MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION
Every state has its own marriage license requirements, and understanding the process is an important part of preparing for your wedding.
We’ve put together helpful guides for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to walk you through obtaining your marriage license, understanding the requirements, and making sure everything is properly completed and returned after your ceremony.
Select the state where your wedding will take place to get started.
NC Marriage License Info
SC Marriage License Info
GA Marriage License Info
TN Marriage License Info
NC Marriage License Info
SC Marriage License Info
GA Marriage License Info
TN Marriage License Info
YOUR MARRIAGE, LEGALLY PROTECTED
Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of your love, but it’s also an important legal event. At Love & Wisdom, we take that responsibility seriously.
North Carolina has specific requirements regarding who may legally officiate a marriage, and not all online ordinations necessarily satisfy those requirements. Our Officiants are carefully selected and properly credentialed, so you can feel confident that your ceremony is in experienced hands.
Our commitment doesn’t end when you say “I do.” After the ceremony, your Officiant will make sure the marriage license is properly completed and returned to the county that issued it, unless you’ve made other arrangements. It’s one more way we help make the process simple and stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.
Want to learn more? We’ve written several articles explaining North Carolina’s marriage laws and why choosing a qualified Officiant matters.
MARRIAGE LICENSE FAQ
WHERE DO WE GET OUR MARRIAGE LICESNE?
You’ll obtain your marriage license through the appropriate government office in the state where you’re getting married. The process varies by state, so we’ve provided individual guides for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee above to help you understand where to apply and what you’ll need.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE GET OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
That depends on the state where you’re getting married. Some marriage licenses are valid for a limited period, and certain states have waiting periods before the license can be used.
We recommend reviewing the marriage license requirements for your wedding state well in advance, but waiting until you’re within the appropriate timeframe before applying. Our state-specific guides above can help you plan accordingly.
DO WE NEED TO HAVE OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE BEFORE THE WEDDING CEREMONY?
Yes! If you want your wedding ceremony to result in a legal marriage, you’ll need to obtain a valid marriage license before the ceremony takes place.
Your Officiant must have the necessary marriage license information to properly complete the legal paperwork. Without a valid marriage license, you can still have a symbolic or commitment ceremony, but it won’t establish a legal marriage.
We recommend obtaining your license ahead of time and keeping it somewhere safe until your wedding day. Don’t forget to bring it to the ceremony!
DO WE NEED WITNESSES AT OUR WEDDING?
Witness requirements vary by state. In North Carolina, two witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license. Other states have different requirements, so it’s important to check the rules for the state where your wedding will take place.
Your Love & Wisdom Officiant will help ensure the marriage license is completed correctly, including any required witness signatures.
CAN A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER LEGALLY OFFICIATE OUR WEDDING?
Yes, provided they meet the legal requirements of the state where your wedding takes place. These requirements vary, and North Carolina has particular legal considerations regarding certain online ordinations.
While having a friend or family member officiate can be meaningful, choosing an experienced, professional Officiant is generally the better option. A professional brings the knowledge, preparation, and confidence needed to create a polished, personal ceremony while ensuring the legal requirements are properly handled.
If you do have your heart set on having someone you know officiate, Love & Wisdom offers legitimate ordination through Spirit of Love Ministry, Inc.
Explore Our Ordination Options to learn more.
WHO RETURNS THE MARRIAGE LICENSE AFTER THE CEREMONY?
Your Love & Wisdom Officiant will normally take care of returning the completed marriage license to the appropriate government office after your ceremony, unless you specifically request to return it yourselves.
The marriage license must be returned to the county or jurisdiction that issued it, not necessarily where the wedding took place. We’ll make sure it’s properly completed and returned according to the applicable requirements.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MARRIAGE LICENSE AND A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
A marriage license is the legal document you obtain before your wedding that authorizes you to get married. During or immediately after the ceremony, your Officiant and any required witnesses sign the license, which is then returned to the appropriate government office for recording.
A marriage certificate is the official document you can obtain after your marriage has been recorded. It serves as legal proof that you’re married and may be needed for things like changing your name, updating insurance, or other legal matters.
WHEN WILL WE RECEIVE OUR OFFICIAL MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
After your completed marriage license has been returned and officially recorded, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the appropriate government office.
Processing times and procedures vary by state and county. Your Love & Wisdom Officiant can help explain the process, but the government office that records your marriage is responsible for issuing your official certificate.