Guide · Getting married
How to Get Married in North Carolina
Getting legally married in North Carolina is straightforward: apply for a license, hold a ceremony with a recognized officiant and two witnesses, and have the officiant return the signed license within 10 days. Here's the full process.
Step 1 — Apply for the license
Both parties appear at any NC Register of Deeds. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers, and information about any prior marriages. Pay the $60 fee. You leave with the license the same day.
Step 2 — Choose your officiant
NC recognizes ordained ministers, magistrates, and federal/tribal officials. Magistrate weddings are performed at the county courthouse for an additional $20 fee — the fastest legal route. For destination ceremonies, ordained ministers (including Universal Life Church) are accepted.
Step 3 — Have the ceremony
Two witnesses 18 or older must be present and sign the license. The ceremony itself has no required script or duration — any declaration of intent and pronouncement of marriage is sufficient in NC.
Step 4 — Return the license
The officiant completes the license, both witnesses sign, and the officiant returns it to the issuing Register of Deeds within 10 days. The marriage is recorded and a certified copy is mailed to you.
Eloping in NC
Magistrate weddings are available in every county courthouse for $20. Asheville (Buncombe County) and Brevard (Transylvania County) are the most popular elopement destinations — both have walk-in magistrate slots and dramatic outdoor backdrops within 30 minutes of the courthouse.
Frequently asked
Do we need witnesses?
Yes — two witnesses 18 or older must sign the license at the ceremony.
Who can officiate a wedding in NC?
Ordained ministers (any denomination, including online-ordained), magistrates, and federal or tribal officials.
Can we self-solemnize?
No. North Carolina does not allow self-uniting marriages — an officiant is required.
How fast can we legally marry?
Same day. Apply at the Register of Deeds in the morning, see a magistrate in the afternoon — total cost $80.
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