How to Get Married In Moore County North Carolina
WEDDING & ELOPEMENT GUIDEYou have quite a few options to get married in the Southern Pines, Pinehurst and Aberdeen area, but the most popular for small weddings 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 are allowed, you have to go through metal detectors before your ceremony, and a less then gorgeous room to say your vows in. But this is NOT 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 the marriage process is to apply for your marriage license. Head to the Moore County Register of Deeds in Carthage website here to fill out an application for your marriage license.
After filling out the application, print it and head to the Moore County Register of Deeds Office in Carthage. The office issues marriage licenses Monday- Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM (excluding Federal holidays).
If you’re over the age of 21 you’ll have to provide a valid drivers license or photo ID issued by a US Government Agency or State Agency (State ID card, Passport or Military ID). If you’re 18-21 years old you’ll have to provide a certified birth certificate and a state or federal picture ID. BOTH applicants for the marriage license have to provide proof of valid Social Security numbers.
If you’re younger then 18 you MUST have parental consent from a parent with full or joint custody or from a person, agency or institution having legal custody or legal guardianship.
The fee for your marriage license will be $60.00 and if you were previously married you’ll have to provide the date of your divorce or if it applies, the date of the death of your spouse.
The Marriage Ceremony :
After receiving your valid marriage license, you’ll have 60 days to have a marriage ceremony performed in North Carolina. This ceremony can take place anywhere in the state and you have the option of having either a civil or religious ceremony.
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.
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 Ideas & Locations:
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.
The Moore county area is LOADED with gorgeous locations which means you have so many options for planning your day.
Reach Out!
If you’re interested in planning an intimate wedding or elopement please reach out! I have so many resources for you and I’m here to help you plan and 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? Contract me now!