order AND you’re becoming parents. (So, yeah… very rare and very specific.)
• Under 14? Not happening.

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4. Officiants: Who Can Seal the Deal?

North Carolina’s pretty flexible on this one:

• Religious officiants (priests, rabbis, ministers, even internet-ordained ones, most people go through the Universal Life Church if you want your random friend from bocce ball or your coworker to marry you)
• Judges
• Magistrates (pro tip: they can also perform quick courthouse weddings)

As long as they’re legally authorized to perform marriages, you’re golden. Just make sure they sign the license after the ceremony, otherwise, it’s just a very expensive party.

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5. No Residency Requirements

You don’t need to live in North Carolina to get married here. You just have to follow the rules, get the license, and not run off with the caterer.

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6. Do I Need a Witness?

Yes! North Carolina requires two witnesses to sign the marriage license. So, make sure at least two people aren’t too deep into the champagne tower before the big moment.

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7. Cousin Check

In case you’re wondering, yes, first-cousin marriages are legal in North Carolina. So, if that’s your thing… well, carry on.

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Pro Tips:

• Your officiant returns the signed license to the Register of Deeds office after the ceremony.
• Want a certified copy for name changes or honeymoon bragging rights? You’ll have to request (and pay for) that separately.

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Whether you’re saying your vows under a magnolia tree or at a mountaintop lodge, North Carolina makes it easy to go from sweethearts to spouses. Just don’t forget the license, the IDs, and someone sober enough to be a witness.

Now go forth and get married, Tar Heel-style, just maybe hold off on the barbecue until after the dress photos.

And of course, if you’re looking for an Asheville elopement photographer, and want to work with me, get started here.