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Getting Your North Carolina Marriage License


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Beautiful Mountain Wedding (no hiking needed) at Cabin Heaven

While we all look forward to celebrating love and romance on your special day, it's crucial to ensure that the legal aspect is taken care of. Here's some valuable information to guide you through the process.


To be married in the state of North Carolina, you and your partner must apply for and receive a Marriage License before your wedding date. Only you two can obtain the license; no one else can do it on your behalf.

The good news is that you can get the license in any county in NC and use it in any county. So, feel free to choose the most convenient location for you.

The process typically involves applying online, scheduling a virtual/video interview, and then having the license mailed to you. Depending on the county, this can take 2-3 weeks, so it's essential to plan ahead.


Some Register of Deeds offices now require appointments. Make sure to call ahead and confirm their current policies. When you visit the Register of Deeds office together, be sure to bring photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) and proof of your social security number.


For divorced applicants, you'll need to provide the date of your divorce, and some counties might request an original or certified copy of the Divorce Decree. Check with the office you intend to apply to for specific requirements. If either partner is not an American citizen, contact the office in advance to understand the necessary paperwork.


Your officiant will reach out to verify that you have your license. Remember, officiants cannot perform the ceremony without a valid marriage license.


After officiating your ceremony, your officiant will complete the marriage license, and your two witnesses will also sign it (you've already signed it at the courthouse). The officiant will send you a scanned copy for verification, and the next business day, mail the marriage license to the issuing county.


Please note that the Register of Deeds office does not automatically provide a certified copy of the license after the ceremony. You must request a certified copy in writing, usually priced at $10 each. The issuing county will provide instructions for obtaining the certified copy.


Rest assured, we'll guide you through the process, ensuring everything is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying your special day at Cabin Heaven.

Henderson County, North Carolina Rules:
  1. A Marriage License must be obtained BEFORE a Marriage Ceremony is performed. NCGS 51-6

  2. This office will issue marriage licenses by appointment only from 10:00AM until 3:00PM Monday through Friday, holidays excluded.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. All the requirements from the Henderson County, North Carolina.

  6. Find marriage requirements, how to obtain a marriage license, getting married by magistrate, officiants, prenuptial agreements, and more. North Carolina Judicial Branch

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