How to Get a Marriage License in North Carolina
Planning Resources
How to Get a Marriage License in North Carolina
You’re planning an elopement, not filing taxes — but you do still need to make it legal. The good news: North Carolina keeps it simple. Here’s everything you need so you can check the paperwork box and get back to the fun part.
The Basics
You can get your marriage license from any county in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, you’ll need to obtain your marriage license from the Register of Deeds office in any NC county.
You do not have to get it in the county where you’re getting married — any county will do. Most of my couples grab theirs from the Buncombe County Register of Deeds in downtown Asheville since they’re already in town.
Buncombe County Register of Deeds
205 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed weekends and holidays
Cost: $60
Cash, check, or card accepted.
Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to make it official.
Both of you have to show up in person.
No exceptions on this one — both partners must appear at the Register of Deeds office to get the marriage license.
A valid, government-issued photo ID for each person — driver’s license, passport, or military ID. If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.
Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
None. You do not need to be a North Carolina resident. Couples from any state or country can get married here.
Not required. Small mercy.
None. Your license is valid immediately upon issue.
Your NC marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued.
How Long Is the License Valid?
You’ve got a 60-day window to make it official.
Your NC marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued. The ceremony must take place within that window.
Most of my couples pick up their license the day before or the morning of their elopement — it usually takes about 20 minutes.
If your elopement is on a weekend, don’t wait until Saturday morning. The Register of Deeds office is closed on weekends and holidays.
Do You Need an Officiant?
Yep. North Carolina still needs someone official in the mix.
North Carolina requires an ordained minister, magistrate, or other authorized officiant to perform the ceremony.
The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Don’t have an officiant?
No worries. I work with some incredible local officiants who specialize in elopements and intimate ceremonies. They’re warm, flexible, and won’t make it weird.
Check out my preferred vendors page for recommendations, or just ask me — I’ll match you with the right person.
InquireSelf-Uniting / Self-Solemnizing Marriages
Can you marry yourselves in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not currently allow self-solemnizing marriages — where you marry yourselves without an officiant.
You’ll need someone authorized to officiate. Some states do allow this. NC just isn’t one of them.
Honestly? Having someone there to hold space for you during your vows can be a beautiful thing. It doesn’t have to feel stiff, scripted, or overly formal.
Name Change After the Ceremony
Your license makes the marriage legal. It does not automatically change your name.
If either partner plans to change their name, North Carolina does not automatically process name changes through the marriage license.
After the ceremony, you’ll need to update your name through the Social Security Administration, then your state’s DMV, and so on from there.
There are services that streamline this process if you don’t want to deal with the paperwork yourself. No judgment there.
Pro Tips
A few things I’d rather you know before you’re standing at the counter.
Get your license on a weekday.
The Register of Deeds office is closed on weekends, which catches some couples off guard. If your elopement is on a Saturday, grab the license Thursday or Friday afternoon.
Bring your IDs.
Sounds obvious, but I’ve seen it happen — a couple shows up without the right ID and can’t get the license. Passport is the safest bet if you’re traveling.
Your witnesses are built in.
North Carolina requires two witnesses to sign the license. If it’s just the two of you, your officiant and your photographer — hi, that’s me — can serve as witnesses.
One less thing to stress about: the legal stuff matters, but it does not need to take over your day. Handle the paperwork, then get back to the good part.
Still have questions?
I’ll help you make the legal part feel a lot less annoying.
I’ve helped hundreds of couples navigate this part. Reach out and I’ll walk you through it — no question is too small.
Inquire