Say 'I Do' Simply: Discovering The Best Courthouses To Get Married In North Carolina

Dreaming of a wedding that's intimate, meaningful, and doesn't break the bank? A courthouse wedding in North Carolina might be the perfect choice for you. Offering a practical, affordable, and deeply personal way to begin your married life together, getting hitched at the courthouse is gaining popularity for its convenience and simplicity. Whether you're planning a quiet elopement or a low-key ceremony, North Carolina's courthouses provide a charming setting for your special day.

In this comprehensive article, you’ll discover everything about getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina, including the essential requirements, detailed steps, important considerations, and our top picks for the best courthouses to say "I Do."

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding in North Carolina?

The appeal of a courthouse wedding extends far beyond just saving money. While it's true that a courthouse wedding in North Carolina typically costs around $110 to $160 (with the marriage license fee being a standard $60 across the state, and the ceremony fee varying by county), the benefits go much deeper:

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• Affordability: Significantly less expensive than a traditional wedding, allowing you to save for a down payment on a house, a dream honeymoon, or future investments.
• Simplicity & Convenience: No need for extensive planning, guest lists, or vendor coordination. The process is streamlined, making it ideal for couples who prefer a stress-free approach.
• Intimacy: Focus purely on your commitment to each other. With fewer distractions, the ceremony becomes a truly personal and heartfelt moment shared with your closest loved ones or just yourselves.
• Speed: If you're looking to get married quickly, a courthouse wedding allows you to tie the knot in a relatively short timeframe, often within weeks or even days of deciding.
• Flexibility: Perfect for elopements or for couples who plan a larger celebration later but want to legalize their union now. As one couple might express, "My guy and I are looking for a low key but lovely courthouse ceremony in the next month or two."

Understanding the North Carolina Courthouse Wedding Process

Getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina involves a straightforward two-step process: obtaining your marriage license and then having the ceremony performed by a magistrate. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

Step 1: Obtaining Your Marriage License

Before you can get married, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds office in any North Carolina county. This is the crucial first step for any legal marriage in the state, whether you're planning a courthouse ceremony or a grand church wedding.

Here’s how to do it:

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• Where to Go: Visit the Register of Deeds office (also sometimes referred to as the county clerk's office) in person. For example, if you're in Wake County, you'd visit the Wake County Register of Deeds. Similarly, Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office at 205 College Street.
• Who Needs to Be There: Both applicants must be present to apply for the license.
• What to Bring: You'll need valid photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport) and your Social Security Number.
• Cost: The marriage license fee is a standard $60 across the state.
• Expediting the Process: To save time, many counties now offer the option to complete the marriage license application online before you arrive. This can significantly expedite your visit to the Register of Deeds office. Alternatively, some locations have computers on-site for you to fill out the application when you arrive.
• Hours: Most Register of Deeds offices operate during standard business hours, typically from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days, giving you ample time to plan your ceremony.

Step 2: The Ceremony with a Magistrate

With your marriage license in hand, the next step is to have your wedding ceremony. At the courthouse, this is typically performed by a magistrate.

• Finding an Officiant: While you can choose any recognized officiant (like an ordained minister or a notary public) for your wedding, a courthouse ceremony is specifically performed by a magistrate.
• Making an Appointment: Just like getting your marriage license, you'll usually need to get an appointment for the magistrate ceremony. It's wise to call ahead to the specific courthouse you plan to use to understand their scheduling process and availability.
• The Ceremony Itself: During the ceremony, you will solemnly declare your intent to marry. It’s a brief, yet meaningful, exchange of vows.
• Witnesses: North Carolina law requires at least two witnesses to be present during the ceremony. Make sure to bring a couple of trusted friends or family members along for this important role.
• Cost of Ceremony: The ceremony fee varies by county, but most charge between $50 and $100. This is in addition to the $60 marriage license fee, bringing the typical total cost for a courthouse wedding to between $110 and $160.

Remember, whether you're planning a traditional wedding ceremony or you want to elope, you must follow these certain steps in order to legally get married in the state of North Carolina.

Top Picks: Best Courthouses for Your North Carolina Wedding

While the legal process is similar across counties, some courthouses offer a more appealing aesthetic or convenient location for your special day. When considering where to get married, the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area often comes up as a popular choice due to its facilities and surrounding amenities.

Durham County Courthouse: A Top Contender

In my professional opinion, if you're looking for the best courthouse experience in North Carolina