How Do You Get a Marriage License in Wilmington, NC? (2027 Guide)
Getting a marriage license in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a straightforward process, but there are a few important requirements to complete before your wedding day. Couples must schedule an appointment with the New Hanover County Register of Deeds, provide acceptable identification, and pay a $60 application fee.
North Carolina marriage licenses are valid for 60 days and can be used immediately after issuance, with no mandatory waiting period. Whether you're getting married in downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, or elsewhere along the North Carolina coast, here's everything you need to know about making your marriage official.
Where Do You Get a Marriage License in Wilmington?
Marriage licenses are issued through the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.
The county's main office is located at:
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
320 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
The county also operates a satellite office at 230 Government Center Drive in Wilmington.
Marriage licenses are issued by appointment only, so you'll need to schedule your visit in advance. Confirm your appointment location before arriving, since the county operates more than one office.
You don't have to live in Wilmington or even North Carolina to obtain a marriage license here. Couples traveling to the area for a destination wedding can apply through New Hanover County as long as their ceremony takes place within North Carolina.
How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?
New Hanover County offers an appointment-based process that allows couples to complete part of the paperwork before visiting the office.
Here's how to get started:
Schedule a marriage license appointment through the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.
Complete the online application using the link provided in your appointment confirmation email, if you wish to complete it in advance.
Gather the identification and other documents required for your circumstances.
Attend your scheduled appointment and pay the marriage license fee.
Both partners should ordinarily attend the appointment in person. Completing the online application beforehand can save time, but it doesn't replace the in-person appointment.
If one partner cannot appear because of an exceptional hardship, the county has a separate affidavit procedure. Contact the Register of Deeds before your appointment to confirm the additional documentation required.
What Documents Do You Need?
For most adult couples, the required documents are relatively simple.
Both applicants should be prepared to provide:
Valid government-issued photo identification
Their Social Security numbers, or the required affidavit if legally ineligible to obtain a Social Security number
Information about any previous marriages
Payment for the $60 license fee
New Hanover County accepts several forms of identification, including driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, passports, and military identification.
The county also has specific requirements concerning expiration dates, so check that your identification meets its current standards before your appointment.
If you've previously been divorced, you'll need to provide the month and year your most recent divorce was finalized. If the divorce occurred within 60 days before your marriage license appointment, you must bring the divorce decree.
Applicants younger than 18 are subject to additional legal requirements and documentation. Contact the Register of Deeds directly if those circumstances apply.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Wilmington?
As of October 2026, the New Hanover County marriage license fee is $60.
The county accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. This fee covers obtaining the license itself and is separate from any expenses associated with your wedding ceremony.
For example, hiring an officiant, renting a ceremony venue, or obtaining a special event permit for a public beach wedding may involve additional costs.
The marriage license is the legal authorization to marry. It doesn't automatically reserve a wedding location or include the services needed to conduct your ceremony.
Because government fees can change, confirm the published amount before your appointment if you're planning a wedding in 2027 or later.
When Should You Get Your Marriage License?
North Carolina marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date they're issued.
This means you should obtain your license within the 60 days before your wedding, allowing enough time to secure an appointment and resolve any documentation questions.
There is no mandatory waiting period after the license is issued. Technically, you can get married on the same day, provided the license has been issued and the ceremony meets North Carolina's legal requirements.
However, arranging your appointment a few weeks before the wedding is often more convenient than leaving it until the final days.
For couples traveling to Wilmington from another state, consider scheduling your appointment around your arrival date. This can help avoid unnecessary travel while ensuring everything is completed before the ceremony.
If your wedding doesn't take place within the 60-day validity period, you'll need to obtain another license.
Can You Use a New Hanover County Marriage License Somewhere Else?
Yes. A marriage license issued by New Hanover County can be used for a ceremony anywhere within North Carolina.
For example, you can obtain your license in Wilmington and use it for a wedding in Southport, Ocean Isle Beach, Topsail Beach, or another North Carolina community.
The same principle applies in reverse. A valid marriage license obtained from another North Carolina county can be used for a wedding in Wilmington.
However, a North Carolina marriage license cannot be used for a ceremony performed outside the state.
This flexibility can be particularly helpful for destination weddings, since couples can choose the North Carolina Register of Deeds office that best suits their travel arrangements.
Who Can Legally Perform Your Wedding Ceremony?
Obtaining your marriage license is only one part of becoming legally married.
North Carolina requires the ceremony to be performed by a legally recognized officiant. Eligible officiants include magistrates and certain ordained or otherwise authorized religious ministers, along with ceremonies performed according to other legally recognized religious or tribal practices.
If you're considering having a friend or family member officiate, verify their legal eligibility before the wedding. An online ordination alone shouldn't be assumed sufficient without confirming that it meets North Carolina requirements.
Your ceremony must also include at least two witnesses who sign the marriage license.
For couples planning a traditional wedding with a professional officiant, these details are often coordinated in advance. Nevertheless, it's worth confirming who will handle the completed paperwork after the ceremony.
What Happens to Your Marriage License After the Wedding?
Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant and witnesses will sign the required documentation.
The officiant is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the issuing Register of Deeds office within 10 days of the ceremony.
After the marriage has been recorded, you can request a certified copy of your marriage record.
This certified copy is particularly important if you plan to change your last name, update identification, or complete other administrative processes requiring proof of marriage.
New Hanover County allows certified copies to be requested in person, online, or by mail. Keep in mind that the decorative certificate you may receive during your ceremony isn't necessarily a substitute for an official certified record.
Planning Your Wilmington Wedding
Obtaining your marriage license is one of the simpler wedding-planning responsibilities once you understand the requirements. Schedule your appointment, bring the appropriate documentation, and make sure the ceremony takes place while your license is valid.
With the legal paperwork organized, you can turn your attention to the details that shape your celebration, from the venue and photography to your wedding-day preparations.
At Citrine Beauty, we provide on-location bridal hair and makeup throughout Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina coast, helping brides prepare comfortably for their wedding celebrations.
Explore our bridal beauty services or inquire with Citrine Beauty to discuss your wedding date and getting-ready location.