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Charlotte, North Carolina Wedding Guide

Become a Wedding Officiant in Charlotte as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in North Carolina, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is all about that traditional South East Coast charm. A massive influx of Christian denominations in the 19th century gave it the nickname the City of Churches, which these days, means dozens of gorgeous locations for traditional weddings. Queen City has two professional league teams for NBA and NFL fans, and was one of the locations for the film Days of Thunder at the Charlotte Speedway. So if you were worried, it’s also a pretty happening place!

 

Charlotte has a wealth of options for your special day with friends and loved ones whether you host your wedding downtown in a posh hotel, or in the countryside at a rustic homestead with ties to early American history.

 

But before you delve into planning the fun stuff, let us help you with the technical details, starting with getting your minister of choice ordained.
 




North Carolina Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

Step 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

According to the Mecklenburg County Clerk’s website, the wedding must be officiated by a magistrate or minister, or any other person authorized by their religious denomination, or a federally recognized Indian Tribe may perform the marriage ceremony. If you’re not ordained by a religious organization, you’re in luck. You can get ordained with AMM -- the process is free and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve got that box checked, we’ll get to the good stuff.


Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Mecklenburg County

 

Now that you’ve got your credentials taken care of, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is a true honor, but requires a bit of preparation. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 

 

Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to  brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.


Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

 

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license. Mecklenburg County does not require a waiting period from the issuance of the marriage license, but the wedding ceremony must be completed within 60 days of issuance, or the marriage license will expire.

 

Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. Make sure to remind the couple to return the signed and completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office before 60 days from the date of issuance. Ideally, the license should be returned right away, since that’s when the marriage is recorded into government records.



North Carolina Wedding

How To Get Married in Charlotte

For The
Couple

File for the Marriage License from the Mecklenburg County Clerk's Office

 

To get your marriage license, both members of the couple will have to visit the County Clerk’s office at:

 

720 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

 

To save some time at your appointment, first complete the online marriage license application.

 

There is not a requirement by Mecklenburg County that you are a resident of North Carolina. The marriage license is only valid in the state of North Carolina.

 

When you go, remember to bring the following:

 

  • $60
  • Photo IDs
  • Social Security Numbers (if applicable)


Once you’ve completed your marriage application and had it signed by your officiant return it to the Mecklenburg County Clerk.

Mecklenburg County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Issuance Office: 720 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 
Fee: $60
Expiration: 60 days
Return: by Couple

Charlotte Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

Charlotte is a beautiful city with early American history, rolling countryside and stunning mountaintops. Your guests will have lots of opportunities to explore when they visit Charlotte. Be sure to take a look at the city’s event pages before you select your wedding date, since large events will draw crowds and fill up nearby hotels, and also increase the cost of booking rooms. 

 

Depending on what you are considering for wedding venues, Charlotte has a variety of downtown spaces, like the picturesque Founders Hall or the Duke Mansion, a 32,000 square foot mansion built in 1915. 

 

If you prefer the countryside, there are many great options as well. Alexander Homestead is a restored Victorian estate from 1903. Ballantyne Country Club has space for up to 200 guests on a classic golf and country club with friendly staff and traditional southern hospitality.

 

Transportation

 

A rental car is suggested for out of town guests for getting around downtown, or for checking out some nearby mountain hikes such as Chimney Rock, there are also rideshare options as well if guests are staying in downtown.

 

Weather

 

Charlotte offers a humid subtropical climate. Summers in Charlotte experience fairly ideal weather, with temperatures averaging around 70 degrees most of June, July, and August. Winter will dip into the 30s with average high temperatures above 50 degrees.




Charlotte Officiant FAQ

Charlotte Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


Is there a waiting period to get married in Charlotte once you’ve applied for the marriage license?

No, there is not a required waiting period after the marriage license is issued. The ceremony needs to take place within 60 days of the issuance of the marriage license.

 

Are witnesses required in order to get married in Charlotte?

Yes, a legal ceremony consists of at least four people: the officiant, one witness and the bride and groom.

 

How long does an applicant have to wait to get remarried after a divorce?

In Mecklenburg County, an applicant must provide a certified copy of the decree if the divorce was finalized within the last year.

 

Do marriage license applicants need to provide a social security card?

Yes, they do need to be able to provide the social security number.

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

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Checkout the AMM Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest wedding industry trends.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Take Our Quiz

Test your understanding of North Carolina Marriage Laws.

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