North Carolina
guide to getting married & eloping in north carolina
So here is my cozy little guide giving you as much information as possible, from the best places to get married in North Carolina, and understanding how to get a marriage license in North Carolina. I hope it helps. If you have any questions or want me to be on board for the journey, get in touch
Hey there, I’m Julia! I know how over the moon you must be about getting engaged, eek, congrats! But I also know that when that excitement settles, and you think, okay, so now I just have to plan an entire wedding? Ahhh!
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Married or Eloping in North Carolina
guide to getting married & eloping in north carolina
1. Wedding vs Elopement
Before you start scrolling through websites looking at places to get married in North Carolina or pinning a million things on Pinterest, just pause for a second. Grab your partner, maybe pour some wine, and have an honest conversation about what you both really want this day to look like.
Below is a little quiz with some questions to think about together, and be honest with yourselves, not what your family expects or what you think you "should" want. This day is about the two of you and the love you share, so consider each question: are you answering for you or what other people want? And if you want to make compromises, which ones matter most? Whatever your answer is, that's the right answer.
Okay, let's start by talking about what you actually want.
Take the Quiz
Decide What You Really Want
Wedding or Elopement?
Take the quiz
how to choose between a wedding or elopement?
6. How do you handle decision-making under pressure?
A. I’m okay juggling opinions and making compromises
B. I feel calmer when decisions are just between us
4. Which moment feels more “you”?
A. Dancing the night away surrounded by everyone we love
B. Reading vows in a beautiful, private place followed by a cozy dinner
What did you get most of?
A. I love it, bring on the spotlight and the crowd
B. I’d rather keep things low-key and personal
5. When you think about your guest list, you feel…
A. Excited to gather everyone and celebrate together
B. Relieved imagining a very small guest list, or none at all
3. What kind of timeline sounds best?
A. A full, structured day with events, speeches, and dancing
B. A relaxed, flexible day that unfolds naturally
1. When you imagine your wedding day, what excites you the most?
A. A big celebration with lots of people, hugs, laughter, and energy
B. A quiet, meaningful day focused on just us (+ a few loved ones)
2. How do you feel about being the center of attention all day?
2. Pick Your Season
- Spring in North Carolina (March–May).
- Vibe: Fresh, vibrant green, and full of blooming flowers.
- Good for: Soft, beautiful light and wonderfully mild temperatures.
- Tip: Spring is perfect for garden venues and mountain ceremonies before the big summer crowds arrive.
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you get married in north carolina?
- Summer in North Carolina (June–August).
- Long, dreamy golden evenings
- Ideal for beach wedding venues along the coast or lakeside celebrations
- Hot and humid, plan later-in-the-day ceremonies
- Have a solid plan for keeping cool and comfortable.
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you get married in north carolina?
- Winter in North Carolina (December–February).
- Quieter, more intimate, and wonderfully dramatic.
- Venues often offer better rates.
- Candlelight ceremonies & cozy lodge weddings.
- Ideal for elopements with a moody, romantic aesthetic.
- Think fireplaces, warm blankets, and breathtaking views.
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
what time of year should you get married in north carolina?
Think that perfect blend of elegant and earthy; these are some of the most magical and moody places to get married in North Carolina.
Look into enchanting forest venues throughout central and western North Carolina. The forests here are stunning. Imagine towering trees creating natural canopies, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, and that serene woodland atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand. Forest venues often have beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces among the trees and a built-in indoor backup plan if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Look into enchanting forest venues throughout central and western North Carolina. The forests here are stunning. Imagine towering trees creating natural canopies, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, and that serene woodland atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand. Forest venues often have beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces among the trees and a built-in indoor backup plan if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Forest weddings in North Carolina
3. Pick Your Vibe
locations in north carolina
north carolina wedding ideas
(Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham)
If you're drawn to sleek, modern spaces, rooftop views with city lights twinkling below, and ending your night with incredible food and craft cocktails, then one of North Carolina's cities might offer your perfect backdrop. These urban areas have some really unique places to get married in North Carolina.
Explore wedding and reception venues in Charlotte, Raleigh, or Durham, from industrial-chic warehouses to elegant historic ballrooms, all great options for how to get married in North Carolina with an urban vibe. City weddings also mean you'll have amazing access to top-tier vendors, great hotels for your guests, and some seriously delicious restaurant options.
If you're drawn to sleek, modern spaces, rooftop views with city lights twinkling below, and ending your night with incredible food and craft cocktails, then one of North Carolina's cities might offer your perfect backdrop. These urban areas have some really unique places to get married in North Carolina.
Explore wedding and reception venues in Charlotte, Raleigh, or Durham, from industrial-chic warehouses to elegant historic ballrooms, all great options for how to get married in North Carolina with an urban vibe. City weddings also mean you'll have amazing access to top-tier vendors, great hotels for your guests, and some seriously delicious restaurant options.
