North Carolina
North Carolina Marriage License Requirements 2026: $60 Fee, No Wait
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 7, 2026). · 19 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds in any of the state's 100 counties issues marriage licenses, and a license from any county is good for a ceremony anywhere in the state. There is no waiting period: the license is valid as soon as it is issued and lasts 60 days. The fee is $60, set by G.S. 161-10, and the license itself is governed by Chapter 51 of the North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 51-8 directs the register of deeds to issue it).
Both of you normally appear in person, each with a valid photo ID, and anyone 18 or older may marry without a court order or anyone's consent. For other states, see our guide to marriage license requirements by state.
Information last verified on October 7, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers getting a marriage license and marrying in North Carolina under Chapter 51 and G.S. 161-10 of the North Carolina General Statutes, plus the published procedures of several county Registers of Deeds (Wake, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth and Johnston). Statute wording quoted here was checked against the General Assembly's published text of the General Statutes in October 2026. It does not cover divorce, ordering old marriage records, common-law marriage, or marrying in another state.
Where to apply for a North Carolina marriage license
North Carolina licenses marriages through the county Register of Deeds, not a court clerk. You can use any county. Johnston County's Register of Deeds puts it plainly: "You can obtain your license in any of the 100 counties in North Carolina."
The license then works statewide. Forsyth County's checklist explains: "A marriage license may be obtained from any county in North Carolina. The same license is valid only for ceremonies held in North Carolina. Following the ceremony, the license must be returned to the county where the license was issued." Guilford County confirms that "the marriage may be performed anywhere within North Carolina."
That makes the county you apply in a matter of convenience. A couple marrying at the coast can pick up the license near home, as long as the officiant sends it back to that same county afterward.
You do not need to live in North Carolina
There is no residency requirement. Guilford County's Register of Deeds states that "applicants do not need to be residents of North Carolina to marry in Guilford County or North Carolina." Out-of-state couples planning a destination wedding apply the same way residents do.
Online pre-applications
Several counties let you fill in the application online before your visit, which shortens the time at the counter. Wake County says: "Save time and fill out the Marriage License application online before you arrive." Durham and Forsyth also offer an online application or worksheet. Durham and Johnston issue licenses by appointment only.
The license itself is not issued remotely. You still go to the office to finish the application and have it issued.
Both applicants appear in person
Expect both of you to come to the office together. Wake County says: "Both parties must be present in person to apply for a marriage license."
G.S. 51-8.2 creates one exception. If an applicant is over 18 and unable to appear in person, "the other party to the planned marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit in lieu of the absent applicant's personal appearance."
Forsyth County adds a practical detail: the party who appears submits the notarized Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance "along with a certified copy or the original valid photo ID" of the absent applicant. A photocopy of the ID will not do.
This affidavit covers only the application. It does not let anyone stand in at the ceremony, which is covered below.
Documents and ID you need
Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID for each of you. Forsyth County accepts the original ID or a certified copy, not an ordinary photocopy.
G.S. 51-8(a) requires each applicant to give a Social Security number on the application. An applicant who does not have one and is not eligible to get one must instead present a statement to that effect, sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
The same section lets the Register of Deeds ask for more. It "may require the applicants for the license to marry to present certified copies of birth certificates or such other evidence as the register of deeds deems necessary." Counties set their own rules on when a birth certificate is needed, and several ask young adults for one. Wake requires a certified birth record for applicants ages 16 to 20, Durham for applicants 18 to 21, and Forsyth's checklist for anyone under 21. Check your county's page before you go.
Durham County requires that the names on your photo ID and your Social Security proof match, first, middle and last.
If either of you was married before
North Carolina has no waiting period after a divorce. Guilford County says: "There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license."
