Marriage License & Permits
It’s got to be NC!
Remember to obtain your NC marriage license! If you plan to be married in the state of North Carolina, you must obtain your marriage license in NC as well. It will be valid, regardless of where you live. Click here for marriage license requirements in Dare County, NC.
There are different requirements along the Outer Banks for beach ceremonies. If you are renting a house on the OBX, and you plan to host your ceremony there, be sure to ask your rental agent if there are any permits or policies you need to be aware of. Obtaining the correct permit in advance is the responsibility of the couple getting married.
For ceremonies along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which includes beaches south of South Nags Head, an event permit is required. The cost is $100/$200, depending on the number of people, and equipment needed. Call (252) 473-7868 to request a permit. Application must be received 30 days in advance of event.
Note: if a citation is issued for not having a permit, payment of the cost of the citation, in addition to the cost of a permit will be required. Click here for more information.
For a list of all OBX public beach access points, click here.
North Carolina law prohibits an officiant from performing a legal marriage ceremony without first receiving the couple’s North Carolina marriage license. (NC General Statute § 51-6)
If the legal ceremony occurs in North Carolina:
The couple must obtain a marriage license from a North Carolina Register of Deeds.
It may be issued by any North Carolina county, regardless of where in North Carolina the ceremony occurs.
The couple’s state of residence is irrelevant.
An out-of-state marriage license does not authorize an officiant to perform the legal marriage in North Carolina.