Planning information checked October 15, 2026.
Getting married in Wilmington starts with two separate plans: your marriage license and your ceremony. Leave room for both, then build the photographs around the part of the day you want to remember.
Start with your marriage license
New Hanover County issues licenses by appointment. Both applicants should attend with photo identification and their Social Security numbers. The license costs $60 and can be used immediately, for a ceremony in North Carolina within 60 days. Read the county’s requirements for previous marriages, applicants under 18 or exceptional circumstances before booking.
Check the county requirements and book your license appointment.
Book the ceremony separately
The license office does not perform your ceremony. For a civil wedding, contact the magistrate’s office to confirm availability, fees and guest limits before making plans. You can find the local office through the New Hanover court directory. A license being usable immediately does not guarantee a ceremony appointment that day.
Choose your officiant and witnesses
Arrange an authorized officiant and at least two witnesses. Review the North Carolina Judicial Branch marriage guidance before asking a friend to officiate. Your officiant must return the completed license to the issuing office within 10 days.
Make room for the photographs
Think about who you want beside you and how you want the day to feel. We can talk through the photographs during a call, whether you are planning a short ceremony or a full wedding day.
Let’s talk about your plans.
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