Friday, July 6, 2012

Destination: North Carolina

image courtesy of BBOnline/Timber Wolf Creek Bed & Breakfast


What's to love:  Can this state have any more romantic elopement locations?  Seriously.  I am swooning here as I ponder all of the possibilities.  Beaches, grand estates, wineries, quaint little cabin in the forest, in the mountains, or next to a bubbling stream.  This state is bursting with elopement packages for those who want the no muss, no fuss treatment.

What you'll need and what you need to know: 
  • You do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to elope.
  • The location of where to go to get your license varies from county to county.  Simply Google the county you have chosen to elope to and "marriage license application" to find your local bureau.
  • You must be 18 years of age to get married and will need to show proof of age.  Accepted forms of identification are drivers license, passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate.  North Carolina does allow marriages of those 16-18 years of age under special circumstances.  Please go here for more information.  Applicants 18-21 years of age must show certified birth certificate.
  • You will both also need to show proof of your social security number.  Social security card, paycheck stub, or W-2 are all acceptable forms of proof.
  • If either of you were married before, you will need to list the official divorce date.  If you were divorced in the 30 days prior to your elopement, you will need to show a signed copy of the divorce decree.
  • No blood tests are required.
  • At this time, North Carolina does not allow same sex marriages.
  • The fee for the license is $60 and payable by cash only. 
  • Witnesses are required.  You will need two of them.
  • There is NO waiting period once your license is issued.
  • Want a courthouse wedding in front of the magistrate? The fee is only $20 + the license fee.
  • Your license is valid for 60 days.
Helpful links: