Don’t go to the courthouse for your marriage license in Wilmington, they don’t issue it there. You need to go to the Register of Deeds instead, and most couples are in and out in about 20–30 minutes.
My wife and I actually did this ourselves, so here’s exactly how it works step by step.
How to get married in Wilmington
Here's your step-by-step.
- Book appointment at Register of Deeds office in New Hanover
- Fill out Marriage License Form before you go.
- Bring ID + Proof of Social Security
- Pay $60
- Set up an appointment with the courthouse or officiant.
- Attend the ceremony with your partner and 2 witnesses.
- Sign and file the marriage license back within 10 days at the Register of Deeds office.
🎉 Congrats! You're officially married!
What people get wrong
- Going to the courthouse instead of Register of Deeds
- Not bringing both people
- Forgetting Social Security proof
- Thinking ceremony happens there
- License is valid for 60 days only and must be used in North Carolina only
Couple getting photoshoot in Market Street
Marriage License Wilmington NC
Here’s exactly how to get your marriage license in Wilmington.
First you'll need to schedule an appointment at Register of Deeds office in New Hanover
Schedule an appointment online here or Call (910) 798-4530
Requirements:
- Complete a Marriage Form Here.
- You'll need to provide a valid photo ID, for example, driver's license or passport.
- Know your SSN (card not required)
- Bring your partner at the New Hanover County Register of Deeds office in Wilmington to apply for a marriage license.
- $60 cash or card.
- You'll be done in about 20-30 mintues
Notes
- You both must be at least 18 years old. If either of you is 16 or 17, you'll need parental consent.
- They DO NOT perform the ceremony there. You'll need an Officiant or the Courthouse to do that for you.
Head to Register of Deeds office at the date and time of your appointment
Got to Register of Deeds New Hanover County Office
320 Chestnut St #102
Wilmington, NC 28401
Monday-Friday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Couples getting married in Brooklyn Arts Center
Getting married in Wilmington, NC
You have 3 ways of getting married in New Hanover County.
You can either:
- schedule an appointment at the courthouse
- hire an officiant to make your ceremony for you.
- go to any church and get married there
That’s it. No residency required.
Wilmington Courthouse Wedding
Once you get your marriage license, you can schedule a time with the magistrate at the courthouse. It costs $50 to get married at the courthouse
Requirements:
- Your Marriage License
- Your partner and two witnesses
- Cost: $50
- Officiated by a magistrate
- You can bring up to 6 people
- You’ll need two witnesses
- Ceremony is short and simple
Notes:
- A courthouse official or magistrate will marry you.
- You can only have up to 6 people in the courtroom.
Most couples do this the same day after getting their license.
FAQ: Can you get married in the Same Day in Wilmington?
- Morning → get your marriage license
- Afternoon → courthouse ceremony or officiant Done
No waiting period in North Carolina.
What People Get Wrong
- Going to the courthouse instead of the Register of Deeds
- Thinking the ceremony happens at the license office
- Not bringing both people
- Not knowing their Social Security number
- Forgetting the license expires in 60 days
Hiring a Wilmington Officiant
You do not have to get married in a courthouse.
Once you get a marriage license form from the Register of Deeds/Courthouse, you can hire an officiant to elope at your desired location.
After the Ceremony
To make everything official, the officiant will file the signed marriage license with the Register of Deeds office to officially record your marriage.
To inquire, submit a form for Officiant + Photographer + Witnesses Below!
"We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Will and Glenn were our Officiant and Photographer, they did such an amazing job! It felt like having friends guiding us through the most important day of our lives. Wilmington was the perfect backdrop, and Glenn made it even more magical!"
Jessica & Mark
Wilmington Elopement Photographer
Hey! I'm Glenn and we are Pink Penguin Studios based in Wilmington. Thanks for reading my article on "How to Get Married in Wilmington."
If you're looking for an officiant and a photographer to plan your elopement, ANYWHERE in North Carolina, contact us here.
WILMINGTON NC COURTHOUSE
316 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get your marriage license?
If you're coming from out of state and wanting to get married in North Carolina, its possible to apply for an appointment, arrive at Register of Deeds, get a marriage license, and get married on the same day.
How much does it cost to get married at New Hanover Courthouse?
$60 for the marriage license, $50 for the courthouse fees.
Can you get your marriage license and get married the same day in NC?
Yes, you can get your marriage license and get married on the same day in NC.
How old do we need to be to get a marriage license in North Carolina?
You both must be at least 18 years old. If either of you is 16 or 17, you’ll need parental consent to get your license.
Can the officiant perform a ceremony outside of Wilmington?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a beach, park, or your favorite hangout spot, our officiants are flexible and ready to make your ceremony special.
Where can we get a marriage license?
If you’re planning to get married in North Carolina, you can apply for a marriage license at the Register of Deeds in any county in the state—not just Wilmington.
Can we get married at the Register of Deeds office?
Nope! The Register of Deeds handles licenses, not ceremonies. You’ll need an officiant to perform the ceremony.
Do you offer officiant services?
Yes! We can connect you with one of our officiants who can marry you anywhere you wish. Plus, we offer Photography + Officiant packages for an epic all-in-one experience.
Who will perform the ceremony at the courthouse?
A courthouse official or magistrate will officiate your wedding ceremony.
How many guests can we bring to the courtroom?
You can have up to 6 people in the courtroom during your ceremony, including witnesses and guests.
How do we get proof of our marriage?
You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds office for a small fee. This document serves as legal proof of your marriage.
