A simple, real-world guide to getting married at the Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh, NC. Learn how to apply for your marriage license, schedule your ceremony, and plan your day.

If you’re thinking about a courthouse wedding in Raleigh, you’re probably not looking for fluff. You want to know how it works, what to expect, and how to make it feel like an actual moment, not just paperwork.

Here’s the real breakdown:

First, you’ll need your marriage license. In Wake County, you apply through the Wake County Register of Deeds. You can start the application online, which saves time, but both of you still have to show up in person to finalize it. Bring a valid photo ID, know your Social Security number, and be ready to pay the fee. As of now, it’s $60.

The process is pretty quick. No waiting period, which is nice. You can get your license and use it the same day if you want to keep things moving.

Once you have the license, you’ll head over to the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh. This is where the actual ceremony happens. You don’t need an appointment for a standard civil ceremony, but timing matters. Magistrates perform weddings during business hours, and it’s first come, first served. Showing up earlier in the day usually means less waiting around.

There’s a small ceremony fee, typically around $50, and you’ll pay that directly at the courthouse.

The ceremony itself is simple and quick. Think a few minutes, not a full production. You’ll be brought into a courtroom, the magistrate will guide you through the vows, and that’s it. Married.

You’re allowed to bring guests, but keep it intimate. The space isn’t designed for a big group, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. It keeps the focus where it should be.

Now, here’s the part people don’t always think about until later. Just because it’s a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean it has to feel rushed or impersonal.

Give yourself space in the day.

Plan a first look beforehand somewhere like the North Carolina State Capitol or another spot downtown that feels like you. Build in time after the ceremony to walk around, take photos, and actually soak it in. The architecture around the courthouse, the city light, the mix of textures, it all photographs beautifully without trying too hard.

Outfits matter too. You don’t have to go full traditional, but wearing something that feels intentional changes the entire energy of the day. Same with florals. Even a small bouquet makes it feel like an occasion. See Stephen + Shay’s Courthouse Wedding for inspo!

And one more thing people don’t always realize. Your license has to be signed by the officiant and returned to the Register of Deeds after the ceremony. Usually the magistrate handles that part, but it’s worth confirming so nothing slips through the cracks.

That’s really it. No complicated timeline. No year-long planning process. Just a few steps, a little intention, and you’re married.

If you want the day to feel like more than a quick errand, treat it like it matters. Slow it down. Be present. Let it have some weight. Celebrate with your people, or keep it just the two of you with a fancy dinner after.

And if you’re already thinking about how you want it documented, I’m always down to help you turn something simple into something that still feels like a story worth keeping.