How to Get Married in Charlotte, NC
Everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Mecklenburg County — from the documents you need to where to go, what it costs, and how to make it official.
Gather Your Documents
Before heading to the Register of Deeds, make sure both you and your partner have the required documents. This is the step most couples forget, and it can mean a wasted trip.
Required for Each Person
- Valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
- Social Security number — you need to know it; a card is not required
- Date of birth and birthplace — city, county, and state (or country)
- Parents' full names — including maiden names
If Previously Married
- Certified copy of your divorce decree — must include the date your divorce was finalized
- Date of divorce and county/state where it was granted
- If widowed: date and place of spouse's death
Visit the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds
Both parties must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office. No appointment is needed — it's first come, first served. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for processing.
Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds
720 East Fourth Street
Room 106
Charlotte, NC 28202
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed weekends & county holidays
(704) 336-2443
Metered street parking & nearby decks
Complete the Application & Pay the Fee
At the Register of Deeds, you'll fill out the marriage license application together. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes. A staff member will verify your documents and ask basic questions about each applicant.
Fee Details
- Marriage license fee: $60
- Accepted payment: cash, credit card, or debit card
- Additional certified copies of the license can be ordered for a small fee
Tip: You may want to order an extra certified copy or two at the time of filing for your personal records or for any legal name-change paperwork you'll do later.
No Waiting Period — You Can Marry Immediately
Good news: North Carolina no longer has a mandatory waiting period. As of October 1, 2023 (Session Law 2023-54), the previous 24-hour waiting period was eliminated. Your marriage license is valid immediately upon issuance.
This means you can technically get your license and get married on the same day.
Get Married Within 60 Days
Your North Carolina marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If you don't get married within those 60 days, the license expires and you'll need to apply (and pay) again.
Good to Know
- Your license is valid anywhere in North Carolina, not just Mecklenburg County
- You do not need to be a North Carolina resident to get a marriage license here
- There is no minimum age restriction as long as both parties are 18 or older (minors have additional requirements under NC law)
- Same-sex marriages have been legal in North Carolina since October 2014
Return the Signed License After Your Ceremony
After your wedding ceremony, your officiant is legally required to complete the marriage license by signing it and returning it to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is what makes your marriage official in the eyes of the state.
What Happens After the Ceremony
- Your officiant signs the marriage license and fills in the ceremony date and location
- Two witnesses sign the license (North Carolina requires at least two witnesses)
- Your officiant returns the signed license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days
- The Register of Deeds records the marriage and your certified copy becomes available
Tip: Confirm with your officiant that they know they're responsible for returning the license. This is an important detail that sometimes gets overlooked in the excitement of the day.
Courthouse Wedding Option in Charlotte
If you want a simple, affordable ceremony without planning a full wedding, a courthouse wedding through the Mecklenburg County Magistrate's Office is a great option. The magistrate can perform your civil ceremony the same day you obtain your license.
Mecklenburg County Magistrate's Office
- Location: 832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 (Criminal Courts Building)
- Ceremony fee: $20
- Availability: Magistrates are available 24/7, but call ahead to confirm current civil ceremony hours
- Phone: (704) 686-0400
- What to bring: Your marriage license, valid photo ID, and two witnesses (witnesses must be at least 18 years old)
The ceremony itself is brief — typically 5 to 10 minutes. While it may not have the flourishes of a traditional wedding, many couples love the simplicity and intimacy of a courthouse ceremony. You can always celebrate with a larger reception or party afterward.
Choosing an Officiant in North Carolina
North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. 51-1) specifies who may legally perform a marriage ceremony. Your officiant must fall into one of these categories:
Ordained Ministers
Any ordained minister, authorized by their church or religious body to perform marriages, is recognized in NC. This includes ministers ordained through online organizations such as the Universal Life Church, though some counties have historically varied in how they handle online ordinations — Mecklenburg County generally accepts them.
Magistrates
NC magistrates are judicial officials who can perform civil ceremonies. This is the go-to option for a courthouse wedding. Note: NC law allows magistrates to recuse themselves from performing marriages based on sincerely held religious beliefs (S.L. 2015-75).
Other Recognized Officiants
North Carolina also recognizes ceremonies performed by members of federally or state-recognized Indian Nations and Tribes, as well as certain other religious bodies. Retired judges and some elected officials may also officiate under specific circumstances.
Looking for a professional wedding officiant in Charlotte? Browse Charlotte wedding officiants in our vendor directory.
Tips for a Smooth Marriage License Process
Go Early in the Day
The Register of Deeds office can get busy, especially around lunch and on Fridays. Arrive close to 8:30 AM when the office opens for the shortest wait times.
Double-Check Your Documents Before You Go
The most common reason for delays is missing or expired documentation. Make sure both IDs are valid (not expired) and that you have your Social Security numbers memorized or written down.
Know Your Name Change Plans
The application will ask how each person's name will appear after marriage. Decide in advance whether you're changing your last name, hyphenating, or keeping your current name. This is recorded on the license itself.
Time It Right for Your Wedding Date
Since the license is valid for 60 days, don't get it too far in advance. Most couples pick up their license 2–4 weeks before the wedding to leave a comfortable buffer without risk of expiration.
Bring Cash as a Backup
While the office does accept credit and debit cards, having $60 in cash ensures you won't run into any issues with card readers or processing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a marriage license cost in Charlotte, NC?
A marriage license in Mecklenburg County costs $60. This fee is paid at the Register of Deeds office and can be paid with cash, credit card, or debit card. If you also want a courthouse ceremony performed by a magistrate, that's an additional $20.
Do you need a blood test to get married in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina does not require a blood test, physical examination, or any medical testing to obtain a marriage license. This is a common misconception based on requirements that other states have had historically.
Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in NC?
No, not anymore. North Carolina eliminated the 24-hour waiting period effective October 1, 2023 (Session Law 2023-54). Your license is valid immediately, meaning you can get married the same day you pick up the license.
Can I use my Charlotte marriage license anywhere in North Carolina?
Yes. A marriage license issued in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) is valid statewide. You can get married at any location in North Carolina within 60 days of issuance. Many Charlotte couples get their license here and then have destination weddings in the NC mountains or at the coast.
Do we both need to be present to get the marriage license?
Yes. Both parties must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office to apply for a marriage license in North Carolina. Proxy applications are not allowed. Both partners must present valid photo identification.
Can a friend officiate our wedding in North Carolina?
Yes, if they become ordained. Many couples have friends get ordained through online ministries such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. Mecklenburg County generally accepts online ordinations, but it's wise to confirm with the Register of Deeds office in advance and have your friend carry their ordination credentials on the wedding day.
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