Marriage Requirements

  • A Marriage License must be obtained BEFORE a Marriage Ceremony is performed.  NCGS 51-6
  • This office will issue marriage licenses by appointment only from 10:00AM until 3:00PM Monday through Friday, holidays excluded.
  • Both applicants must come in together. They will need a current, valid photo ID and a Social Security Card that is NOT laminated. If the Social Security card is not available, a tax return or a legal document with the applicant's full name and complete Social Security Number on it will be accepted.
  • In an instance where an applicant is not eligible for a Social Security Number, an Affidavit attesting to this fact will be provided at the Register of Deeds office.
  • A matricular consular or other similar document, other than a valid passport issued by a consulate or embassy of another country, is not acceptable for use in determining a person's actual identity or residency.  NC Session Law 2015-294
  • If either applicant has been married before, the month and year of when the previous marriage ended is required information on the license. Applicants that have been previously married must provide a copy of their most recent divorce decree (with judge's signature) or a copy of their late spouse's death certificate.  A certified copy is not required.
  • The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the state of North Carolina and there is no waiting period.
  • The fee is $60 and is payable by check, cash, or credit card.  If a credit or debit card is used our vendor will charge a small convenience fee.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

  • Persons over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age may marry a person no more than four years older, and the register of deeds may issue a license for the marriage, only after there has been filed with the register of deeds a certified copy of an order issued by a district court authorizing the marriage as provided in G.S. 51-2.1, or a written consent to the marriage, said consent having been signed by the appropriate person as follows:

    (1)        By a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or

    (2)        By a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party.

  • Such written consent shall not be required for an emancipated minor if a certificate of emancipation issued pursuant to Article 35 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes or a certified copy of a final decree or certificate of emancipation from this or any other jurisdiction is filed with the register of deeds.

  • It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to marry.

  • Due to extreme circumstances such as hospitalization, military deployment, etc., sometimes it is impossible for both applicants to come in at the same time. In this instance, there is an Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance that can be obtained in our office, filled out, notarized and brought in by the second applicant.

We hope you have found this information helpful. For additional questions, you may call 697-4901.