Whether you must bring paperwork proving the earlier marriage ended is a county rule, and the rules differ:
| County | When you must bring proof the prior marriage ended | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Guilford | If the divorce was finalized the same day you apply | Guilford County Register of Deeds |
| Wake | If the marriage ended within the last 30 days | Wake County Register of Deeds |
| Johnston | If the marriage ended within the last 30 days | Johnston County Register of Deeds |
| Durham | If the marriage ended within the last 12 months (divorce decree, death certificate or annulment order; rule in effect since January 1, 2019) | Durham County Register of Deeds |
If your county is not listed, ask before you go. Bringing a certified copy of the divorce decree is the cautious course when the divorce is recent.
How much a marriage license costs in North Carolina
The legislature sets the fee. G.S. 161-10(a)(2) reads: "Marriage Licenses. - For issuing a license sixty dollars ($60.00)." Under G.S. 161-11.2, $30 of each fee goes to the Domestic Violence Center Fund, and under G.S. 161-11.1, $5 goes to the Children's Trust Fund.
Because the fee is statutory, counties differ mainly in how you can pay and what extras they offer. These are the counties whose pages were checked for this update:
| County | License fee | Payment and extras | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake | $60 | Cash or credit card at the main office; regional centers are cash only | October 2026 |
| Durham | $60 | Cash only; appointment required | October 2026 |
| Guilford | $60 | Check, cash, debit or credit card; optional $1 keepsake; certified copy $10 | October 2026 |
| Forsyth | $60 | Certified copy $10; uncertified copy 50 cents; delayed marriage license $20; correction $10 | October 2026 |
The county's own page is the final word on payment methods and hours, and both can change. Mecklenburg County's Register of Deeds website could not be opened when this page was checked, so confirm its procedures directly with that office.
No discount for a premarital course appeared on any county page or in the fee statute reviewed for this update.
Waiting period and how long the license lasts
There is no waiting period. Guilford County says: "The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days." You can marry the same day the license is issued.
The license form in G.S. 51-16 authorizes the officiant to perform the marriage "at any time within 60 days from the date hereof" and "at any place within the State." Durham County spells out what happens if you miss the window: "Applicants with an expired Marriage License Application will be required to apply for a new license with applicable fees."
The deadline also binds the officiant. G.S. 51-7 penalizes an officiant who marries a couple "after the expiration of such license."
Age requirements to marry in North Carolina
G.S. 51-2(a) sets the baseline: "All unmarried persons of 18 years, or older, may lawfully marry."
Ages 16 and 17
Under G.S. 51-2(a1), a 16- or 17-year-old may marry only a person no more than four years older. The Register of Deeds may issue the license only after one of two documents is filed:
- a certified copy of a district court order authorizing the marriage under G.S. 51-2.1, or
- written consent to the marriage from a parent with full or joint legal custody, or from the person, agency or institution that has legal custody or serves as guardian.
Consent is not required for an emancipated minor who presents the certificate or decree of emancipation. See North Carolina emancipation laws for how emancipation works.
When the court route is used, G.S. 51-2.1 requires the district court to find that the underage party is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and that the marriage will serve that party's best interest. A guardian ad litem is appointed, and there is a presumption against the marriage if all living parents oppose it. The statute adds: "The fact that the female is pregnant, or has given birth to a child, alone does not establish that the best interest of the underage party will be served by the marriage." After a denial, the party must wait one year before trying again.
Under 16
G.S. 51-2(b1) is absolute: "It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to marry." Wake County's age page says the same: under age 16, a person "cannot marry in North Carolina."
The 2021 change, and older county pages
The current rules come from Session Law 2021-119 (Senate Bill 35), effective August 26, 2021. It raised the minimum age from 14 to 16 and added the four-year age-gap limit.
Some county materials have not caught up. Forsyth County's checklist PDF still describes the pre-2021 rules for 14- and 15-year-olds, and Johnston County's FAQ quotes the older statute. Wake County's page mentions parental consent for 16- and 17-year-olds but not the court-order alternative. Where a county page and the statute differ, the statute controls.
Pending: Senate Bill 452
Senate Bill 452 of the 2025-2026 session, titled End Child Marriage, would make 18 the minimum age to marry with no exceptions and repeal the court-order route in G.S. 51-2.1, for marriages solemnized on or after October 1, 2025, if enacted. The last status checked, on the UNC School of Government's Legislative Reporting Service, showed it referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations on March 25, 2025. It is not law, and the 2021 rules above still apply.
