North Carolina Marriage Laws
 

1. There is no waiting period to be married in North Carolina. Once the license is issued by the Register of Deeds Office it is good for only 60 days.
2. Persons need not be residents of this state to marry in this state.
3. Note: The person performing the marriage ceremony must return both completed license to the Register of Deeds Office in the county where the license was originally issued or be subject to a $200.00 fine. The 2 (two) witnesses must include their addresses on both the original and copy of the license.
   A license issued in one County may be used in any county in North Carolina . 
   The Marriage License fee set by N. C. Law, is currently $60.00. (see note at bottom of page)
4. A Physician’s Health Certificate of Blood Test is not required.
5. The Register of Deeds shall require proof of age from all persons making application for a marriage license. A person between 18 and 21 years of age is required to present a certified birth certificate. Persons 21 or older may present any one of the following forms of ID: Drivers license, military ID, passport, state ID or a certified birth certificate.
6. The Register may accept a Social Security Number from a social security card or one of the following with the number on it:
   1. A W-2 Form
   2. A paycheck stub
   3. Military discharge
   4. Medicaid/Medicare Card
   5. Voter’s Registration Card containing their Social Security Number.
   6. Health Insurance Card containing their Social Security Number
7. An Internal Revenue Service (W-7 Form) or an affidavit of ineligibility is acceptable for anyone  who has never had a Social Security Number and are not entitled to one. (Such affidavits are good for 60 days only.
8. Persons 16 or 17 years of age must submit a certified copy of their birth certificate and at least one parent, or legal guardian with full or joint custody, who have proper identification, and who will give their written consent (on the marriage applications) and meet the above requirements.
9. All other persons under the age of 16 years must call the Register of Deeds Office for information regarding a marriage license. Persons under the age 14 may not marry regardless of circumstances.
10. A North Carolina Marriage may be performed or solemnized by the following only:
    1. An Ordained Minister
    2. A Minister Authorized by his church
    3. A District Court Magistrate
    4. By the Society of Friends, according to customs of the Society
    5. By a local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha is in accordance to the usage of their religious community.
    6. By any person authorized by any religious denomination or of any recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.
11. A Marriage must be witnessed by 2 (two) people who are present at the marriage. The Witnesses must place their names and addresses on the original and the copy of this license in legible handwriting and in ink.
12. Once the marriage has been performed and both copies of the License returned to the Register of Deeds Office, a Certificate of Marriage may be obtained upon request. Each certified certificate is currently $10.00.
13. No Marriage License shall be issued by this office for two people of the same sex.
14. Common Law Marriages are void in North Carolina.
15. Bigamous Marriages are void in North Carolina.
16. Marriages of person’s nearer kin than first cousins are unlawful in North Carolina.

Important Note:  State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.