City Weddings and Elopements in North Carolina
(Outer Banks, Wilmington, Crystal Coast)
If you're daydreaming about saying your vows barefoot in the sand, with the ocean breeze and sunset colors painting the sky, then North Carolina's coast is a stunning option. These coastal spots are among the most romantic places to get married in North Carolina. Check out the laid-back beach wedding venues and elopement spots along the Outer Banks, Wilmington, or the Crystal Coast, perfect for eloping in North Carolina with an ocean backdrop.
Heads up: if you're planning a beach ceremony, make sure to check local regulations on things like chairs, arches, and bonfires. Each coastal town has its own rules, and it's good to know ahead of time when you're figuring out how to get married in North Carolina.
If you're daydreaming about saying your vows barefoot in the sand, with the ocean breeze and sunset colors painting the sky, then North Carolina's coast is a stunning option. These coastal spots are among the most romantic places to get married in North Carolina. Check out the laid-back beach wedding venues and elopement spots along the Outer Banks, Wilmington, or the Crystal Coast, perfect for eloping in North Carolina with an ocean backdrop.
Heads up: if you're planning a beach ceremony, make sure to check local regulations on things like chairs, arches, and bonfires. Each coastal town has its own rules, and it's good to know ahead of time when you're figuring out how to get married in North Carolina.
Beach Weddings and Elopements in North Carolina
(Asheville, Boone, Highlands)
If your heart skips a beat thinking about misty over dramatic mountain views and cozy cabins with fireplaces, then the North Carolina mountains might be your spot. These are some of the most stunning places to get married in North Carolina.
Start by exploring mountain wedding venues and elopement spots around Asheville, Boone, or Highlands; there are seriously incredible options. The lighting in the mountains is pure magic, especially at sunrise and sunset. Talk to your photographer about timing your ceremony to catch that golden glow over the peaks.
If your heart skips a beat thinking about misty over dramatic mountain views and cozy cabins with fireplaces, then the North Carolina mountains might be your spot. These are some of the most stunning places to get married in North Carolina.
Start by exploring mountain wedding venues and elopement spots around Asheville, Boone, or Highlands; there are seriously incredible options. The lighting in the mountains is pure magic, especially at sunrise and sunset. Talk to your photographer about timing your ceremony to catch that golden glow over the peaks.
Mountain Weddings and Elopements in North Carolina
As the sun drops low, Wrightsville Beach turns quiet and golden, with open sand, long shadows, and space to slow down. A relaxed setting for couples who want their session to feel easy, connected, and unforced.
A quiet, intimate boudoir experience rooted in comfort, confidence, and self-expression. Designed for individuals who want to feel seen, empowered, and completely themselves in a calm, supportive space.
raleigh — north carolina
wrightsville beach - wilmington
Layered greenery, blooming azaleas, and gentle light, WRAL Azalea Garden creates a serene, cinematic backdrop for couples who want something classic, intimate, and effortlessly romantic.
wral azalea garden - raleigh
Open spaces, city views, and an effortlessly calm atmosphere, Downtown Raleigh creates a modern backdrop for couples who want their session to feel intimate, playful, and quietly cinematic.
Early morning light, gentle waves, and a peaceful shoreline, Wilmington creates a cinematic backdrop for sunrise surf sessions that blend movement, connection, and coastal atmosphere.
My Favourite north carolina wedding locations.
FavouritePlaces
downtown raleigh — north carolina
VIEW THE blog
VIEW THE blog
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VIEW THE blog
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WILMINGTON — NORTH CAROLINA
Personality:
This is huge. Would you feel totally comfortable having them around you for your most intimate moments all day long?
Photos are how you’ll relive this magical day for the rest of your life. That’s why finding a North Carolina wedding photographer that you connect with, is so important.
Style:
Do you absolutely love their colors, the way they capture emotion, and the feeling of their storytelling?
Do they know the local spots, understand how the mountain light hits, and know how the weather patterns work?
Type of work:
Do they regularly shoot the kind of event you’re planning, full North Carolina weddings and/or intimate elopements?
