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What can be more romantic than a beach wedding? Along the southern coast, from church sanctuaries to elegant halls to the surf's edge, the wedding industry is thriving. While couples of all ages still plan a traditional church ceremony, many opt for an outdoor wedding, choosing to tie the knot on one of the local beaches or in an azalea-filled garden. Romantic wedding/reception locations abound, from the Henrietta III Riverboat to the famous Orton Plantation and fabulous Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum.

In this chapter, we help guide you through the intricacies of planning a wedding in the southern coastal area, from applying for a license and choosing a magistrate or minister to hiring a caterer and photographer. We also provide you with information on locations, musicians, florists, formal wear, transportation and rental equipment. If you want someone else to handle all the necessary planning details, we suggest some popular wedding consultants. Be sure to look in our Salons and Day Spas chapter for some great gift ideas and beauty services for your special day. Planning a wedding can be a thrilling adventure. Our goal is to help you enjoy the experience.

Licenses

To be married in North Carolina, even on the beach, a North Carolina marriage license is a must. You may get the license in any county, but you must turn it into the Register of Deeds in the county where the wedding takes place. This is very helpful for out-of-town couples coming to the beach area to be married, because they can get their license at home (if they live in North Carolina) and bring it with them.

Courthouses are open Monday through Friday but are closed on holidays. Hours vary, so phone ahead (Register of Deeds offices are listed below). Both parties must be present when the license is issued. Take with you three forms of identification, including a certified birth certificate, Social Security card and valid driver's license or DMV picture card ID. If one or both parties has been divorced in the last 60 days, you must bring with you your divorce papers. No blood test, physical exam or waiting period is necessary to obtain a marriage license, which costs $50 plus $10 for a certified copy, and is payable by cash only. In some instances, application forms are available online.

The license is valid for 60 days after being issued. Be sure to bring your marriage license to the wedding. Two witnesses must sign the license following the ceremony. The person who performs the ceremony is responsible for getting the license back to the Register of Deeds in the county in which you were married within 10 days. After you’re married, the officiant or magistrate will issue you a marriage certificate.

Local Register of Deeds Offices

New Hanover County Register of Deeds, 216 N. Second Street, Room 2, Wilmington, (910) 798-7758 or (910) 798-7754, http://www.nhcgov.com/AGNANDDPT/RODS/Pages/MarriageLicense.aspx

Brunswick County Register of Deeds, 75 Courthouse Drive, Bolivia, (910) 253-2690, (877) 625-9310, http://rod.brunsco.net/marriagelicenses.html

Onslow County Register of Deeds, 109 Old Bridge Street, Jacksonville, (910) 347-3451, http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/register/default.aspx

Pender County Register of Deeds, 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, (910) 259-1225,  http://www.pender-county.com/departments/rod/marriage.shtml

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