Marriage License Fees

North Carolina · 2026

North Carolina Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in North Carolina costs $60. The license is good for 60 days.

North Carolina marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 6 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Wake County$60$10$50No waiting period
Mecklenburg County$60$10$50No waiting period
Guilford County$60$10$50No waiting period
Forsyth County$60$10$50—
Durham County$60$10——
Cumberland County$60$10——

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

North Carolina marriage license rules

License fee

$60 (N.C.G.S. 161-10(a)(2))

Register of deeds fees are uniform statewide; a marriage license is $60.

Source: ncleg.gov

Premarital course discount

No discount

The uniform fee statute lists $60 with no premarital-course discount.

Source: ncleg.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

The license authorizes the ceremony anywhere in North Carolina within 60 days.

Source: ncleg.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

18 and over may marry. 16- and 17-year-olds need parental or custodian consent or a district court order, can only marry someone no more than four years older, and emancipated minors skip the consent. Under 16 is unlawful.

Source: ncleg.gov

What to bring

Wake County requires a valid government-issued ID and proof of Social Security number. State law requires the SSN on the application or a sworn statement if the applicant has none.

Source: wake.gov

Blood test

Not required

Guilford County says no premarital medical exam is required.

Source: guilfordcountync.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Wake County requires both parties in person to apply.

Source: wake.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Wake and Mecklenburg let couples fill out the application online before visiting; the license is still issued in person.

Official online application

Source: wake.gov

Who can officiate

Marriage requires an ordained minister, a church-authorized minister or a magistrate, or a mode of solemnization recognized by a religious denomination or a recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.

Source: ncleg.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Guilford County says two witnesses are required for all ceremonies; Wake's magistrate weddings require them to be 18 or older.

Source: guilfordcountync.gov

Proxy marriage

Not allowed

State law requires each party to express consent in the presence of the other.

Source: ncleg.gov

Out-of-state couples

Applicants do not need to be North Carolina residents.

Source: guilfordcountync.gov

Who issues the license

County register of deeds

Any register of deeds issues a license once applicants answer the age, marital-status and intent questions.

Source: ncleg.gov

Not in our data yet: waiting period. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in North Carolina?

$60. Register of deeds fees are uniform statewide; a marriage license is $60.

How long is a North Carolina marriage license valid?

60 days. The license authorizes the ceremony anywhere in North Carolina within 60 days.

How old do you have to be to get married in North Carolina?

18 and over may marry. 16- and 17-year-olds need parental or custodian consent or a district court order, can only marry someone no more than four years older, and emancipated minors skip the consent. Under 16 is unlawful.

Does North Carolina require a blood test?

No. Guilford County says no premarital medical exam is required.

Do you need witnesses to get married in North Carolina?

Guilford County says two witnesses are required for all ceremonies; Wake's magistrate weddings require them to be 18 or older.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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