Who cannot marry in North Carolina
Among the marriages G.S. 51-3 declares void are these:
- Marriages between "any two persons nearer of kin than first cousins," or between double first cousins.
- Marriages where either person "has a husband or wife living at the time of such marriage." An existing marriage must be legally ended before either of you can marry again.
The same section limits challenges after a spouse dies: "No marriage followed by cohabitation and the birth of issue shall be declared void after the death of either of the parties for any of the causes stated in this section except for bigamy."
No blood test or premarital physical
North Carolina does not require a blood test or medical exam to get a marriage license. Johnston County states: "The premarital physical is no longer required." Guilford County says: "A premarital medical examination is not required." The official text of G.S. 51-8 shows subsection (b) expired August 1, 2020, under Session Law 2020-3.
Who can perform the ceremony
Under G.S. 51-1, a valid marriage requires the consent of both people, "freely, seriously and plainly expressed by each in the presence of the other," given either:
- "in the presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate," or
- in a manner recognized by any religious denomination, or by a federally or State-recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.
The second route covers traditions that marry without a presiding officiant. Wake County's page refers to the "recognized manner of any religious denomination that does not use officiants."
Witnesses
You need at least two. G.S. 51-6 states: "There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony." Johnston and Guilford counties say the same. For a magistrate wedding in Wake County, the witnesses must be 18 or older.
Courthouse weddings with a magistrate
Magistrates perform civil ceremonies. The counties checked post these details:
| County | Magistrate ceremony fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wake | $50 cash, exact change | Walk-in Monday through Friday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Justice Center Room 901; two witnesses 18 or older |
| Guilford | $50 cash, exact amount | Greensboro and High Point magistrate offices; by appointment only (Greensboro 336-412-7870, High Point 336-822-6719); two witnesses with ID |
The magistrate's ceremony fee is separate from the $60 license fee, and you need the license in hand first. Forsyth and Johnston counties also schedule magistrate ceremonies by appointment only, so call ahead unless you are marrying in Wake.
Online ordination: a real risk in North Carolina
Read this before asking a friend ordained online to officiate. The UNC School of Government's analysis of North Carolina case law concludes that North Carolina law "strongly indicates" that a ceremony performed by someone whose only credential is a Universal Life Church certificate is not valid, although such a marriage is voidable rather than automatically void.
The line of cases starts with the North Carolina Supreme Court's decision in State v. Lynch, which reversed a bigamy conviction after concluding that a Universal Life Church minister had solemnized one of the defendant's two marriages. As quoted by the School of Government:
"A ceremony solemnized by a [layman] who bought for $10.00 a mail order certificate giving him 'credentials of minister' in the Universal Life Church, Inc.--whatever that is--is not a ceremony of marriage to be recognized for purposes of a bigamy prosecution in the State of North Carolina."
The School of Government also discusses Pickard v. Pickard, 176 N.C. App. 193 (2006); Duncan v. Duncan, 232 N.C. App. 369 (2014); and Hill v. Durrett (2019). In Pickard and Duncan, a spouse was estopped from attacking the marriage. G.S. 51-1.1 validated Universal Life Church marriages performed before July 3, 1981, which does not help later ceremonies.
The cautious course is an officiant G.S. 51-1 names directly: a magistrate, or a minister ordained in a religious denomination or authorized by a church. The sources reviewed for this page do not address online ordinations other than the Universal Life Church.
Can one of you be absent from the ceremony?
G.S. 51-1 requires each person's consent to be expressed "in the presence of the other." The only stand-in arrangement found in the statutes reviewed for this page is the G.S. 51-8.2 affidavit at the application stage, described above. If one of you cannot attend the ceremony itself, ask the Register of Deeds or a North Carolina lawyer before making plans.
