{"id":375453,"date":"2018-05-17T12:39:58","date_gmt":"2018-05-17T17:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-marriage-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-05-23T12:01:27","modified_gmt":"2018-05-23T17:01:27","slug":"north-carolina-marriage-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-marriage-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Marriage Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina Marriage Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

You can almost taste the wedding cake and can’t wait to start your new life with the love of your life, but you still have a few items to check off your list. Marriage is a legal contract between two parties; and while this isn’t exactly the most romantic notion, it’s important to make sure that you are in fact eligible to marry and have a valid marriage license before getting married<\/a> in North Carolina. This article summarizes North Carolina’s main marriage laws.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Marriage Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Fully understanding the implications of a statute typically requires a law degree, or at least the ability to navigate dense legal texts. We know you probably don’t have the time or energy to sort through the legalese, so we’ve provided the important details about North Carolina’s marriage laws — in plain English — below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 51<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Marriage License<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

In order to get a marriage license in North Carolina<\/a> you must meet the following requirements:<\/p>\r\n

Validity of Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Certain marriages are prohibited in North Carolina<\/a> , including:<\/p>\r\n

Marriage Age<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

As in other states, those wishing to marry in North Carolina must meet minimum age requirements<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n

Ceremony and Solemnification of Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Marriages in North Carolina are solemnified in one of two general ways:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. By an ordained minister of any religious denomination<\/b>, a minister authorized by a church<\/b>, or a magistrate<\/b> (i.e. judge or civil officer); or\r\n
  2. In accordance with any marriage ceremony<\/b> recognized by any religious denomination<\/b>, or federally or state-recognized Indian Nation or Tribe<\/b> .\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Changing Your Name<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

While it’s completely up to the parties whether they want to change their name upon (or after) marriage, it’s still quite common. Generally, you may change your name<\/a> when applying for a marriage license (or when filing for divorce) in North Carolina.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n