State guide
North Carolina
In North Carolina, marriage licenses are issued by a county Register of Deeds, but civil ceremonies are handled by magistrates, not judges or clerks. The state court system says there is no waiting period, the license expires after 60 days, and two witnesses must sign after the ceremony. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- County Register of Deeds. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- Waiting period
- none. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- License valid for
- 60 days. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- Witnesses
- 2 required. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- License fee
- $60 statewide. ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_161/GS_161-10.html?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in North Carolina
State court help page covering who may marry couples, waiting period, validity, witnesses, and magistrate ceremonies. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
Official statute setting the statewide marriage license issuance fee. ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_161/GS_161-10.html?utm_source=openai))
Official page stating magistrates are the only civil officials in North Carolina who can perform marriages. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/learn/court-officials?utm_source=openai))
County licensing page with local application details and magistrate ceremony scheduling information. ([guilfordcountync.gov](https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds/marriage-license?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for North Carolina
- North Carolina licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds in any county if the wedding will be in-state. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- There is no required waiting period between license issuance and the wedding. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- A North Carolina marriage license expires 60 days after issuance if unused. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- Two witnesses must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- The statewide fee to issue a marriage license is $60. ([ncleg.gov](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_161/GS_161-10.html?utm_source=openai))
- Only magistrates may perform civil marriages in North Carolina; judges cannot. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/learn/court-officials?utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in North Carolina
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Mecklenburg County | Register of Deeds issues licenses, but the courthouse civil ceremony is by magistrates at the county courthouse, by appointment. ([deeds.mecknc.gov](https://deeds.mecknc.gov/Services/Marriage-Licenses?utm_source=openai)) |
| Guilford County | Magistrate offices in Greensboro and High Point perform marriage ceremonies by appointment only. ([guilfordcountync.gov](https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds/marriage-license?utm_source=openai)) |
| Wake County | Wake County Justice Center is the county court location where marriages are conducted; the official court operations page says weddings are by appointment only. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/wake-county/wake-county-justice-center?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Apply with any county Register of Deeds in North Carolina, then book a magistrate separately if you want a courthouse-style civil ceremony. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- Bring two witnesses to a magistrate ceremony; counties commonly require appointments and have local guest limits or scheduling rules. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
- If you want a non-clergy self-uniting-style ceremony, North Carolina recognizes marriages performed in the manner of religious denominations that do not use officiants. ([nccourts.gov](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?