After the ceremony: returning the license and getting copies
The officiant returns the completed license to the Register of Deeds of the county that issued it. G.S. 51-7 sets the deadline and the penalty: an officiant who fails to return the license "within 10 days after any marriage celebrated by virtue thereof ... shall forfeit and pay two hundred dollars ($200.00) to any person who sues therefore, and shall also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor." Guilford County reminds couples that "the officiant is required by law to return both copies of the license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days after the ceremony."
Your proof of marriage is a certified copy of the recorded license. G.S. 161-10(a)(8) sets the fee at $10 per certified copy. Durham County notes that "the Marriage Certificate is not automatically mailed after the license is returned. Copies must be requested with applicable fees."
Guilford County suggests waiting at least 10 days after the ceremony before requesting a certified copy, which it offers in person, online or by mail. For ordering copies later, see North Carolina marriage and divorce records and our guide on how to get a copy of your marriage certificate.
Changing your name
Guilford County's advice: "To change your name after marriage, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license in order to change your name on your driver's license and your Social Security card." It points couples to Social Security first, then the DMV. See North Carolina name change laws and our guide to changing your name after marriage.
Common myths about marrying in North Carolina
- "You have to get the license in the county where you marry." No. Any county's license works for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina; it just goes back to the issuing county.
- "There is a waiting period." No. The license is valid as soon as it is issued.
- "You need a blood test." No. The premarital physical is no longer required.
- "A 14-year-old can marry with a court order." Not since August 26, 2021. The minimum age is 16, with the four-year age-gap limit for 16- and 17-year-olds.
- "Anyone ordained online can officiate." Not safely. North Carolina case law casts serious doubt on Universal Life Church ordinations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about getting a marriage license in North Carolina under Chapter 51 and G.S. 161-10 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the published procedures of North Carolina county Registers of Deeds. It is not legal advice. The information was verified on October 7, 2026. For your specific situation, contact the Register of Deeds in the county where you will apply or consult a lawyer licensed in North Carolina.
Related
- Marriage license requirements by state
- North Carolina marriage and divorce records
- North Carolina common-law marriage
- North Carolina name change laws
- South Carolina marriage license requirements
- Virginia marriage license requirements
Last updated: October 7, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a marriage license in North Carolina?
At the Register of Deeds office in any of North Carolina's 100 counties. The license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina and goes back to the county that issued it (G.S. 51-16).
How much is a marriage license in North Carolina?
$60, set by G.S. 161-10(a)(2). Payment methods vary: Durham accepts cash only, while Guilford takes check, cash, debit or credit card.
Is there a waiting period to get married in North Carolina?
No. The license is good immediately upon issuance, so you can marry the same day (Guilford County Register of Deeds).
How long is a North Carolina marriage license valid?
60 days from the date it is issued (G.S. 51-16). After that you must apply again and pay the fee again.
Do we both have to be there to get a North Carolina marriage license?
Normally, yes. Under G.S. 51-8.2, if an applicant over 18 cannot appear, the other party may apply with a sworn, notarized affidavit; Forsyth County also requires the absent applicant's original or certified photo ID.
Can non-residents get married in North Carolina?
Yes. There is no residency requirement; Guilford County says applicants do not need to be North Carolina residents.
Can a 16-year-old get married in North Carolina?
Only to someone no more than four years older, and only after a district court order under G.S. 51-2.1 or the written consent required by G.S. 51-2(a1) is filed. Marriage under 16 is unlawful.
Is a Universal Life Church minister valid in North Carolina?
It is risky. The UNC School of Government reads State v. Lynch and later cases as strongly indicating such a ceremony is invalid, though voidable rather than void. A magistrate or a minister of an established church avoids the question.
How much does a magistrate wedding cost in North Carolina?
Wake and Guilford counties list $50 cash for a magistrate ceremony, separate from the $60 license fee. You need two witnesses.
How do I get a certified copy of my North Carolina marriage license?
Request it from the Register of Deeds in the county that issued the license; the fee is $10 per copy under G.S. 161-10(a)(8). Durham County does not mail copies automatically.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 51: Marriage.
