Courthouse Wedding and Elopement Guide

As a wedding photographer, I get it, sometimes you just want a quick “I Do, I Do” with you and your partner and I’m here to help you do just that.

You have quite a few options to get married in the Fort Bragg area, but the most popular by far is having a Courthouse ceremony.

While this may seem romantic, many of the local courthouses also serve as the county jail, which means no photographs allowed, going through metal detectors before your ceremony, and a less then gorgeous room to say your vows in. But this isn’t your only option.

You can apply for your marriage license and then have your ceremony WHEREVER you’d like it to be. All you need is an officiant and your marriage license.

The Marriage License:

The first step in getting married in the Fort Bragg area is applying for a marriage license. You do this in Cumberland County through the County Register’s Office. They’re open Monday- Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM and are located in Fayetteville.

To apply for the license you’ll need an application and if you’re over the age of 17 you’ll be asked to present a valid form of ID (either your Driver's license, State-issued I.D. Card, Passport, or Military ID).

BOTH applicants will have to be present at the County Register’s Office to apply for the license and you’ll both have provide your Social Security numbers and verification of that number (such as a Social Security Card or W2).

If you’re divorced you’ll have to provide additional documentation of the divorce.

The fee for the license is $60.

Any additional questions on obtaining your marriage license in Cumberland County can be found at: http://www.ccrod.org/marriage/general_info.html or https://www.ncaj.com/index.cfm?pg=Marriage_in_North_Carolina

The Marriage Ceremony:

After getting your marriage license , you’ll have a valid license for 60 days and will have to have a ceremony performed within the state of North Carolina within that time.

You’ll have to decide if you’d like a civil marriage or a religious one, and this will determine who will officiate your marriage.

A religious marriage must be performed by an ordained minister, which unfortunately in North Carolina does NOT include those ordained by the Universe of Life Church.

A civil marriage will be performed by a Magistrate. To have a civil ceremony performed in Cumberland County you can contact the Magistrate’s office located at the Cumberland County Detention Center, 204 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville, NC (910) 672-5633. There is a $50 cash fee for the ceremony to be performed there.

After your ceremony has been performed, you then mail your signed and completed marriage license back to the Register of Deeds. You should receive a marriage certificate back in the mail several weeks later. Then you’re married!

Ceremony Options

The marriage process seems easy enough right?! Well to add to that ease there are plenty of areas in which to have your ceremony or even, if you do decide to get married at the local county courthouse, to have your portraits taken afterward.

Check out Studio 215, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens , or The Fayetteville Rose Garden as a few potential spots for your wedding ceremony or photos.

The Fort Bragg area has lots of gorgeous locations which means you have so many options for planning your day.

Reach Out!

If you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement reach out! I have so many resources for you and I’m here to help give you ideas, options and to document your day. Find me via email thephotobrief@gmail.com , thephotobrief.com or via social media.

Looking for elopement packages, vendor recommendations (hair, makeup, florals, dresses), and access to local venues and locations for your private intimate ceremony? Send me an email!

Contact Me

I’m here to make help you have the best day possible for you and your partner.