Courthouse Wedding Cost in North Carolina

Picture of By  Annie Collins

By Annie Collins

Getting married at the courthouse in North Carolina can be a simple and affordable option for couples looking to tie the knot on a budget. This no-frills ceremony skips the stress and expenses of a large, traditional wedding. The costs involved are minimal compared to a big wedding, but understanding the fees for marriage licenses and any other requirements is key.

A courthouse wedding in North Carolina varies by county and can range anywhere from $60 to $120+ depending on the county.

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in North Carolina?

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in North Carolina?

A courthouse wedding in North Carolina will typically cost around $110 to $160 depending on the county. The marriage license fee is standard across the state at $60. The ceremony fee varies by county, but most charge between $20-$50 for a basic civil ceremony at the courthouse. The all-in cost is slightly higher than the cost of a courthouse wedding in SC.

Some counties may charge extra for scheduling during non-business hours or for a particular judge or magistrate to perform the ceremony. Additional costs like hiring a photographer or bringing along wedding guests vary widely based on each couple’s preferences. But the essential legal fees to make the marriage official range from $80 to $120 in most North Carolina counties.

Marriage License$60
Marriage Ceremony$0 – $50 (varies by county)
Photographer (optional)$50 – $500+

Marriage License Cost in North Carolina

The cost of a marriage license in NC will be the same no matter which county you decide to have a courthouse wedding. The price of a marriage license in North Carolina is $60. This falls in the middle of the pack compared to other states marriage license costs.

Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Cost in North Carolina

Each county has their own cost associated with the courthouse wedding ceremony itself. Here are the ceremony costs you can expect in some of the most popular cities for courthouse weddings in the tar heel state.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Raleigh

$60 marriage license + $50 marriage ceremony fee in Wake County.

Getting married at the courthouse in Raleigh, North Carolina will cost around $110 total. This includes the standard $60 marriage license fee required statewide, plus Wake County’s civil ceremony fee of $50. Wake County charges this flat rate regardless of the day or time the ceremony takes place. So couples can have an affordable no-frills legal marriage ceremony in Raleigh for just over $100.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Charlotte

$60 marriage license + $20 ceremony fee in Mecklenburg County.

The total cost of getting married at the courthouse in Charlotte, North Carolina is approximately $80. This includes the standard $60 marriage license fee required across the state. Mecklenburg County only charges a $20 civil ceremony fee at the courthouse, which covers the judge and administrative fees. So for couples looking for an affordable legal marriage in Charlotte, the essential fees run around $80 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Asheville

$60 marriage license + $50 marriage ceremony in Buncombe County.

Tying the knot on a budget? A courthouse wedding in Asheville is a thrifty option, skipping the costly bells and whistles of a lavish affair. The basic cost for an intimate legal ceremony at the Buncombe County Courthouse is $110 – just the standard $60 marriage license plus a $50 fee for a magistrate to officiate. For couples focused on making their union officially legit without extra fuss or finery, saying “I do” at the Asheville courthouse provides affordable simplicity.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Wilmington

$60 + no ceremony fee.

Looking for an affordable way to make it official? A courthouse wedding in Wilmington, NC will only set you back $60 – the cost of the marriage license. New Hanover County does not charge a fee for the civil ceremony itself, so you can gather with your sweetheart and have a magistrate solemnize your union without any extra expense. A simple, budget-friendly courthouse wedding lets you focus on what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Getting married at the courthouse provides couples a fast, frugal option to make their union legal. While marriage license fees are consistent statewide, ceremony costs vary by county from $0 to $120. With all the venues, cakes, and dresses today’s weddings entail, the simplicity and affordability of tying the knot at the courthouse still appeals to budget-minded couples focused on their devotion, not the fanfare.

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