Notary Weddings In North Carolina: What's The Law?

In North Carolina, a notary public is not allowed to perform a wedding ceremony. The state's marriage laws specify that a wedding can be performed by a magistrate or by any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorized by a church. Marriages can also be performed by a recognized officiant or in the recognized manner of any federally or state-recognized Native American tribe. While North Carolina does not require officiants to register with any government office, they must be ordained ministers to be able to legally perform marriages.

North Carolina marriage laws

Marriage is a legally and formally recognised union of two people as partners in a relationship. In North Carolina, marriage is also a legal contract governed by state law. North Carolina marriage laws define what constitutes a valid legal marriage, and the obligations and rights arising from the marriage contract.

Who can marry in North Carolina?

The state's marriage laws limit who can marry based on a person's age and blood relationship with their prospective spouse.

• Minors under the age of 14: It is unlawful for any person under the age of 14 to marry in North Carolina.
• Minors between the ages of 14-16: If the prospective wife is pregnant or has given birth, and intends to marry the father of her child. The marriage of minors between the ages of 14-16 must be authorised by a district court.
• Minors between the ages of 16-18: With the written consent of the person, agency or institution having legal custody of the minor, or of a person serving as guardian of the minor.
• First cousins may marry, except in the rare situation of "double first cousins".

Who can officiate a wedding in North Carolina?

A wedding can be performed by a magistrate, or by any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorised by a church. Marriages can also be performed in the recognised manner of any religious denomination that does not use officiants, or in the recognised manner of any federally or state-recognised Native American tribe.

North Carolina Law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, there is a law that specifies who can solemnize a marriage. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. Local regulations in North Carolina stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organisation.

Couples who want to marry must obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. The marriage ceremony must be conducted by a recognised officiant. Both parties must solemnly declare their intent to marry. Following the ceremony, at least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.

Couples getting married in North Carolina must get a marriage license before the wedding. If the wedding will be in North Carolina, the couple can get a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state. In general, both partners must visit the Register of Deeds office, though some counties allow online applications to be submitted before visiting the office to save time. Applicants for a marriage license must pay a fee and fill out a form stating their names, ages, marital status, and intention to marry.

Marriage creates many legal rights and obligations, including in the areas of property, financial obligations, inheritance, taxes, and more.

Who can officiate a wedding in North Carolina?

North Carolina law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office before performing a marriage. However, there are specific requirements that must be met for a wedding to be legally accepted.

A wedding in North Carolina can be performed and solemnized by a magistrate or any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorized by a church. Marriages can also be performed according to the recognized customs of any religious denomination that does not use officiants or in the recognized manner of any federally or state-recognized Native American tribe.

Requirements for a valid marriage in North Carolina

To be legally married in North Carolina, the marriage ceremony must be conducted by a recognized officiant. Both parties must also declare their intent to marry, and there must be at least two witnesses present who will sign the marriage license after the ceremony.

Officiant registration in North Carolina

While officiant registration is not required in North Carolina, local regulations stipulate that wedding officiants designated as "Minister" must be ordained by a religious organization. It is also recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials as proof of their ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Requirements for a marriage ceremony

Marriage is a legally and formally recognised union of two people as partners in a relationship. In North Carolina, marriage laws define what constitutes a valid legal marriage and the obligations and rights arising from the marriage contract.

• Couples who want to marry must obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. The marriage license is valid for 60 days, and the marriage ceremony can occur at any time within that 60-day period.
• The marriage ceremony must be conducted by a recognised officiant. North Carolina law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, local regulations in North Carolina stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organisation.
• Both parties must solemnly declare their intent to marry.
• Following the ceremony, at least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
• The person performing the ceremony (the "officiant") must give the newlyweds a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate must be signed by the officiant and returned to the register of deeds in the same county where the marriage license was issued.
• Certain marriages licensed and solemnised according to the law or mode of solemnisation of a recognised Indian tribe or nation will be recognised as valid legal marriages without a marriage license issued by a register of deeds.

Obtaining a marriage license

To obtain a marriage license in North Carolina, both parties must be physically present to apply in person. The cost of a marriage license is $60, and you will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and proof of your social security number. If you do not have a social security number, you must present a notarized Affidavit of Social Security Ineligibility/No Social Security Number. Additionally, applicants between the ages of 18 and 20 must also present a certified copy of their birth certificate.

Previously married applicants must provide an original or certified true copy of their divorce decree, while widowed applicants must provide a certified copy of their spouse's death certificate. The marriage license application can be completed online or in person at the Register of Deeds office.

It is important to note that the marriage license is only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and must be returned to the issuing office. The wedding ceremony must take place in North Carolina within this 60-day period. If the wedding does not occur within this timeframe, the license expires, and applicants must apply again.

The role of a notary in North Carolina weddings

In North Carolina, a notary public can perform a wedding ceremony and legally marry a couple. However, it's important to note that not all states in the US allow this. North Carolina is one of the few states that recognize a marriage certificate from a notary public.

Requirements for a North Carolina Wedding

Before a wedding ceremony can take place in North Carolina, there are a few requirements that must be met:

• Both parties must intend to marry and be able to understand their actions.
• Both parties must be at least 18 years old, unless specific requirements for minors are met.
• The couple must obtain a marriage license before the wedding. This can be obtained from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state.
• The marriage ceremony must be conducted by a recognized officiant.
• At least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license after the ceremony.

The Role of a Notary Public

A notary public is a licensed professional who verifies signatures and identities on documents. They can also perform wedding ceremonies and act as a wedding officiant. In North Carolina, a notary public can legally marry a couple, but they must be ordained as a minister to do so. This means that they must be ordained by a religious organization, such as the American Marriage Ministries.

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that a notary public can only perform wedding ceremonies within the state in which they are licensed. They cannot marry couples from another state or leave their state to perform a wedding. Additionally, the marriage license must be returned to the issuing clerk's office after the ceremony.

Other Options for Officiants

In North Carolina, in addition to notary publics, magistrates and ordained ministers can also perform wedding ceremonies. These individuals can conduct civil or religious ceremonies.

Planning a Wedding in North Carolina

When planning a wedding in North Carolina, it's important to be aware of the requirements and laws specific to the state. Couples should obtain their marriage license and ensure that their chosen officiant is authorized to perform marriages in the state. By following the necessary steps, couples can ensure that their wedding is legally recognized.

Frequently asked questions