North Carolina charges around $60 for a marriage license with no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days and both parties must appear together at the Register of Deeds in the county where the license is issued — which must be the county where at least one person resides or where the ceremony will take place. If you're wondering "is online marriage legal?" — the answer is yes, and we'll explain exactly how below.
North Carolina traditional marriage license requirements
* Fees and requirements are approximate and may vary by county. Verify with your local clerk's office.
Important to Know
North Carolina has its own marriage laws and requirements. However, with VirtualMarriage.com, you can get legally married online from anywhere and have it recognized in all 50 states — including North Carolina. Learn more about online marriage legal requirements.
Are online marriages legal in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, couples typically must go to a county clerk's office in person to apply for a marriage license. However, through VirtualMarriage.com, you can obtain a legal Utah marriage certificate that is recognized in all 50 states, including North Carolina. Are virtual marriages legal? Yes — read our complete guide to understand why.
Traditional in-person wedding in North Carolina
Getting married traditionally in North Carolina requires both parties to appear in person at the county clerk's office, pay a $60 license fee. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Obtain a marriage license ($60)
Both parties must apply in person at the North Carolina county clerk's office with valid ID and pay the required fee.
Find an officiant
Locate a registered officiant (religious official, judge, or justice of the peace) licensed to solemnize weddings in North Carolina.
Plan your ceremony
Coordinate date, time, location, and vendors — keeping in mind the 60 days validity window on your North Carolina marriage license.
Have your ceremony
Exchange vows and rings in front of your officiant and at least two witnesses.
Record your marriage license
Your officiant must return the signed license to the North Carolina county clerk within the required timeframe.
How to get married online in North Carolina
Using VirtualMarriage.com, couples can skip the $60 North Carolina license fee entirely. Complete the entire process online from anywhere and get your legitimate U.S. marriage certificate in as little as 48 hours.
Sign up for VirtualMarriage.com
It's simple to get legally married online using VirtualMarriage. Technically, you'll be married through the courts in Utah state. This will be legally recognized in all 50 states — including North Carolina. For a detailed explanation of virtual marriage legal status, see our comprehensive guide. Learn more about how virtual marriage works.
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Book your ceremony
Book your ceremony with a VirtualMarriage licensed officiant through our easy online portal. We're open 7 days a week, ~8am to 8pm PST.
Ceremony Options
- • Personal vows
- • Ring exchange
- • Religious prayer (optional)
- • English, Spanish, or French
What You'll Receive
- • Calendar invitation
- • Zoom link for ceremony
- • 2 witnesses (friends/family or provided)
Get your marriage license
Obtain your marriage license from the Utah courts with our step-by-step guide and premium customer support.
Requirements
- • Valid ID for both partners
- • Both partners 18+ years old
- • No divorce in the last 60 days
Celebrate your marriage online!
Get hitched online from the comfort of your home (or anywhere with internet!). The ceremony takes about 15 minutes.
Your certificate: Digital copy sent immediately after the ceremony, printed copy mailed within a few business days.
International recognition
If you need your marriage recognized in a nation other than the United States, you may need an Apostille certification.
An apostille guarantees your marriage license is valid and recognized in all nations that ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. We can process and ship your Apostille for an additional fee.