Magistrates Performing Weddings: Outside Courthouse In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, 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 justice of the peace or in the recognised manner of any federally or state-recognized Native American tribe. A magistrate's office is often located in a jail, police station, or sheriff's office, and couples can contact their local office to check availability and schedule a wedding. While a ceremony is not required, couples must obtain a marriage license and have two witnesses present to sign the license along with the couple and the officiant.

Magistrates can perform weddings outside of the courthouse in North Carolina

In North Carolina, magistrates are authorised to perform weddings. However, it is important to note that the availability of magistrates to conduct weddings varies by county. While some counties may require appointments, others may accommodate walk-ins. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the magistrate's office in your chosen county to inquire about their specific process and availability.

Couples have the flexibility to select any county in North Carolina that suits their preferences, as the marriage license obtained in one county is valid across the entire state. This means you can obtain your license in County A and then get married at the magistrate's office in County B.

When choosing a county, consider selecting a smaller county, as their magistrate's office may be less busy and more accommodating to walk-ins. Additionally, some magistrate's offices are open 24 hours a day, providing the option to get married at any time of day, including midnight!

The process of obtaining a marriage license is straightforward. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and should visit the Register of Deeds in any North Carolina county to apply. There is a fee for the license, and both parties must provide valid photo identification and their Social Security cards. The license is valid for 60 days, and the wedding ceremony must take place within this timeframe.

Once the marriage license is obtained, the couple can proceed with the wedding ceremony. In North Carolina, there are two types of marriage ceremonies: religious and civil. A religious ceremony must be conducted by an ordained minister, while a civil ceremony is performed by a magistrate. It is important to note that a judge cannot perform weddings in North Carolina.

For those seeking a simple and efficient process, a civil ceremony with a magistrate may be the preferred option. The ceremony can be brief and straightforward, requiring only the couple, the magistrate, and two witnesses. The witnesses can be anyone of the couple's choosing, including friends or even deputies at the magistrate's office.

After the ceremony, the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and both witnesses. One unique aspect of North Carolina law is that there is no required waiting period between obtaining the license and the wedding. This means that couples can get married on the same day they receive their license if they so desire.

In conclusion, while the specific process and availability may vary by county, magistrates in North Carolina are authorised to perform weddings outside of the courthouse. By following the necessary steps and staying informed about county-specific requirements, couples can have a stress-free and memorable wedding experience.

The marriage license is valid for any county in North Carolina

When it comes to getting married in North Carolina, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, couples must obtain a marriage license from a Register of Deeds Office in the state. This can be done no more than 60 days before the wedding date, as the license will expire after that period. The license is valid for any county in North Carolina, so couples can choose the location that best suits their needs.

Once the license is obtained, the couple must find an ordained officiant to perform the ceremony. This can be a professional officiant, a minister, or even a close friend or family member who has been ordained. The officiant must be at least 18 years old and legally ordained in the state of North Carolina. The couple will also need to find two witnesses who are at least 18 years old to be present at the ceremony.

On the day of the wedding, the couple must clearly express their desire to be married to each other. This can be done through traditional vows or more creative statements, as long as both parties give their consent. After the ceremony, the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and both witnesses. Both copies of the license should be returned to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days of the ceremony.

It's important to note that while judges cannot perform weddings in North Carolina, magistrates can. Magistrates' offices are often located in jails, police stations, or sheriff's offices, and they may have different processes for scheduling weddings. Couples should contact their local magistrate's office to inquire about their specific process and availability.

By following these steps, couples can ensure that their marriage is legal and valid in the state of North Carolina.

The license must be obtained within 60 days of the wedding

In North Carolina, a marriage license must be obtained no more than 60 days before the wedding date. The license is invalid after 60 days, and applicants must apply again if the wedding does not occur within this timeframe.

To obtain a marriage license, couples must apply to a North Carolina Register of Deeds Office. Both parties must be present and bring valid photo identification, their social security cards, and the $60 fee. The Register of Deeds may also require proof of age, such as a birth certificate or government-issued ID, and proof of divorce if either party was previously married.

Once the marriage license has been obtained, the couple must marry within 60 days. The marriage license must be signed by the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses. The officiant can be a magistrate, a minister ordained in a religious denomination, or an authorized representative of a federally or state-recognized Native American tribe.

After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days. The officiant will need to fill out the county where the marriage took place on the marriage license. The couple may return the license in person or by mail.

It is important to note that the marriage license is valid in any county in North Carolina, but the process for obtaining the license and getting married can vary by county. Some counties may require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the local magistrate's office to inquire about their specific process and availability.

The license must be returned to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days of the ceremony

In North Carolina, a marriage license must be returned to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days of the wedding ceremony. This is an important step to ensure that the marriage is legally recognised. The license must be signed by the officiant and two witnesses, and the correct county must be filled out on the license. The license can be returned in person or by mail.

The marriage license is valid for 60 days, and the wedding ceremony must take place within this time frame. The license can be obtained from any Register of Deeds office in North Carolina, but it is important to check the hours of operation and the specific requirements of the office, as these may vary by county. The license must be picked up in person, and both spouses must be present with valid photo identification and social security cards. There is also a fee, which can vary but is typically $60.

Once the license is obtained, the wedding ceremony can take place. In North Carolina, there are two types of marriage ceremonies: religious or civil. A religious ceremony must be performed by an ordained minister, while a civil ceremony is performed by a magistrate. It is important to note that judges cannot perform marriages in North Carolina. The magistrate's office may be located in a courthouse, jail, police station, or sheriff's office, and availability may vary by county. Some offices require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. It is recommended to contact the magistrate's office in advance to confirm the process and availability.

After the ceremony, the officiant and witnesses sign the marriage license, and it is returned to the Register of Deeds office. The couple can then request a paper copy of their marriage certificate from the same office. This certificate includes the married couple's names, addresses, the date of the marriage, the county that issued the marriage license, and the date the license was issued.

The officiant must be ordained in the state of North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina, there are specific requirements that must be met for a marriage to be considered legal. One of the most important requirements is the presence of an ordained officiant to preside over the wedding ceremony. Here is some information about the role of the officiant and the process of ordination in North Carolina.

Who Can Be an Officiant in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a wedding ceremony must be conducted by a recognised officiant. This can be a magistrate or any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorised by a church. It's important to note that the minister must be ordained specifically in the state of North Carolina for the marriage to be considered valid. Additionally, marriages can also be performed without an officiant in the recognised manner of certain religious denominations or Native American tribes.

How to Become an Ordained Officiant in North Carolina

If you wish to become an ordained officiant in North Carolina, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years or older. Then, you can get ordained online through websites like the Universal Life Church Website. It's important to ensure that the ordination is recognised by the state of North Carolina to avoid any legal issues.

The Role of the Officiant

The officiant plays a crucial role in the wedding ceremony. They are responsible for ensuring that the ceremony follows the legal requirements of the state. This includes obtaining the couple's marriage license before the wedding and returning the signed license to the Register of Deeds office within the specified timeframe, usually within 10 days of the ceremony. Additionally, the officiant must ensure that the couple clearly expresses their consent to the marriage, such as through the traditional "I do" or a similar affirmation.

Finding an Ordained Officiant in North Carolina

If you are getting married in North Carolina and need to find an ordained officiant, there are several options available. You can hire a professional officiant, ask a minister from your religious organisation, or even have a close friend or family member get ordained specifically for your wedding. Asheville, for example, offers a range of professional officiant services. Alternatively, you can contact the local magistrate's office to inquire about their availability to perform the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions