How to Get a Marriage License in North Carolina
Getting married in North Carolina requires a marriage license issued by a Register of Deeds. Both members of the couple must usually appear in person, show valid identification and proof of Social Security number (or sign a notarized affidavit if they have never been issued one), and pay a fee (typically $60). The license must be used within 60 days of issuance and is valid anywhere in the state; however, the completed license must be returned to the county that issued it for recording. North Carolina has no waiting period or blood‑test requirement. Couples under 18 have additional requirements (parental consent or a court order), and divorced applicants may need to provide proof of their divorce. A certified copy of the marriage certificate can be ordered after the license is returned.
Below is county‑specific guidance for eloping couples getting married in Jackson, Macon, Swain, Buncombe, Haywood, Transylvania and McDowell counties. Each section lists towns in the county (useful if you’re unsure which county your rental cabin is in), documents you’ll need, the application process and how to obtain your official certificate.
Jackson County
Towns: Sylva, Balsam, Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Whittier, Dillsboro, Glenville, and Sapphire.
Where to apply:
Jackson County Register of Deeds, 401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Sylva (appointment required). Appointments are available 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and can be made by calling 828‑586‑7530. Couples must complete an online application before arriving.
Documents & fees:
– Each partner must show a valid government photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID) and proof of Social Security number (original SS card or a tax form such as a W‑2/1099/1040 showing the full number).
– If either partner was divorced or a prior spouse died within the last two years, bring a certified copy of the divorce judgment or death certificate.
– Fee: $60, payable by cash or card (no personal checks).
Process:
At your appointment the clerk will verify your IDs and Social Security information, administer an oath and have you sign the license. There is no waiting period. The license must be used within 60 days. After your ceremony, the officiant files the completed license; you may then request certified copies of the marriage certificate.
Jackson County Register of Deeds
Macon County
Towns: Franklin, Highlands, Nantahala and small communities scattered across the Nantahala National Forest.
Where to apply: Macon County Register of Deeds, 5 W Main St., Franklin. Licenses are issued Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m..
Documents & fees:
– Both parties must appear with a valid photo ID and their Social Security card (if they have never had a Social Security number, they will sign an affidavit; for a lost card, a current W‑2, paycheck stub or military discharge containing the full number may be accepted).
– If previously married, provide divorce papers or the month and year the prior marriage ended.
– Fee: $60 (cash, check or money order).
Process:
The license is valid for 60 days and can be used in any North Carolina county. After the ceremony the completed license must be returned to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. Certified copies cost $10 each.
Macon County Register of Deeds
Swain County
Towns: Bryson City, Almond, and Cherokee.
Where to apply:
Swain County Register of Deeds, 101 Mitchell St., Bryson City.
The office is open 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday; marriage licenses are issued 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Documents & fees:
– Complete the online marriage license application before visiting. Both partners must appear in person within 15 days of submitting the online form to present Social Security cards, photo IDs and any additional documents.
– After the oath is administered and the license is signed, pay the $60 fee (cash or credit). Bring a divorce judgment or death certificate if either partner’s previous marriage ended within 60 days.
Process:
The license is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period. After the wedding, you or your officiant must return the completed license to the Swain County Register of Deeds. Contact the office (828‑488‑9273 ext. 2205) for specific document and payment requirements.
Swain County Register of Deeds
Buncombe County
Towns: Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Weaverville, Fairview, Biltmore Forest, Montreat and other communities.
Where to apply:
Buncombe County Register of Deeds, 205 College Street, Asheville.
Marriage licenses are issued 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Documents & fees:
– Complete the online marriage license application before your visit.
– Both partners must appear with a valid photo ID and Social Security card. If you have never been issued an SS number, an affidavit will be provided; if you cannot present your card, a W‑2 or other tax document showing your full SS number is acceptable.
– Fee: $60. Payment methods include credit/debit, personal check, money order or cash.
Process:
The license is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony the completed license must be returned to the Buncombe County Register of Deeds within 10 days to record the marriage and obtain certified copies.
Buncombe County Register of Deeds
Haywood County
Towns: Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Lake Junaluska and Maggie Valley.
Where to apply:
Haywood County Register of Deeds, 215 North Main Street, Suite 213, Waynesville.
Marriage licenses are issued Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m..
Documents & fees:
– Valid driver’s license or other government photo ID with your legal name.
– Proof of Social Security number.
– If previously married, provide a copy of the divorce decree; if a prior spouse died, know the month and year of death.
– Fee: $60.
Process:
The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. It must be returned to Haywood County; failure to return it subjects the officiant to a $200 fine. Both partners must be at least 18 years old; call the office for under‑age requirements. An online application is available.
Haywood County Register of Deeds
Transylvania County
Towns: Brevard (city), Rosman (town) and the unincorporated communities of Cedar Mountain, Pisgah Forest, Balsam Grove, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire and Penrose.
Where to apply for your marriage license:
Transylvania County Register of Deeds, 7 East Main Street, Brevard.
Marriage licenses are issued by appointment only. (process changed 30 March 2020) Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m..
Documents & fees:
– Complete the online marriage license application.
– Complete the Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry.
– Email copies of your photo ID, Social Security card (or W‑2/tax form), divorce decree (if previously married) and the affidavit to rod@transylvaniacounty.org.
– Call 828‑884‑3162 to schedule an appointment; both applicants must attend.
– Fee: $60 (cash, money order, check, debit/credit with a 3 % convenience fee). The county prefers cash.
Process:
Licenses are valid for 60 days; there is no waiting period. After the wedding, return the completed license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. Certified copies can then be purchased. A civil ceremony can be performed by a magistrate; call their office to schedule and bring two witnesses.
Transylvania County Register of Deeds
McDowell County
Towns: Marion (county seat), Old Fort, Glenwood, Pleasant Gardens, Woodlawn and Nebo.
Where to apply:
McDowell County Register of Deeds, 90 S Main Street, Marion. Marriage licenses are issued Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays).
Documents & fees:
– Both partners must appear with a current valid photo ID (state driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID) and be at least 18 years old.
– Each must provide their Social Security number; applicants not eligible for a Social Security number may complete an affidavit.
– If either partner was previously married, know the month and year the last marriage ended; if the divorce or death occurred within the last 60 days, bring a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
– Fee: $60.
Process:
There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in North Carolina, but it must be returned to the McDowell County Register of Deeds; failure to do so subjects the officiant to a $200 fine. An online marriage application can be submitted to reduce processing time. Couples who do not speak English must bring an interpreter. After the ceremony, return the license to obtain certified copies.
McDowell County Register of Deeds
After the Ceremony: Filing and Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate
No matter which county issues your marriage license, North Carolina law requires the officiant to complete and return the license to the issuing Register of Deeds. The couple or their officiant usually mails or hand‑delivers the license within 10 days of the ceremony. Once recorded, you may request a certified copy of your marriage certificate (fees vary—often around $10). Certified copies are required to change your name and update Social Security and driver’s license records. Keeping copies of your original IDs and supporting documents will help the process go smoothly.