Here's our Step-by-Step Guide to eloping in Downtown Raleigh!
First off, congrats to these show stopping newlyweds, Henry and McKenzie, as they embark on their forever.
As a military couple on Fort Liberty, they were looking for a quick and intimate ceremony all while making it a stress-free process. Thankfully this elevated courthouse option is only an hour and ten minutes from base! Their close family members were able to join which was the best part! Yes, family and your photographers are allowed in the courtroom while you wed! If you are looking to get eloped at the Wake County Justice Center, here's everything you need to know to make your special day go smoothly.
Be sure to contact the Wake County Justice Center directly to get the most current information or visit this site for more info: Apply for a Marriage License | Wake County Government
Blog post updated Sept 2024.
Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License
Before you can get married, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the Wake County Register of Deeds. Here’s how:
Visit the Wake County Register of Deeds Office: The office is located at 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC. This is the same building as the Justice Center. There are other locations if you visit the link above.
Marriage License Application: Save time and fill out the Marriage License application online before you arrive, or complete when you arrive on one of the computers on-site.
Bring Required Documentation: Both parties must be present and bring valid identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID) and proof of your social security number.
Pay the Fee: The cost for a marriage license in Wake County is $60.
Marriage License Validity: North Carolina does not have a waiting period after the license is issued therefore you can get married the same day. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued and can be used anywhere in North Carolina!
Step 4: Plan for your ceremony!
Guests and Witnesses: You will also need at least two witnesses, who must be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license. As mentioned above, you are allowed to bring guests, photographers, and videographers to your ceremony. I would say this is one of the more relaxed courthouses I have had experience with!
Photography and flowers:Â We got you covered! With our Raleigh courthouse elopement packages, we include: 3 hours of photography, a bouquet, boutonniere, and coordination of your day! You can also add on so much more! I am familiar with photo locations around the courthouse and can help you with other means.
Step 3: The Ceremony
Arrival: On the day of your ceremony, arrive at the Justice Center with $50 cash-exact change, your marriage license, and 2 witnesses. Arrive with lots of ample time if you have plans that day or are trying to stick to a photography timeline! With downtown Raleigh parking, and other couples getting married, expect the process to take 1-2 hours. The ceremony itself is typically brief but meaningful. Here’s what to expect:
The Courtroom Ceremony in room 901: For the ceremony you take the elevator to the 9th floor and head to room 901. You might encounter a brief wait in line if there are other couples ahead of you. Given the day and time, this is likely, as it's a busy court! As it should because this courthouse is beautiful! With the all-white hallways and elegant architecture, it sure is a really unique way to wed without the cost! As we wait in line, this is a great opportunity to sneak off and take some photos in the hallways or the elevators! The magistrate will conduct a brief civil ceremony, no more than 5 minutes, during which you’ll exchange vows and rings if you choose. 2 witnesses will sign as well as the magistrate, and you can seal it with a kiss!
Step 4: Filing Your Marriage License
Once your marriage license is signed, the magistrate will file it with the Wake County Register of Deeds. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for a small fee. These copies can be used to update your legal documents, such as your driver's license and Social Security card.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting married at the Raleigh Courthouse, Wake County Justice Center
Can you get your marriage license and get married the same day in NC? North Carolina does not have a waiting period after the license is issued therefore you can get married the same day!
Do you have to make an appointment to get married at the Raleigh Courthouse? No, you do not need an appointment, they accept walk-ins.
Where is the courtroom at Wake County Justice Center? 9th floor Room 901
How much does it cost to get married at Wake County Justice Center? The cost for a marriage license in Wake County is $60. The cost for a civil ceremony at the courthouse is $50.
Can you have family and friend inside the courtroom? What about my photographer? Yes, all of the above. You can have guest and your photographer in the courtroom for your ceremony.
How long will the entire elopement process take on the day of the ceremony at the Raleigh courthouse?
You should expect the entire process, including potential wait times, to take 1-2 hours. The ceremony itself is typically 5 minutes long.
Are elopement packages available for courthouse weddings?
Yes! There are packages that include photography, flowers, and coordination for Raleigh courthouse weddings. Please reach out to me!
Ready to get eloped?!
Interested in hearing more about our courthouse elopement packages? Email or call me today! Wrapping coordination, design, photography and floral all in one we are designed to fit your wedding needs. Â I have been in the industry for 14 years therefore I'm here for you! I have a wealth of resources and referrals. Call me at 920.213.7439 or email me:
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