North Carolina Marriage Laws

It's easy to focus your attention on the dress and the flowers, but you'll also need to take care of the one detail that makes it all legal - the marriage license. You need to obtain it before the ceremony (no more than 60 days before). Follow these simple tips to obtain your license:

1. Both of you need to appear in person at a registrar of deeds Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can visit any one of the following offices, but you'll need to mail the license back to the same office after the ceremony.

2. Be prepared to provide verification of your social security number (a Social Security Card, a W2 form or a pay stub).

3. You'll also need to show proof of ID (Drivers License, Military ID, Passport, State Issued ID or Birth Certificate).

4. If you're divorced, you'll have to provide the date (month and year). If the divorce was finalized less than 30 days before your application, you'll need an original or certified divorce decree.

5. If you're 16 or 17 years old, you'll need written parental consent and a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you're younger, you'll need a court giving you permission to marry.

6. You'll need $50 in cash.

After you have your license, you must be married by a minister of any church, a magistrate, or a federally or State recognized Indian nation or Tribe. You'll need two witnesses. The minister will then mail the marriage certificate to the registrar and it's official - you're married.

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