Experience in NC
what to look for in your north carolina wedding photographer
5. Book your Photographer
starting at $2400
4 hour elopement
$700 for 60 min
$850 for 90 min
session
7. Plan your Timeline
venue and wedding planning
8:30 pm
lantern photos
7:30 pm
golden hour Portraits
6:30 pm
adventure to second location
5:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
1 pm
flat lay details
5 pm
family photos (if any came)
4:30 pm
License Signing & a moment alone
4 pm
ceremony
3:30 pm
First Look & vows
3 pm
Head to first look/ceremony location
2 pm
getting ready photos
Elopement planning and timeline
7:30 pm
open dancing begins
7 pm
cake cutting, speeches
6 pm
dinner
5:45 pm
reception begins &
first dances
5:30 pm
sunset
11 am
photographer arrives
flat lay details
4:30 pm
golden hour couples portraits &
cocktail hour
3:30 pm
ceremony & vows &
marriage license
2:30 pm
wedding party &
family photos
2 pm
First Look (If applicable) &
reading vows
1 pm
getting ready with person 2
12 pm
getting ready with person 1
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
9 pm
photographer leaves
8:45 pm
grand exit / send off
7. Plan your Timeline
venue and wedding planning
8:30 pm
Relaxed Evening/Bonfire/Stargazing
7:30 pm
Sunset Portraits (If applicable)
5 pm
Head back to accommodations for dinner
4:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
10 am
Leisurely breakfast & getting ready
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3 pm
Ceremony Begins (Vows, License Signing)
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (Often at a scenic spot)
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Detail Shots)
Elopement planning
8:30 pm
Open Dancing Begins
7:30 pm
Formal Dances & Cake Cutting
5 pm
Cocktail Hour Begins
4:30 pm
Ceremony Begins
11 am
flat lay details
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3pm
Wedding Party & Family Photos
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (If applicable) & Couple's Portraits
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
getting ready with person 1
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
8:30 pm
Open Dancing Begins
8:30 pm
Relaxed Evening/Bonfire/Stargazing
7:30 pm
Sunset Portraits (If applicable)
5 pm
Head back to accommodations for dinner
4:30 pm
Picnic/Champagne Toast at the location
10 am
Leisurely breakfast & getting ready
4 pm
Post-Ceremony Portraits (Adventure shoot)
3 pm
Ceremony Begins (Vows, License Signing)
10 am
Travel to the secluded ceremony spot
2 pm
First Look (Often at a scenic spot)
10 am
Head to first look/ceremony location
12 pm
Photographer Arrives (Getting Ready & Detail Shots)
elopement timeline example
Wedding timeline example
8.Legal Stuff
The Ceremony and Officiant
how to get legally married in north carolina
Waiting Period and Validity
- Waiting Period: There is no waiting period in North Carolina. You can receive your license the same day as you apply.
- Validity: Y license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If you do not get married within this window, the license expires, and you must reapply and pay the fee again.
Requirements for the Application
- Identification: Valid photo ID for both applicants (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID).
- Social Security Number: Both parties must present their Social Security cards or official documentation showing their numbers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may provide another form of identification as determined by the Register of Deeds.
- Age: Both parties must generally be 18 years of age or older. (See eligibility section for exceptions).
- $60 Fee for your marriage license.
Obtaining Your North Carolina Marriage License
A marriage license is required for all couples wishing to marry in North Carolina, whether the ceremony is civil or religious. You must apply in person at the Register of Deeds office in any North Carolina county.
Understanding the legal process for your North Carolina wedding or elopement is crucial, but don't worry, it's very straightforward! The state has made the process of getting a marriage license and making your union official quite simple.
- Your ceremony must be performed within North Carolina while the license is valid.
- Two witnesses are required to be physically present at your ceremony to sign the marriage license.
Permits
If your wedding or elopement is taking place on public lands, such as a National Park, National Forest, or State Park, you will likely need a special use permit, regardless of the size of your party. This is separate from your marriage license.
Many coastal towns (e.g., Outer Banks, Wilmington) require a specific town permit for beach ceremonies, especially if you plan to use chairs, arches, or large equipment.
Beaches/Coastal Areas
Check the specific park's website well in advance. Permits often cost $50–$150 and have strict rules on group size, decor, and location.
National Parks (Blue Ridge Parkway etc)
Often required if you have more than 75 people or if a commercial vendor (like a photographer) is present. Contact the local Ranger District.
National Forests (e.g., Pisgah, Nantahala)
Check the specific park rules. Many parks have restrictions on ceremonies outside of designated areas.
NC State Parks
go to website
go to website
go to website
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- Location Permits (if required)
- Special Mementos (such as vows, keepsakes)
- Headlamps / Flashlights (eloping in low-light)
- First Aid Kit (bare essentials for minor injuriess)
- Weather-appropriate Clothing Layers
- Hand/Body Warmers (if eloping in cooler climates)
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella or Rain Gear (if rain is expected)
- Hats or Sun Protection (if eloping in sunny locations)
- Water Bottles
- Granola Bars or Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Portable Speaker (if allowed at your location, for music)
- Makeup Touch-Up Kit
- Bouquet of Flowers
- Appropriate Footwear (consider the terrain and weather)
- Blanket (for sitting or warmth)
- Backpack (to carry essentials)
- Wedding Rings
- Vow Books
- Marriage License
- Veil or any unique headpiece
- Wedding Attire
- Dress or suit
- Garment bag to keep attire wrinkle-free
- Pen (for signing the marriage license)
