Everything You Need to Know About a North Carolina Marriage License for Your Asheville Elopement

A North Carolina marriage license is one of the few things you’ll need before your Asheville elopement. Thankfully, the process is straightforward, and with a little planning, you’ll have everything ready before your wedding day.

Before we get started, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Planning an elopement comes with plenty of exciting decisions, and getting your marriage license is one of the first. While paperwork may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, it’s an important step. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to feel prepared and focus on enjoying your day.

At Elope Outdoors, we’re here to make every part of your Asheville elopement feel easy and enjoyable. If you’re looking for inspiration, browse our galleries, learn more about our elopement planning services, or reach out with any questions. We’d love to help you create a wedding day that’s relaxed, meaningful, and true to the two of you.

Who Needs a North Carolina Marriage License?

If you’re getting legally married in North Carolina, you’ll need a North Carolina marriage license. This applies whether you live in North Carolina or you’re traveling from another state for your elopement.

Many of our couples visit Asheville from across the country. You don’t have to be a North Carolina resident to get married here. As long as you have a valid marriage license from North Carolina, you can legally marry anywhere in the state.

It’s important to remember that your marriage license must be issued before your ceremony. Without it, your officiant can’t perform a legal marriage.

Thinking about including your children in your elopement? A Bearwallow Mountain Elopement with Their Three Kids | Natalie & Charles share how one couple created a relaxed and memorable wedding day with their family by their side.

Where to Apply Before Your Elopement

You can apply for your North Carolina marriage license at any Register of Deeds office. Many of our couples choose the Buncombe County Register of Deeds because they’re already planning to elope in Asheville, but you’re welcome to get your license in another county if that’s easier for your travel plans.

To save time, you can print the marriage license application online and fill it out before your appointment. If you’d rather, you can complete the paperwork when you arrive at the Register of Deeds office.

If you’re traveling from out of state, give yourself enough time to get your license before your ceremony. For example, if your elopement is on a Monday morning, plan to arrive by Friday so you have time to visit the office before your wedding day.

A little extra planning helps everything go smoothly.

 

Documents You’ll Need to Bring

When you apply for your North Carolina marriage license, make sure you bring the required documents. Having everything ready will make your visit quick and easy.

You’ll typically need:

• A valid government-issued photo ID. This can include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or another accepted form of identification.
• Your Social Security number, if you have one. Depending on the county, you may be asked to provide your Social Security card or another document that shows your number.
• Any additional documents that apply to your situation. If you’ve been married before or have other unique circumstances, the Register of Deeds may ask for additional information.

Before your appointment, it’s always a good idea to double-check the requirements for the county where you’re applying. That way, you won’t have any surprises when you arrive.

Dreaming of a secluded ceremony? Read our guide to permits, privacy, and planning a remote elopement.

How Long Is Your Marriage License Valid?

A North Carolina marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued.

That means you should wait until you’re close enough to your wedding date before applying. At the same time, don’t wait until the last minute. Giving yourself a few extra days before your elopement helps reduce stress if your travel plans change.

Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant will sign the marriage license along with your witnesses.

 

Who Can Be Your Witnesses?

North Carolina requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license after your ceremony.

If you’re eloping with guests, you’re welcome to have two of your family members or friends sign as your witnesses.

If it’s just the two of you, we’ve got you covered. At Elope Outdoors, our assistant and photographer can serve as your witnesses, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anyone else.

It’s completely your choice. Some couples love having their parents or close friends sign, while others enjoy keeping their day private.

 

What Happens After the Ceremony?

After your ceremony, your officiant will complete the marriage license paperwork.

To make things easy, our officiant can return the signed license to the Buncombe County Register of Deeds if that’s where you received it. If your license came from another county, they can mail it back for you.

Some couples prefer to return the paperwork themselves, and that’s perfectly fine too. If you take it back in person, you’ll receive your marriage certificate right away instead of waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

No matter which option you choose, we’ll make sure everything is signed correctly before you leave your ceremony.

Your ceremony should feel personal and true to your relationship. Read How to Personalize Your Elopement Ceremony (Without Stress) for simple ideas to make your wedding day uniquely yours.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Out-of-State Couples

 

Can we get married in North Carolina if we don’t live there?

Yes. Many of our couples travel from other states for their Asheville elopement. You simply need a valid North Carolina marriage license before your ceremony.

 

Do we need to get our marriage license in Buncombe County?

No. You can get your marriage license from any county in North Carolina and use it anywhere in the state.

 

Can Elope Outdoors provide witnesses?

Yes. If you’re eloping without guests, our assistant and photographer can sign as your witnesses. If you’re bringing family or friends, you’re welcome to have them sign instead.

 

Can we fill out the paperwork before our appointment?

Yes. Many couples choose to print the application and complete it in advance to save time. You can also fill it out when you arrive at the Register of Deeds office.

 

Can we return the marriage license ourselves?

Absolutely. Some couples like returning it in person because they can receive their marriage certificate right away. Others prefer having our officiant handle the mailing after the ceremony.

 

 

Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

A little planning before your elopement can help your wedding day go smoothly. Here are a few simple ways to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

• Get your marriage license ahead of time. If you’re traveling to Asheville from out of state, give yourself enough time to visit the Register of Deeds before your ceremony. For example, if your wedding is on a Monday morning, plan to arrive by Friday so you can get your license before the weekend.
• Bring the required documents. Before you leave for your appointment, double-check that you have everything you need. A few minutes of preparation can save you an extra trip.
• Keep your marriage license in a safe place. Pack it with your wedding day essentials so it’s easy to find when you arrive for your ceremony.
• Choose your witnesses before your wedding day. If you’re bringing guests, decide who you’d like to sign your marriage license. If you’re eloping with just the two of you, our assistant and photographer are happy to serve as your witnesses.
• Decide how you’d like to return your paperwork. After your ceremony, our officiant can return your signed marriage license to the Buncombe County Register of Deeds or mail it back if your license was issued by another county. If you’d rather return it yourself, you’re welcome to do that too. Many couples choose this option because they can receive their marriage certificate right away instead of waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

A little preparation goes a long way. Once everything is ready, you can relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing the paperwork is taken care of. We’ll guide you through each step so you can focus on celebrating this special moment together.

Before you choose a Blue Ridge Parkway ceremony location, read our guide to permits, rules, and planning tips.

 

 

Ready to Elope in Asheville?

Planning an elopement should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Once you have your North Carolina marriage license, we’ll help take care of the rest. From finding the perfect ceremony location to making sure your paperwork is signed correctly, we’re here to help you enjoy a relaxed and meaningful wedding day in the mountains.

For more Asheville elopement inspiration, planning tips, and real wedding stories, follow along on Instagram. If you’re ready to start planning your own adventure or have questions about the process, we’d love to connect. Reach out anytime; we’re here to help make your dream elopement a reality.