Do both partners need to be present to apply?

Yes, both of you must appear in person with valid photo IDs. Some counties now allow online pre-application to speed up the in-person process.

Is there a waiting period before we can marry?

North Carolina has no waiting period, so you're free to marry the same day you receive the license. Some other states may require 1–5 days.

Can we use the license in a different county?

Yes, in most states you can use the license anywhere within the state. Just make sure it's returned to the issuing county for official recording.

What happens after the ceremony?

Your officiant or you must return the completed license to the issuing county. You can then request certified copies for name changes and legal use.

Marriage License FAQ: What Brides and Grooms Always Ask Us About the Process & Timeline

Q: When should we apply for our marriage license?

Most couples should apply 1–3 weeks before the wedding. In North Carolina, licenses are valid for 60 days with no waiting period, so you can apply closer to your date.

Q: What documents do we need to bring?

You'll typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and — if applicable — divorce or death certificates from prior marriages.

Q: How much does a marriage license cost?

The cost ranges from $30 to $100. In Mecklenburg County, NC, the fee is currently $60, payable by cash or debit.

Q: Who can legally marry us?

A licensed officiant, such as a judge, clergy member, or ordained friend, can legally perform your ceremony. Be sure to check your state's requirements.

jmajors
Aug 6
3 min read

Planning a wedding is stressful enough: finding the perfect dress, choosing your venue, curating your guest list but one essential legal step often gets overlooked until the last minute: the marriage license.

Bridal Shops Charlotte NC — Bride and Groom Celebrating

Brides ask us often about this all the time. So we put together this go-to FAQ to answer the most common questions brides and grooms ask us about marriage licenses and the timeline for getting them.

When should we apply for our marriage license?

This depends on your state, but in most places, you should apply 1–3 weeks before your wedding. Many counties issue licenses that are valid for 30–60 days, so applying too early could mean it expires before your big day.

Pro tip: In North Carolina, a marriage license is valid for 60 days, and there’s no waiting period, so you can technically get married the same day you apply.

Do both of us need to be there to apply?

Yes. Most counties require both partners to appear in person together to apply for the license. You’ll need valid IDs (like a driver’s license or passport), and in some states, your Social Security numbers.

Mecklenburg county offers online applications. Check with your county’s Register of Deeds or Clerk’s Office to see what’s available where you live.

What documents do we need to bring?

Typically:

A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
Proof of age (if not listed on your ID)
Social Security number (some states require the card, others just the number)
If you’ve been married before: divorce decree or death certificate

Requirements vary slightly by county and state, so double-check ahead of time.

How much does a marriage license cost?

The cost ranges from $30 to $100, depending on your state or county. In Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), the fee is $60, payable by cash, debit, or certified check.

Is there a waiting period after we get the license?

In North Carolina, there’s no waiting period, meaning you can get married right away. However, some states have a 1–5 day waiting period, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Can we get married in a different county than where we got our license?

Yes, most states allow you to get married anywhere within the state, regardless of which county issued your license. Just make sure you return the signed license to the issuing county for it to be recorded.

Do we need an officiant? Who can legally marry us?

Yes, a licensed officiant is required. This can be:

A religious officiant
A judge or magistrate
An ordained friend or family member (they can easily get ordained online in most states)

Make sure whoever performs your ceremony meets the legal requirements in your state.

What do we do with the license after the ceremony?

Your officiant (or you) must return the completed license to the county within a few days after the ceremony. Then you can request official certified copies (usually $10 to 15 each), which you’ll need for name changes, insurance, taxes, etc.

Do we need to renew or register our marriage later?

Nope. Once your marriage is legally recorded, it’s permanent unless you choose to legally change your name, which does require updating your records with the Social Security Administration, DMV, bank, etc.

Final Thoughts:

We know marriage license logistics aren’t the most glamorous part of planning your wedding but they’re essential. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Make sure you:

Look up your county’s requirements early
Schedule time to apply together
Budget for the cost
Assign someone (or your officiant) to return the signed license after your ceremony

If you’re shopping for your dream dress at J. Major’s, don’t hesitate to ask us about timelines or local logistics. We’re happy to share tips to keep your planning on track and stress-free.