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North Carolina is a beautiful state, steeped in history and offering over 3,000 miles of coastline, as well as mountains, parks and quiet picturesque towns, there is no shortage of amazing backdrops for a wedding or elopement. The Great Smoky Mountains contains spectacular views and vibrant grasslands which are a gorgeous combination for such a special day. Those who like adventure will love the DuPont State Forest, with the highlight being a huge crystal clear waterfall that’s both epic and romantic. There are also an abundance of small towns, offering a romantic and peaceful options for a marriage in homesteads, vineyards and farmhouses.
Late spring or fall are ideal times for a wedding ceremony in North Carolina. These times offer a balance between dry weather, but still have comfortable temperatures. North Carolina has tends to have rain and high winds from hurricanes in the peak of summer, so you may not want to risk an August wedding.
All states require a marriage license, so you need to ensure that you understand all of the requirements very early in the planning process. Luckily, it’s fairly straightforward in most cases as long as you meet the criteria and follow the state requirements.
Here is what you need to know about getting a marriage license in North Carolina.
Yes! Same sex marriage is recognized in all states, and at a federal level, under the Respect for Marriage Act which was signed into law in December 2022.
No. Blood tests have been abolished as part of marriage license applications in all 50 states, so don’t worry if you’re afraid of needles!
Once you’ve gotten the admin out of the way, you can get to the part you’ve been dreaming of: the wedding ceremony!
As you’d expect, each state has different requirements to make a marriage legal. Make sure you follow the guide below to get your marriage legally recognized.
An officiant is required to solemnize a marriage in North Carolina. Eligible individuals include: a magistrate, or any ordained minister of a religious domination or someone authorized by a church to perform marriages. Unlike many other states, judges or local mayors are not authorized to perform marriages.
Those ordained by online ministries are able to perform a marriage ceremony in North Carolina.
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