§ 51-8License issued by register of deedsIn force
(a) Every register of deeds shall, upon proper application, issue a license for the marriage of any two persons who are able to answer the questions regarding age, marital status, and intention to marry, and, based on the answers, the register of deeds determines the persons are authorized to be married in accordance with the laws of this State. In making a determination as to whether or not the parties are authorized to be married under the laws of this State, the register of deeds may require the applicants for the license to marry to present certified copies of birth certificates or such other evidence as the register of deeds deems necessary to the determination. The register of deeds may administer an oath to any person presenting evidence relating to whether or not parties applying for a marriage license are eligible to be married pursuant to the laws of this State. Each applicant for a marriage license shall provide on the application the applicant's social security number.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
§ 51-2Lawful age to marryIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) All unmarried persons of 18 years, or older, may lawfully marry. (a1) Persons over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age may marry a person no more than four years older, and the register of deeds may issue a license for the marriage, only after there has been filed with the register of deeds a certified copy of an order issued by a district court authorizing the marriage as provided in G.S. 51-2.1, or a written consent to the marriage, said consent having been signed by the appropriate person as follows: (1) By a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or (2) By a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party. Such written consent shall not be required for an emancipated minor if a certificate of emancipation issued pursuant to Article 35 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes or a certified copy of a final decree or certificate of emancipation from this or any other jurisdiction is filed with the register of deeds. (b) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-119, s. 1, effective August 26, 2021, and applicable to marriage licenses pending or issued on or after that date.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2005
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Ewell (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2005, 168 N.C. App. 98)“…See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-27 .7A (2003). Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-2 (bl) (2003), defendant and T.G. could n…”
- Gastonia Personnel Corporation v. Rogers (Supreme Court of North Carolina 1970, 276 N.C. 279)“…less otherwise disqualified by statute, may lawfully marry. G.S. 51-2. (2) Persons of eighteen years, or olde…”
- Roper v. Simmons (Supreme Court of the United States 2005, 543 U.S. 551)“…est Supp. 2005) North 18 N. C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 51-2 (Lexis 2003) Carolina North Dakota…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: North Carolina Emancipation Laws: How to Get Emancipated in North Carolina (2026)
§ 51-2.1Marriage of certain underage partiesIn force
(a) A district court judge may issue an order authorizing a marriage between a person over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age, to a person no more than four years older under this section only upon finding as fact and concluding as a matter of law that the underage party is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage will serve the best interest of the underage party. In determining whether the marriage will serve the best interest of an underage party, the district court shall consider the following: (1) The opinion of the parents of the underage party as to whether the marriage serves the best interest of the underage party. (2) The opinion of any person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party as to whether the marriage serves the best interest of the underage party. (3) The opinion of the guardian ad litem appointed to represent the best interest of the underage party pursuant to G.S. 51-2.1(b) as to whether the marriage serves the best interest of the underage party.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
§ 51-1Requisites of marriage; solemnizationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of a male and female person who may lawfully marry, presently to take each other as husband and wife, freely, seriously and plainly expressed by each in the presence of the other, either: (1) a. In the presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate; and b. With the consequent declaration by the minister or magistrate that the persons are husband and wife; or (2) In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, or federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe. Marriages solemnized before March 9, 1909, by ministers of the gospel licensed, but not ordained, are validated from their consummation. (1871-2, c. 193, s. 3; Code, s. 1812; Rev., s. 2081; 1908, c. 47; 1909, c. 704, s. 2; c. 897; C.S., s. 2493; 1945, c. 839; 1965, c. 152; 1971, c. 1185, s. 26; 1977, c. 592, s. 1; 2000-58, ss. 1, 2; 2001-14, ss. 1, 2; 2001-62, ss. 1, 17; 2002-115, ss. 5, 6; 2002-159, s. 13(a); 2003-4, s. 1; 2005-56, s. 1; 2007-61, s. 1; 2009-13, s. 1; 2012-194, s. 65.4(a).)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-07 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
Cited in 17 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2016
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Lynch (Supreme Court of North Carolina 1980, 301 N.C. 479)“…stitute a valid marriage in this State, the requirements of G.S. 51-1 must be met. That statute provides:…”
