How to get a Marriage License in North Carolina (2026 Guide)
Getting your marriage license is one of the un-glamorous but essential steps in planning your elopement in North Carolina. The good news: the process is pretty simple once you know where to go, what to bring, and when to do it.
The Basics: What You Need To Know
You must get a North Carolina marriage license before your ceremony.
You can apply in any NC county, and then use that license anywhere in the state (Asheville, Hendersonville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, etc.). You must return the license to the same office you picked it up from. You cannot pick up your license from one county and return it to a different one.
There is no waiting period in North Carolina, but the license is only valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
Both partners must appear in person at the Register of Deeds to apply.
To be legally married, you need: a valid license, an legally recognized officiant (online ordination is not legally binding in North Carolina), and two witnesses at the ceremony.
Who Can Get Married In North Carolina?
To legally marry in North Carolina, you both must:
Be at least 18 years old (ages 16–17 may marry only with extra court/parental requirements; under 16 cannot marry).
Not be currently married to someone else.
Be able to understand what you’re doing and freely consent to the marriage.
Not be closely related under NC law (the Register of Deeds can clarify any questions about this).
If either of you has been married before, you may need to show a final divorce decree, especially if the divorce was recent.
Where To Go: Register of Deeds Offices
Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds in each county. A few popular options for Western NC couples include:
Buncombe County (Asheville) – License fee is $60, issued at the Register of Deeds at 205 College Street.
Henderson County (Hendersonville) – Both applicants must appear together with a valid photo ID and Social Security card.
Jackson County (Sylva / near the Smokies) – Licenses are issued by appointment during business hours.
You do not have to get your license in the same county where you’re eloping, so you can choose whichever office is most convenient for your travel plans.
What To Bring With You
Most counties in North Carolina require the same basic documents when you apply:
Valid government-issued photo ID for each of you (driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or an official document that lists your full number such as a W-2 or tax form, depending on the county).
If you’ve never been issued a Social Security number, you’ll sign an affidavit instead.
Final divorce decree if you’ve been divorced, especially if the divorce was within the last 30 days.
Payment for the license fee (usually around $60 and often payable by cash or card depending on the county).
It also helps to double-check spelling for your full legal names and bring any documentation for a recent legal name change.
Step-By-Step: How To Apply
Choose any NC county
Decide which Register of Deeds office fits best with your schedule.Complete the online pre-application (if available)
Many counties (like Buncombe, Jackson, and Wake) offer an online form you can fill out before you arrive to speed up your appointment.Go to the Register of Deeds together
Both of you must be present in person with your IDs, Social Security proof, and payment. Most appointments take 15–20 minutes.Receive your marriage license
Licenses are typically issued the same day and are valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina.Bring the license to your ceremony
Your officiant will fill out their portion and have you and your two witnesses sign it during or right after your elopement.Return the license
You will return the completed license to the county, usually within 10 days of the ceremony, either by physically dropping it off or mailing it in.Order certified copies
After the county records your marriage, you can request certified copies (typically around $10 each) for name changes, Social Security, passports, and other records.
Officiants and Witnesses: What’s Required
North Carolina has a few non-negotiable requirements for your actual ceremony:
You must have a recognized officiant, such as an ordained minister or a magistrate. Online ordination companies, like the Universal Life Church, are not legally recognized in the state of North Carolina. Your officiant must be ordained through a religious organization.
You must have two witnesses present to sign your marriage license.
Your license must be valid on the day of your ceremony (within that 60-day window).
For true “just us” elopements, your photographer, a friend, or even friendly hikers can serve as witnesses as long as they are present and able to sign.
When Should You Get Your License?
Timing is one of the most common questions couples have, especially when traveling in from out of state.
You can apply up to 60 days before your ceremony.
There is no waiting period, so you could get your license and be married the same day if needed.
If your plans change and your wedding moves outside that 60-day window, the license will expire and you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Most of my couples plan to visit the Register of Deeds 1–3 days before their elopement, or they build in a buffer at the start of their trip in case of travel delays.
Common Questions We Hear From Couples
“We’re from out of state. Can we still get married in North Carolina?”
Yes. As long as you get a North Carolina marriage license and follow the state’s requirements, you can absolutely get married here even if you live elsewhere.
“Do we have to get our license in the same county where we’re eloping?”
No. You can apply in any NC county and use the license anywhere in the state.
“What if one of us can’t be there in person?”
North Carolina requires both applicants to appear in person; there are no exceptions for proxy applications.
“What happens if we lose or forget our license?”
You’ll need to get a new license before the ceremony; your officiant legally cannot marry you without a valid license in hand.
