Now that marriage is legal for all of those wishing to tie the knot – including same-gender couples – below is what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply. Wake County’s Register of Deeds recommends getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date. A marriage licenses issued in North Carolina may be used in any county in North Carolina, is good immediately upon issuance, and is valid for 60 days. The original license must be returned to the county where it was issued.
- Applicants may type and submit their marriage application online at http://wakegov.com/rod. However, both applicants must appear in person to complete the application process.
- Premarital physicals are not required.
- The fee for the license is $60. Only cash is accepted.
- Social Security Number: Both applicants must provide verification of their Social Security numbers. Forms of verification include a social security card or W-2 form. Applicants not eligible for a social security number may complete an affidavit attesting to this fact.
- Identification: Applicants 21 years of age or older may use one of the following — valid driver’s license, valid state-issued ID card, valid passport, valid military ID or certified copy of birth certificate. For those younger than 21, please visit: http://www.wakegov.com/rod/vitalrecords/marriage/Pages/age.aspx
- Applicants may purchase their license between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding holidays.
- Marriages may be performed by an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, a magistrate or a federal- or state-recognized Indian Nation or tribe.
Don't wait until the last minute to locate an officiant for your wedding or vow renewal ceremony. Jeff would be more than happy to perform the service for you at the office, as he is a credentialed minister with the Universal Life Church.
For more information, click the following link: http://www.wakegov.com/rod/vitalrecords/marriage/Pages/default.aspx. You can also contact Wake County’s Register of Deeds at 919-856-5460.