OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE
In order to be legally married in the state of North Carolina, you must register for a marriage license with a NC Register of Deeds Office. We have outlined the important steps for you below!
- APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE
- Find a North Carolina Register of Deeds Office.
- You have to pick up the marriage license in person, so be sure to choose an office you can get to. Whether it be in Raleigh, Charlotte or Asheville, it doesn’t matter as long as it is in North Carolina and you can get to it in person to pick up the marriage license.
- Apply no more than 60 days before your wedding date as marriage licenses are invalid after that.
- Most Asheville couples, whether locals or out-of-towners, apply for a marriage license at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office and pick it up when they arrive for their wedding weekend. Be sure to check the hours!
- Apply for a marriage license here.
- PICK UP THE MARRIAGE LICENSE IN PERSON
- Once you have applied, you must visit the specific NC Register of Deeds Office from which you applied for your marriage license in person to pick it up.
- You and your spouse will both need to be present and bring the following:
- Both spouses’ valid photo I.D.s
- Both spouses’ social security cards
- $60 Fee - either cash, money order, debit/credit card or personal check
- Double check that both copies of your marriage license are filled out correctly - check for any typos or misprints.
- Be sure that there is a return envelope provided as well.
- Bring both copies of your marriage license to your wedding!
- Make sure it is placed somewhere secure and won’t succumb to any coffee or food stains.