How to Get Legally Married in North Carolina and Plan Your NC Wedding

With its rustic and romantic barn venues, mountainside mansions and beachfront resorts, North Carolina is the perfect spot for a dream wedding. Before you say your "I dos," though, there's one item you shouldn't forget to check off your to-do's, and that's getting your marriage license. If you're planning to tie the knot in North Carolina, the process is pretty straightforward, but you'll still want to do your homework beforehand to make sure you do it correctly. Fortunately, this handy guide outlines everything you need to know about the steps to secure your North Carolina marriage license and tie the knot in the state. Once you've got a good grasp of the process, head on over to The Knot Marketplace to find an all-star vendor team, and if you're thinking of changing your name upon tying the knot read up on how that process works too. For now, though, here's the scoop on getting your North Carolina marriage license.

How to Get Married in North Carolina

Saying "I do" in North Carolina is a piece of cake, so long as you know what to expect. Start here for everything you absolutely need to know if you're thinking about getting married in North Carolina.

Is there a waiting period to get married in North Carolina?

North Carolina has no waiting period, meaning once you've got your marriage license you can hold your marriage ceremony right away if you'd like to.

What are the legal requirements to get married in North Carolina?

All of the qualifications for marriage in the state of North Carolina are pretty predictable: Both parties cannot be already married, must be legally competent, must be at least 18 years old, and cannot be closely related to each other. Minors aged 16 and 17 can also get married with written parental consent or a written affidavit from a legal guardian.

What's considered a common law marriage in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not offer common law marriages.

North Carolina Marriage License 101

So you're ready to make it official? You'll need to get your marriage license in order for your union to be legal. Be sure you've gotten your marriage license before your wedding ceremony, but don't do it too early, as marriage licenses in North Carolina expire after 60 days if not used. Here are some other important FAQs you might be wondering:

What do you need to get a marriage license in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you'll get your marriage license from your county's Register of Deeds Office. Check with your local office to see if you'll need to come in person or if the process can be done online, as well as whether you can walk in or if you'll need to schedule an appointment.

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To get your license you'll need to pay a fee and fill out paperwork with information such as both of your full legal names, ages, residential address, mailing address and Social Security Number. You will also be asked to provide proof of age with a birth certificate, passport or another form of government photo ID such as a driver's license. For divorced applicants or those who have lost a spouse, you might also be asked to provide proof of divorce or death with a certified copy of the divorce decree or a certified copy your previous partner's death certificate.

You should also check with your local county's register of deeds office for any additional specifics that you should be aware of because some regulations within North Carolina vary by county. For instance, in Mecklenburg County, applicants between 18 and 21 years of age need to also provide a certified copy of their birth certificate in order to get a marriage license.

What does a North Carolina marriage license cost?

The fee for a marriage license in North Carolina is $60, which you'll typically need to pay to your county's register of deeds office by credit card or debit card.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in North Carolina?

The application process shouldn't take long at all and you'll walk out with your license that same day. Prepare to allot 30 minutes to an hour for your visit to the Register of Deeds Office.

Can you apply for a marriage license online in North Carolina?

Several regions in North Carolina, such as Mecklenburg and Wake counties, offer couples the ability to fill out an online marriage license application before visiting a Register of Deeds Office to complete the process in person. If your county does provide an online application process, utilizing it will make your in-person visit that much speedier.

How do you get a copy of a North Carolina marriage license?

Getting a copy of your marriage license is easy. It costs $10 to get a certified copy of your marriage license in most of North Carolina, which you can get from your local register of deeds office after your officiant has signed and returned your marriage certificate post-ceremony. You can typically request a copy of your marriage license on your county's register of deeds website, by mail, by phone or in person.

How to Plan a North Carolina Wedding

Now that you've gotten a good grasp on the business side of things, it's time to plan your celebration. Here's everything else you should know about having your wedding in North Carolina.

The Different Cities and Areas to Consider for a North Carolina Wedding

North Carolina offers a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the Atlantic coast and the islands of the Outer Banks to the rolling hills of central North Carolina's Piedmont region to the mountainous western edge of the state. Gorgeous natural wonders serve as beautiful backdrops for weddings in each of these geological regions, including Jennette's Pier which overlooks the ocean in Nags Head, and the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround McGuire's Millrace Farm in the western part of the state. You'll also find tons of picture-perfect wedding venues in and around some of North Carolina's major cities such as The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh, The Duke Mansion in Charlotte and the famed Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

What to Look For in a North Carolina Wedding Venue

As you embark on your wedding venue search, there are a few key things to remember. Be sure to ask potential wedding venues what is included in each of their packages, and keep track of what additional vendors you may need to hire to make your vision come to life. Secondly, decide what your wedding style is and keep that in mind as you scout out your dream location. The state has a wide variety of reception venues to choose from, but a beautiful farm venue in central North Carolina offers a very different vibe than and sleek, urban museum location does. Lastly, if you're planning to have a large number of out-of-town guests, be sure that your wedding location makes sense for travelers who might need to fly into the area and stay overnight.

How to Find North Carolina Wedding Vendors

Already found your dream venue? Then get ready to assemble a killer wedding vendor team. Searching on social media or hiring a wedding planner to guide you are two great ways to find great florists, photographers, DJs and more. You can also search the The Knot Marketplace, which offers a database full of top-tier local wedding experts.

The Best Times of Year to Have a North Carolina Wedding for Good Weather

The climate in North Carolina varies slightly depending on the region, with more humid subtropical conditions on the coast and a cooler continental climate within the mountains. While you should keep those variations in mind when choosing what month to tie the knot, note that mid-to-late fall weddings are popular within the state and for good reason. Autumn brings pleasant, warm temperatures plus a lower risk for severe storms that can sometimes hit the coast in the late summer and early fall, and tornadoes that can occur in the state's central Piedmont region in the spring and summer. Plus, you can count on the fall foliage that begins to take over the state in October and November to make for truly spectacular wedding day scenery, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountain region.