How to Get Married in Raleigh, North Carolina | Courthouse Photographer

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How to Get Married in Raleigh, North Carolina | Courthouse Photographer | Courthouse Photographer & Officiant, Marriage license cost

January 18, 2026

Congratulations y’all! I’m so hyped that y’all are getting married!

Step-by-step guide to getting married in Raleigh.

Here is the simplest version of how to do it.

  1. Fill out a Marriage License Form
  2. Walk in at Register of Deeds in Raleigh between Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00Pm
  3. Bring your partner with a valid Photo ID or Driver’s License or Passport
  4. Bring $60 cash, check, or card for your Marriage License (wait 24 Hours to pick up your License)
  5. Set up an Appointment with Ceremony Officiant or Courthouse
  6. Attend the ceremony with your partner and 2 witnesses.

Congrats, you’re officially married!

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Marriage License Requirements

You can walk in, there’s no appointment needed. 300 S Salisbury St Ste. 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601

Requirements:

  1. Complete a Marriage Form Here
  2. Both you and your partner must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office in Raleigh to apply for a marriage license.
  3. You’ll need to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Then head to Register of Deeds office at the date and time of your appointment

If your wedding will be in North Carolina, you can get a marriage license from the Wake County Register of Deeds.

Go here: 300 S. Salisbury St Suite 1700 Raleigh NC 27601

Be sure to be there on time. They are open between 8:00AM - 4:00PM | Monday-Friday

Note: They DO NOT perform the ceremony there. You’ll need an Officiant or a Magistrate to do that for you.

You can also hire our officiant Eddie to get you married anywhere you wish, inquire Photography + Officant below!

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Raleigh courthouse wedding and marriage license questions

If you are searching for a wake county courthouse wedding, a courthouse wedding Raleigh NC option, or just a straightforward raleigh courthouse guide, the process is simpler than it first looks.

Couples often search courthouse Raleigh NC, courthouse wedding, raleigh courthouse wedding, or wake county courthouse marriage because they are trying to separate the marriage license step from the actual ceremony step.

The first piece to understand is the wake county marriage license process. That one topic also overlaps with searches like marriage license Raleigh NC, marriage license in NC, marriage license, raleigh marriage license, marriage license Raleigh, marriage license Wake County, wake county marriage license application, raleigh nc marriage license, wake county nc marriage license, wake county courthouse marriage license, and marriage license Wake County NC.

Once you have the license, most people want to know how to get married, courthouse wedding Raleigh, raleigh courthouse marriage, how to get married at the courthouse, how to get married at the courthouse in NC, or even how to get married in NC and how to get married in North Carolina if they are broadening the search outside Raleigh.

If you are planning a raleigh nc courthouse wedding, thinking about getting married at courthouse offices, getting married at the courthouse, or comparing a court house marriage to a courthouse marriage, the main decision is whether you want a simple civil ceremony or a private officiant-led ceremony somewhere else.

The most common cost questions are how much does it cost to get married in NC, how much it cost to get married at the courthouse, how much does it cost to get married at the courthouse, how much does a courthouse wedding cost, how much is it to get married at the courthouse, and the broader phrase courthouse wedding cost. In practice, couples usually pay the marriage license fee plus the civil ceremony fee if they choose the courthouse option.

There are also a few process questions that come up over and over: make an appointment to get married at the courthouse, complete the marriage license application, figure out what do you need to get married at the courthouse, and understand what changes if you want to be married at courthouse offices rather than by a private officiant.

Most couples looking for a quick answer are really asking some version of how much to get married at the courthouse, whether there is a justice of the peace Raleigh NC option, and what an NC courthouse wedding actually looks like on the day.

Ceremony options in Raleigh

There’s two ways to get married. You can hire a magistrate, judge, or a clerk to officiate the ceremony or hire an officiant to wed you anywhere you wish.

  • Courthouse: Once you have your marriage license, you can head over to the courthouse and schedule an appointment to get married after you have your license. They only allow up to 6 people in the courtroom.
  • Officiant: You can hire an officiant to officiate your wedding. You’ll have more control over your wedding, from the location, vows, religious, non-religious ceremonies.

During the ceremony, the officiant and witnesses will sign the marriage license, making your marriage legally valid.

After the Ceremony

File the Marriage License

After the ceremony, the officiant will file the signed marriage license with the Register of Deeds office to officially record your marriage.

Obtain a Marriage Certificate

You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds office for a fee. This certificate serves as proof of your marriage.

Extra practical notes

  • If you are wondering about wake forest courthouse, confirm the current civil ceremony process directly before you go because couples sometimes mix Wake Forest and downtown Raleigh information together.
  • If you need a civil marriage form, start with the county marriage license paperwork rather than assuming the ceremony form and license form are the same thing.
  • If you are hoping for a marriage license same day appointment, call ahead and confirm the latest county rules first.
  • If you are asking what to bring to marriage license appointment, bring your valid photo ID, your partner, payment, and any divorce paperwork if it applies to you.
  • If you are searching how to make an appointment with a judge for marriage, contact the civil magistrate or courthouse office directly because those procedures can change.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your marriage license?

If you're coming from out of state and wanting to get married in North Carolina, its possible to apply for an appointment, arrive at Register of Deeds, get a marriage license, and get married on the same day.

How much does it cost to get married at a North Carolina Courthouse?

$60 for the marriage license, you can set up an appointment and get married on the same day.

Can you get married at the Raleigh Courthouse?

You can get married at Wake County Magistrate Civil Marriages without the need for appointment. You can walk in between 9:30 AM-12:00PM and 1:30PM - 4:00PM

How much does it cost to get married at Wake County Magistrate Civil Marriages?

It costs $50 in cash to get married at the courthouse. You must bring 2 witnesses, 18 years of age or older.

Will I need a Witness to get married?

Yes, you will need 2 people to be your witnesses so bring a friend or family member! !Couple in matching camel coats posing among autumn leaves in a garden setting.

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Check Availability

Fill this out and I'll check pricing, availability, and the best fit for your day.

Typical reply within 24 hours.

Step 1 of 3 — Check Your Date

Tell me the basics

Tell me about your day

I'll review this and reply within 24 hours

2026 Saturdays almost full.

Local Wilmington based Courthouse + beach specialist 80+ Five Star Reviews