Congratulations y’all! I’m so hyped that y’all are getting married!
Step-by-step guide to getting married in Wilmington.
It’s super easy to get married in Wilmington. My wife and I actually did it at Wrightsville Beach Access 2, and a friend of ours was the officiant. We wanted something very simple.
Here is literally our step-by-step on how to get married there.
- Fill out the online Marriage License Form to book your New Hanover Register of Deeds appointment.
- Bring valid photo ID and Social Security documentation to Register of Deeds, 320 Chestnut St #102, Wilmington, NC 28401.
- Pay the $60 marriage license fee.
- Choose your ceremony: courthouse, private officiant, or church.
- Get married with your officiant and two witnesses.
- File the signed license back with the county.
- Congrats! You’re married!
Marriage License Requirements
Once you’ve booked your appointment online, go to Register of Deeds and:
Bring these with you:
- both partners present
- valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security documentation
- $60 payment (cash or card)
Address:
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
320 Chestnut St #102, Wilmington, NC 28401
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: (910) 798-4530
Note: They issue licenses, but they do not perform ceremonies.
A few downtown portraits after the ceremony.
Ceremony options in Wilmington
There are 3 ways to getting married in Wilmington: courthouse ceremony, private officiant ceremony, church ceremony.
Getting Married at the Courthouse
Courthouse is probably the easiest out of the bunch. When you get your marriage license, just walk over to the courthouse at 316 Princess St #112, Wilmington, NC 28401. They’ll ask you to bring 2 witnesses, you pay the fee, and wait about 15-30 minutes for the magistrate or judge to get you married. Note that this is not my preferred option because there are other people who might be there for other reasons.
Read courthouse wedding experience
Do not walk here: New Hanover County Courthouse, the courtroom is not located here.
Getting Married using an Officiant
Private officiant ceremony is my most preferred way because you get to decide where you want to get married: in a venue like The Atrium by Ligon Flynn, on the beach like this Wrightsville Beach wedding, or downtown like Tyler + Miya.
Church ceremony
As far as I know, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s Church, and Little Chapel on Wrightsville Beach usually require you to attend church for about 1 year to get married there. You’ll want to ask each church for details and pricing.
Read St. Mary’s Basillica Wedding
After your ceremony
Make sure the signed marriage license is filed correctly. Then request a certified copy for name changes, benefits, and legal records.
Ceremony-day portraits in Wilmington.
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.
Can you get your marriage license and get married the same day in NC?
Yes, you can get your marriage license and get married on the same day in NC.
How old do we need to be to get a marriage license in North Carolina?
You both must be at least 18 years old. If either of you is 16 or 17, you'll need parental consent to get your license.
Can the officiant perform a ceremony outside of Wilmington?
Absolutely! Whether it's a beach, park, or your favorite hangout spot, our officiants are flexible and ready to make your ceremony special.
Where can we get a marriage license?
If you're planning to get married in North Carolina, you can apply for a marriage license at the Register of Deeds in any county in the state--not just Wilmington.
Can we get married at the Register of Deeds office?
Nope! The Register of Deeds handles licenses, not ceremonies. You'll need an officiant to perform the ceremony.
Do you offer officiant services?
Yes! We can connect you with one of our officiants who can marry you anywhere you wish. Plus, we offer Photography + Officiant packages for an epic all-in-one experience.
How do we get proof of our marriage?
Request a certified marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds after your license is recorded. This is your legal proof of marriage.
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