Where to explore and What You Need to Bring

You get a marriage license from the Register of Deeds office in the county where you plan to marry. North Carolina does not require you to marry in the county where you live, so you can go to any county's office. Most couples choose the county where one of them lives or where the wedding will take place.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and your Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport. If you have been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. You will also need to know your parents' full names and their states of birth.

Both people getting married must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office. You cannot send someone else to get the license on your behalf, and you cannot explore online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore together at the Register of Deeds office in any North Carolina county, and both people must be present with photo ID and Social Security number.
  • North Carolina has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive your license if you have an officiant ready.
  • The license costs between $60 and $70 depending on the county, and is valid for 30 days from the date issued.
  • You need an ordained minister, judge, magistrate, or other authorized officiant to perform the ceremony; the license itself does not make you married.
  • After the wedding, the officiant must sign and return the license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days, or your marriage will not be recorded.

Cost and How Long the License Stays Valid

The fee ranges from $60 to $70 depending on which county you visit. Each Register of Deeds office sets its own price within that range. Call ahead or check the county website to confirm the exact amount and whether they accept cash, check, or card.

Once issued, your license is valid for 30 days. You must marry within that window, or the license expires and you will need to explore again. The 30 days starts on the date the Register of Deeds hands you the license, not the date you explore.

No Waiting Period in North Carolina

North Carolina has no waiting period between explore for the license and marrying. You can receive the license and marry the same day if you have an officiant available. This makes North Carolina faster than many other states for couples who want to move quickly.

The only requirement is that you have a licensed or ordained person to perform the ceremony. A judge, magistrate, ordained minister, or other authorized officiant must be present and must sign the license after the ceremony.

Who Can Legally Perform Your Ceremony

North Carolina recognizes several types of officiants. These include ordained or licensed ministers of any faith, judges, magistrates, and certain other officials. If you are having a religious ceremony, your place of worship can tell you whether your chosen officiant is authorized.

If you want a friend or family member to perform the ceremony, they must be ordained. Some online ordination organizations are recognized in North Carolina, though the rules can be unclear. To be safe, ask the Register of Deeds office whether a specific person's ordination will be accepted before you rely on them.

What Happens After You Marry

The officiant who performs your ceremony must sign the marriage license and return it to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days. If the signed license does not reach the Register of Deeds within that window, your marriage will not be recorded in North Carolina's official records, even though you are legally married.

Once recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds office. You will need these for changing your name, updating your Social Security record, or other legal purposes. Certified copies cost a few dollars each and can usually be obtained within a few business days.

If You Have Been Married Before

If either person has been married before, you must bring proof that the previous marriage ended. This means a divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate of the former spouse. The Register of Deeds will not issue a license without this documentation.

If your divorce was finalized in another state, bring the original decree or a certified copy. If you cannot locate the document, contact the court in the county where the divorce was granted and request a certified copy. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you know you will need it.

Finding Your Local Register of Deeds Office

Every North Carolina county has a Register of Deeds office, usually located in the county courthouse. You can find the address, phone number, and hours on the county's website by searching "[county name] North Carolina Register of Deeds." Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.

Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask about the exact fee, accepted payment methods, and whether you need to make an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule a time slot in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we marry in a different county than where we live?

Yes. You can explore for a marriage license in any North Carolina county, regardless of where you live. Many couples choose the county where the wedding will take place or where one partner lives for convenience.

What if one of us was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate or passport along with your photo ID. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator. The Register of Deeds will tell you if additional documents are needed.

Can we get married the same day we explore?

Yes. North Carolina has no waiting period, so you can receive your license and marry the same day if you have an authorized officiant available. The license is valid for 30 days from the date issued.

What if the officiant does not return the signed license to the Register of Deeds?

Your marriage will not be recorded in North Carolina's official records. Contact the officiant and ask them to submit it when ready. If they refuse or cannot be reached, contact the Register of Deeds office for guidance on how to file the license yourself or request a correction.

How much does a certified copy of the marriage certificate cost?

Certified copies typically cost $5 to $15 each, depending on the county. You can order them in person at the Register of Deeds office, by mail, or sometimes online through the county website. Processing usually takes a few business days.