Quick Checklist You Can Screenshot
Bring this with you to your Register of Deeds appointment:
Photo ID for both of you
Social Security card or acceptable proof of SSN (or affidavit if you don’t have one)
Final divorceor decree, if applicable
Payment for the license (around $60)
Correct spelling of your full legal names
Western North Carolina Counties: Where To Get Your Marriage License
You can get your North Carolina marriage license in any county and use it for your elopement anywhere in the state—Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls, or the Smokies. Pick the county that lines up best with where you are staying, exploring, or flying into, then follow the steps below for that office.
Buncombe County (Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville)
Towns in this county include Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Biltmore Forest.
Office: Buncombe County Register of Deeds – 205 College Street, Asheville, NC
Hours: Monday–Friday, roughly 8:00 am–4:30 pm (check the website for current hours)
Fee: $60
Process: Complete the online marriage license application before you arrive (or fill it out in the office). Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number. Your license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina.
Register of Deeds: https://www.buncombenc.gov/457/Register-of-Deeds
Marriage License Info: https://www.buncombenc.gov/502/Marriage-License
Henderson County (Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Mills River)
Towns in this county include Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Mills River, and surrounding communities.
Office: Henderson County Register of Deeds – 200 N Grove Street, Suite 129, Hendersonville, NC
Hours: By appointment only, 10:00 am–3:00 pm, Monday–Friday. Call the office to schedule; appointments are not booked by email.
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and Social Security card. License is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina.
Register of Deeds: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/rd
Haywood County (Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton)
Towns in this county include Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, and Clyde.
Office: Haywood County Register of Deeds – Waynesville, NC
Process: Apply for your marriage license in person at the Register of Deeds office. Both partners must bring a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number. License is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina. Certified copies can also be requested here after your ceremony.
Register of Deeds: https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/224/Register-of-Deeds
Transylvania County (Brevard, Pisgah Forest, Rosman)
Towns in this county include Brevard, Pisgah Forest, and Rosman—also known as the Land of Waterfalls.
Office: Transylvania County Register of Deeds – Brevard, NC
Hours: Monday–Friday, roughly 8:30 am–4:00 pm. Plan for 20–30 minutes for your appointment.
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number. License is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina.
Marriage License Info: https://www.transylvaniacounty.org/marriage
Register of Deeds: https://www.transylvaniacounty.org/departments/register-of-deeds
Jackson County (Sylva, Dillsboro, Cashiers)
Towns in this county include Sylva, Dillsboro, Cashiers, and Cullowhee—with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Office: Jackson County Register of Deeds – Sylva, NC
Process: Fill out their online application. Licenses are issued during normal business hours, by appointment only. Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number. License is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina.
Marriage License Requirements: https://www.jacksonnc.org/register-of-deeds/marriage-license-requirements
Swain County (Bryson City, Great Smoky Mountains)
Towns in this county include Bryson City, with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee.
Office: Swain County Register of Deeds – 101 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC (Courthouse Building)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm. Arrive by 4:00 pm for same-day processing.
Fee: $60 (cash preferred)
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, or tax form). If divorced in the last 90 days, bring a copy of your final divorce decree. If a prior spouse has passed away, bring the death certificate. License is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina.
Register of Deeds: https://www.swaincountync.gov/register-of-deeds/
Online Marriage Application: https://www.swaincorod.org
Macon County (Franklin, Highlands)
Towns in this county include Franklin and Highlands—a popular area for upscale mountain elopements.
Office: Macon County Register of Deeds – 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–12:00 pm and 2:00 pm–4:00 pm (closed on holidays)
Fee: $60 (cash, check, or money order)
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and Social Security card. License is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After your ceremony, your officiant returns the completed license to Macon County within 10 days.
Register of Deeds: https://www.macondeeds.com
Marriage Info & Application: https://www.macondeeds.com/marriages/
McDowell County (Marion, Linville Gorge)
Towns in this county include Marion, with access to Linville Gorge, Lake James, and nearby Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks.
Office: McDowell County Register of Deeds – 35 West Fort Street, Marion, NC
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm (excluding holidays)
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid driver's license, state-issued photo ID, passport, or military ID. Provide proof of Social Security number or sign an affidavit if you are not eligible for one. License is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina. Note: the completed license must be returned to McDowell County after the ceremony; failure to return it can result in a $200 fine for the officiant.
Register of Deeds: https://www.mcdowelldeeds.com
Marriage License Details: https://www.mcdowelldeeds.com/marriage-license/
Madison County (Hot Springs, Marshall, Mars Hill)
Towns in this county include Hot Springs, Marshall, and Mars Hill—with wild river corridors, ridge-top views, and some of the most remote elopement spots in Western NC.
Office: Madison County Register of Deeds – Marshall, NC (county seat)
Process: Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number. License is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. Check the Register of Deeds website for current hours and any appointment requirements before you travel.
Register of Deeds: https://www.madisoncountync.gov/register-of-deeds