- Pickard v. Pickard (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2006, 176 N.C. App. 193)“…eview denied, 310 N.C. 744 , 315 S.E.2d 702 (1984). N.C. Gen.Stat. § 51-1 (1977) was the statute in effect that g…”
- In Re Estate of Peacock (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2016, 248 N.C. App. 18)“…the persons are husband and wife[.] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-1 (2015). In the present case, it is undi…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Common Law Marriage in North Carolina: Is It Recognized? (2026)
§ 51-16Form of licenseIn force
License shall be in the following or some equivalent form: To any ordained minister of any religious denomination, minister authorized by a church, any magistrate, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State: A.B. having applied to me for a license for the marriage of C.D. (the name of the man to be written in full) of (here state his residence), aged ____ years (race, as the case may be), the son of (here state the father and mother, if known; state whether they are living or dead, and their residence, if known; if any of these facts are not known, so state), and E.F. (write the name of the woman in full) of (here state her residence), aged ____ years (race, as the case may be), the daughter of (here state names and residences of the parents, if known, as is required above with respect to the man).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
§ 51-6Solemnization without license unlawfulIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
No minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State shall perform a ceremony of marriage between a man and woman, or shall declare them to be husband and wife, until there is delivered to that person a license for the marriage of the said persons, signed by the register of deeds of the county in which the marriage license was issued or by a lawful deputy or assistant. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2016
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re Estate of Peacock (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2016, 248 N.C. App. 18)“…ny was conducted without a marriage license as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-6, which states: No minis…”
- State v. Lynch (Supreme Court of North Carolina 1980, 301 N.C. 479)“…Robbins, 28 N.C. 23 (1845); see also G.S. 51-6 to -21. The subjective intent of defend…”
- Thigpen v. Cooper (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2013, 225 N.C. App. 798)“…or federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-6 (2011) provides in relevant part: No…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 51-7Penalty for solemnizing without licenseIn force
Every minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State, who marries any couple without a license being first delivered to that person, as required by law, or after the expiration of such license, or who fails to return such license to the register of deeds within 10 days after any marriage celebrated by virtue thereof, with the certificate appended thereto duly filled up and signed, shall forfeit and pay two hundred dollars ($200.00) to any person who sues therefore, and shall also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (R.C., c. 68, ss. 6, 13; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 8; Code, s. 1817; Rev., ss. 2087, 3372; C.S., s. 2499; 1953, c. 638, s. 1; 1967, c. 957, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, s. 415; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2001-62, s. 7.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
§ 51-3Want of capacity; void and voidable marriagesIn force
All marriages between any two persons nearer of kin than first cousins, or between double first cousins, or between a male person under 16 years of age and any female, or between a female person under 16 years of age and any male, or between persons either of whom has a husband or wife living at the time of such marriage, or between persons either of whom is at the time physically impotent, or between persons either of whom is at the time incapable of contracting from want of will or understanding, shall be void. No marriage followed by cohabitation and the birth of issue shall be declared void after the death of either of the parties for any of the causes stated in this section except for bigamy. A marriage contracted under a representation and belief that the female partner to the marriage is pregnant, followed by the separation of the parties within 45 days of the marriage which separation has been continuous for a period of one year, shall be voidable unless a child shall have been born to the parties within 10 lunar months of the date of separation. (R.C., c. 68, ss. 7, 8, 9; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 2; Code, s. 1810; 1887, c. 245; Rev., s. 2083; 1911, c. 215, s. 2; 1913, c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
§ 51-8.2Issuance of marriage license when applicant is unable to appearIn force
If an applicant for a marriage license is over 18 years of age and is unable to appear in person at the register of deeds' office, the other party to the planned marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit in lieu of the absent applicant's personal appearance. The affidavit shall be in the following or some equivalent form: __________, [applicant] appearing before the undersigned notary and being duly sworn, says that: 1. I, __________, [applicant's name] am applying for a license in _______ County, North Carolina, to marry _______ [name of other applicant] in North Carolina within the next 60 days and I am authorized under G.S. 51-8.2 to complete this Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance for Marriage License Application. I attach: (1) documentation that I am over 18 years of age as required in county of issuance; and (2) documentation of divorce as required by county of issuance. 2.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 161: Register of Deeds.
