You should be able to look up your specific county court office pretty easily. They should have a section on their website listing the “Marriage License” services offered at each location. In North Carolina, you can get your marriage license at any county clerk’s office and use it anywhere in the state. However, you will have to bring or mail your completed marriage license to that office.
Your social security card is the best way to give your social security number to the county clerk. You can obtain a social security card from the federal government if you don’t have one. [3] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source An old paycheck stub or a W-2 form may also work if it has your social security number on it. Verify that your full name on these forms matches any your name on any ID you bring.
Your driver’s license or state-issued ID is the best form of identification to bring. Identification that comes directly from the state is easy for the county clerk to verify. Your passport or birth certificate can also work as forms of identification. Check with your specific county clerk’s office if you only have a birth certificate and no state-issued ID.
Your $60 fee can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. A check might be the best option, so you can have a verified copy of the check to show you’ve paid for your marriage license in advance. Your marriage license lasts up to 60 days after you receive it. You want to use it before that time period is up so you don’t have to go through the application process again.
Go to the county clerk’s office in advance of coming to North Carolina for the wedding. Marriage licenses can take a bit of time, so you’ll want to have it in hand with plenty of time before the wedding.
Religious officiants in North Carolina are not required to be registered with the state. Some specific county clerk’s offices occasionally do ask for ordination paperwork, so make sure your religious officiant has that prepared just in case. In the case of getting married by a friend or someone newly ordained, they may also want to have their ordination paperwork prepared. They can become ordained online rather easily.
Have someone in your wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honor, guarantee that your officiant has your marriage license. They should also talk to your officiant to see if they have any additional questions. After the ceremony, your officiant should tell you when to expect the marriage certificate. They have done this before, so they usually can tell you when to expect it back in the mail.
Witnesses are required to sign the marriage certificate in many cases. This just states that they witnessed the ceremony and that it was valid wedding. If you are getting married at a courthouse, the courthouse can usually supply witnesses. You can also ask a few friends to come along to guarantee you’ll have witnesses to your marriage.
You can bring the paperwork directly to the county clerk’s office. They will be able to process the marriage license that day, but will not be able to give you your marriage certificate at that time. It may also be easier to mail the paperwork directly to the county clerk’s office. You can send it certified mail so you know when it’s arrived.
Make sure to keep your marriage license somewhere safe. It’s an important piece of legal paperwork that you’ll likely need again in the future. If your marriage certificate does not arrive after 10 business days, contact your county clerk’s office. There may have been an issue with processing your marriage license.
You can order additional copies of your marriage certificate in person, online, or by mail. Each copy costs $10. [11] X Research source Many businesses just need to make a copy of your marriage certificate for their records. If possible, try not to give away a valuable copy of your marriage certificate unless absolutely necessary.
There are many places you can get married from a church or synagogue to an outdoor wedding. Choose the venue that best suits the mood and formality of your wedding ceremony. Different ceremony venues can accommodate different numbers of people. You’ll want to make sure whatever venue you choose can fit at least the number of people you plan to invite to the ceremony.
When you find a ceremony venue, you may also want to hold your reception there. This will make sure your guests don’t have to travel between the ceremony and the reception. Reception sites offer a variety of amenities to guests. Choose a reception site that balances costs with the types of decorations and food you want at the reception.
Once you choose a reception venue, they may have preferred vendors. These vendors should offer a discount for you at that venue. If you want to save money, you may be able to find friends to help out. Try making your own music playlist or having a friend take pictures. Additionally, you may be able to make your own food, such as in a potluck, to make the reception less expensive.
Shop around when you’re finding wedding vendors. You want to find vendors that have good prices and that you also feel comfortable with. Have money prepared to pay your vendors a deposit. This will guarantee that they are available and booked for your wedding date.
If possible, arrange for your vendors to tour your venue. They will know how and where to set up their materials the day of the wedding. Ask them if they have any additional questions or problems. You don’t want to deal with any surprises the day of the wedding.
Give your friend or family member the final checks for the vendors. They should be able to complete all payments without your help on the day of the wedding. Tip the wedding vendors. While some vendors may include gratuity, it’s standard to tip 15-20% on top of the bill. [16] X Research source
