Congratulations y’all! I’m so hyped that y’all are getting married!
Step-by-step guide to getting married in Charlotte, NC.
Here is the simplest version of how to do it.
- Complete the Mecklenburg County Online Marriage License Application
- Visit the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office
- Bring your partner with a Valid Photo ID and your Social Security Number.
- Pay the $60 Marriage License Fee Cash, credit, or debit cards are accepted.
- Wait for the required 24-Hour Waiting Period
- Schedule Your Wedding Ceremony
- Attend Your Ceremony
- Congrats, You’re Married! 🎉
Marriage License Requirements
Office Hours and Location:
The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is located at 720 E. Fourth St., Room 105, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Mecklenburg County Courthouse: You can have a civil ceremony at the courthouse. Please note that The Register of Deeds Office does not perform wedding ceremonies.
Return the Marriage License: After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office for processing. This must be done within 60 days of the license being issued.
Ceremony options in Charlotte, NC
There are two ways to get married in Charlotte, you can hire an officiant or go to a courthouse
Hire an Officiant: You can hire an officiant, they can customize your ceremony. You can have it religious or non-religious. They can perform LGBTQ weddings. LOVE IS LOVE.
Mecklenburg County Courthouse: You can have a civil ceremony at the courthouse. Please note that The Register of Deeds Office does not perform wedding ceremonies.
Return the Marriage License: After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office for processing. This must be done within 60 days of the license being issued.
After your ceremony
Return the Marriage License: After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office for processing. This must be done within 60 days of the license being issued.
Obtain Certified Copies: Certified copies of your marriage certificate can be requested after the marriage license is returned. The cost is $10 per certified copy.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married on the same day we apply for our marriage license?
No, North Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued.
What if I don't have a Social Security Number?
If you don't have a U.S. Social Security Number, you'll need to provide a notarized Affidavit of Social Security Ineligibility/No Social Security Number when applying for your marriage license. This form can be completed in the presence of a notary public prior to your visit to the Register of Deeds Office.
What if I was previously married?
Divorced applicants must provide an original or certified true copy of the divorce decree showing the date their divorce was finalized. Widowed applicants must provide a certified copy of the death certificate showing the date of their prior spouse's death.
What should we do after the wedding?
Return the completed marriage license to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office for processing. Certified copies can be requested for $10 each.
Can we change our names after marriage?
Yes, use your marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security office and other agencies.
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