§ 161-10Uniform fees of registers of deedsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Article, all fees collected under this section shall be deposited into the county general fund. While performing the duties of the office, the register of deeds shall collect the following fees which shall be uniform throughout the State: (1) Instruments in General. - For registering or filing any instrument for which no other provision is made by this section, the fee shall be twenty-six dollars ($26.00) for the first 15 pages plus four dollars ($4.00) for each additional page or fraction thereof. For any instrument that assigns more than one security instrument as defined in G.S. 45-36.4(18) by reference to previously recorded instrument recording data that are required to be indexed pursuant to G.S. 161-14.1(b), the fee shall be an additional ten dollars ($10.00) for each additional reference. For an instrument that contains excessive recording data, the fee shall be an additional two dollars ($2.00) for each party listed in the instrument in excess of 20.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2006
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Durham Land Owners Ass'n v. County of Durham (Court of Appeals of North Carolina 2006, 177 N.C. App. 629)“…of the reg *633 ister of deeds prescribed by G.S. 161-10 or the fees of the board of elections p…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: North Carolina Property Records: How to Find Out Who Owns a Property (2026), How to Get a North Carolina Death Certificate (2026)
§ 161-11.2Fees for domestic violence centersIn force
Thirty dollars ($30.00) of each fee collected by a register of deeds for issuance of a marriage license pursuant to G.S. 161-10(a)(2) shall be forwarded by the register of deeds to the county finance officer, who shall forward the funds to the Department of Administration to be credited to the Domestic Violence Center Fund established under G.S. 50B-9. The register of deeds shall forward the fees to the county finance officer as soon as practical. The county finance officer shall forward the fees to the Department of Administration within 60 days after receiving the fees. The Register of Deeds shall inform the applicants that thirty dollars ($30.00) of the fee for a marriage license shall be used for Domestic Violence programs. (1991, c. 693, s. 2; 2009-451, s. 20A.4(b).)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ncleg.gov
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Sources and References
- Johnston County Register of Deeds, Marriage Licenses(www.johnstonnc.gov).gov
- Forsyth County Register of Deeds, Marriage License Checklist (PDF)(www.co.forsyth.nc.us).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-16, Form of license(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- Guilford County Register of Deeds, Marriage License(guilfordcountync.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-10, Fees of the register of deeds(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-8, License issued by register of deeds(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- Wake County Register of Deeds, Apply for a Marriage License(www.wake.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-8.2, Affidavit in lieu of personal appearance(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- Durham County Register of Deeds, Marriage(dconc.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-11.1, Fees for Children's Trust Fund(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 161-11.2, Fees for domestic violence centers(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- Forsyth County Register of Deeds, Fees(forsyth.cc).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-7, Penalty for solemnizing without license or failing to return license(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-2, Capacity to marry(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-2.1, Marriage of person under age 18; court order(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- Wake County Register of Deeds, Age and Identification Requirements(wake.gov).gov
- UNC School of Government Legislative Reporting Service, S.L. 2021-119 (S 35)(lrs.sog.unc.edu)
- UNC School of Government Legislative Reporting Service, S.B. 452 (2025-2026), End Child Marriage(lrs.sog.unc.edu)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-3, Want of capacity; void and voidable marriages(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-1, Requisites of marriage; solemnization(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-6, Solemnization without license unlawful(www.ncleg.gov).gov
- UNC School of Government, On the Civil Side: North Carolina Case Law Indicates Marriages Solemnized in North Carolina by Persons "Instantly Ordained" by the Universal Life Church Are Not Valid (2019)(civil.sog.unc.edu)