After you decide you want to book with us, we will send you a link for our online contract. Once that is signed and the retainer fee is paid, your officiant will send you their information for the marriage license. They will also send over any relevant documents depending on which package and options you have chosen. From there, the process for bringing your dream ceremony to life begins!
1. Choose a county Register of Deeds office.
You may obtain your marriage license from the Register of Deeds in any North Carolina county. You do not have to live in that county or get married there. However, your wedding ceremony must take place within North Carolina.
2. Complete the application and schedule your visit.
Visit the selected county’s Register of Deeds website to complete the online marriage application, if available. Some counties require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Both partners need to appear together.
3. Apply within 60 days of the wedding.
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days after they are issued. North Carolina does not have a waiting period, so the license can be used immediately.
4. Bring the following items:
a. A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
b. Your Social Security number and any verification required by the county, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or other official document. Applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security number may complete an affidavit.
c. Information about any previous marriages, including the date the marriage ended.
d. A certified divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment order if the previous marriage ended recently. Each county has different time requirements.
e. A certified birth certificate if either applicant is younger than 21, since some counties require one.
f. Payment for the marriage-license fee.
5. Pay the marriage-license fee (typically $60).
Payment methods vary. For example, Durham County accepts cash only, Chatham County accepts cash or checks, and Johnston County accepts cash, cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay but not checks.
6. Review and receive your license.
At the Register of Deeds office, you will review the application, verify your information, sign the required documents, and receive your marriage license. Check all names and information carefully before leaving.
7. Bring the entire license packet to your ceremony.
Give the license to your officiant before the ceremony. North Carolina requires the couple and at least two witnesses to participate in the ceremony and sign the marriage license.
8. The officiant will return the completed license.
After the wedding, the officiant will return the completed license to the same county that issued it. Once it has been recorded, you may request a certified marriage certificate from that county. Certified copies are generally $10 each and may be needed for name changes, insurance, banking, or other legal purposes.
We sure do! Every package includes up to 10 miles. Any additional mileage over 10 miles would be $1/mile (one way).
Ex. If the location is 20 miles away, the travel charge is just $10.
We can! If you are in need of one or both witnesses needed for the ceremony, we can provide them at the cost of $50 per witness (plus any applicable travel).
I recognize all religions and will conduct a ceremony that reflects your personal beliefs and values.
Yes. Love is love! And we'd especially love to officiate your wedding.
Absolutely. I am ordained through a physical brick and mortar church which allows me to officiate ceremonies in the state of North Carolina.
Currently I perform ceremonies within one hour of Apex, NC.
Anything you'd like! I love crazy, interesting ideas that can let my creative mind go to work! Whatever you're envisioning, don't be afraid to share it with me!
I do that, too! Whether you already got married without telling anyone, or just simply did a court ceremony and now want one with friends and family, I am more than willing to conduct a full ceremony tailored to your needs. Only difference is, there is no marriage license to sign afterwards!
Ah, the famous post-marriage question. Download a copy of the below information here.
1. Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate.
After the officiant returns your completed marriage license and it has been recorded, order at least two or three certified copies from the Register of Deeds office that issued your marriage license. Regular photocopies are usually not accepted for legal name changes. Helpful links/forms include:
Find a North Carolina Register of Deeds office
North Carolina marriage-certificate ordering information
Ordering directly from the county Register of Deeds is usually the fastest option.
2. Consider any upcoming travel before changing your identification.
The name on your airline reservation should match the identification or passport you will use. When honeymoon reservations are under your previous name, it may be easier to wait until after the trip to update your driver’s license and passport.
3. Change your name with Social Security first.
Request a replacement Social Security card showing your new legal name. Depending on your situation, you may be able to begin or complete the process online. Otherwise, Social Security will direct you to schedule an office appointment. Helpful links/forms include:
Start a Social Security name change
Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card
You will generally need:
a. A certified marriage certificate
b. A current, unexpired driver’s license, state ID, or passport
c. Form SS-5, when completing the process by mail or in person
d. Citizenship or immigration documents, if requested
Social Security accepts original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Regular photocopies and notarized photocopies are not accepted. There is no fee for changing your name or receiving a replacement Social Security card. After the request is processed, the new card generally arrives within 5–10 business days.
4. Wait at least 24–36 hours, then update your North Carolina driver’s license.
NCDMV must verify your new name through the Social Security system. North Carolina requires you to notify NCDMV and obtain an updated driver’s license or state ID within 60 days of your name change. Helpful links/forms include:
NCDMV name-change instructions
Find an NCDMV driver license office
Form DL-101: Affidavit for Name Change
Bring:
a. Your current North Carolina driver’s license or ID
b. A certified marriage certificate
c. A completed and notarized DL-101 form
d. The current $16.75 replacement-license fee
The name change must be completed in person. Your new license will keep the same expiration date as your current license.
5. Update your vehicle title and registration.
When a vehicle is titled or registered in your name, update it after receiving your corrected driver’s license. Useful links/forms include:
NCDMV vehicle name-change instructions
Form MVR-5: Corrected or Substitute Title Application
Find an NCDMV license plate agency
Complete Form MVR-5 and take it to a license plate agency with your corrected driver’s license, vehicle title if available, and the required fee. The form may require notarization.
6. Update your employer, banks, and important accounts.
Once Social Security and your driver’s license have been updated, notify organizations such as:
a. Your employer and payroll department
b. Banks and credit-card companies
c. Mortgage lender or landlord
d. Retirement and investment accounts
e. Health, auto, home, and life insurance companies
f. Healthcare providers
g. Utility and cellphone providers
h. Schools, memberships, and professional licensing boards
Each organization has its own requirements, but many will request your updated photo ID and a certified marriage certificate.
7. Update your passport.
Use the Department of State’s name-change guide to determine the correct form. Helpful links/forms include:
Passport name-change instructions
Passport forms and form filler
Passport fee calculator and form guide
Use:
a. Form DS-5504 when both your passport and legal name change are less than one year old. There is generally no standard processing fee.
b. Form DS-82 when more than one year has passed and you qualify to renew.
c. Form DS-11 when you do not qualify to renew and must apply in person.
You will generally need your current passport, a certified marriage certificate, a new passport photo, and any required fees.
8. Update your North Carolina voter registration.
A voter-registration name change cannot currently be completed through NCDMV’s online voter-registration service. Complete the North Carolina voter-registration form and send it to your county Board of Elections. Helpful links/forms include:
North Carolina Voter Registration Application
Instructions for updating voter registration
Find your county Board of Elections
Existing registered voters may submit the signed update by mail, email, fax, or in person to their county Board of Elections.
9. Update any remaining records.
Remember to update other accounts that apply to you, including:
a. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
b. Airline and hotel loyalty accounts
c. Professional licenses
d. Military or veterans’ records
e. Legal documents and estate plans
f. Property deeds
g. Social-media and email display names
h. Emergency-contact information
Keep at least one certified marriage certificate in a safe place for future use.
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