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Marriage License

  • Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office at 205 College Street.
  • To obtain a license, both parties must be present with valid photo identification AND Social Security Cards.
  • Complete the Marriage License Application prior to your visit.
  • The license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date issued and can be used anywhere within the state of North Carolina.

The fee for a Marriage License is $60.00


More Information

  • If you've never been issued a Social Security number or are not eligible for one, the Register of Deeds will provide you with an affidavit that will be signed and notarized in the office.
  • If you are unable to provide your actual Social Security Card, we will need to see something with your name and full 9 digit Social Security Number, such as a W2, tax form, etc.
  • Once the ceremony is performed, the completed license must be returned to the Register of Deeds Office within 10 days. A certificate of marriage can then be issued. Go to the Vital Records - Marriage Certificate tab for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the general statues of North Carolina, you must purchase a marriage license before your ceremony to get married in North Carolina.

NCGS § 51-6 states: No minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State shall perform a ceremony of marriage [...] until there is delivered to that person a license for the marriage of the said persons, signed by the register of deeds of the county in which the marriage license was issued or by a lawful deputy or assistant. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony.

Once you obtain a marriage license, civil marriage ceremonies can be performed by a civil magistrate on the 2nd floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse on Fridays from 8:30p.m. - 2:30p.m. No appointment is needed for a civil ceremony. The fee is $50, payable in cash, and should be exact change.

Friday is the only day of the week when civil ceremonies are available at the courthouse. Additionally, the Buncombe County Detention Center, at 20 Davidson Dr, has magistrates available 24 hours a day.

First, please obtain a certified copy of your marriage license from the Register of Deeds Office. You must then present this document along with other required documentation to the Social Security Administration. Once you have applied for a social security card in your new name, you may visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver license.

Social Security Administration
800 Centre Park Drive
Asheville, NC 28805
1-866-572-8361

DMV — Driver License Office
1624 Patton Avenue, DMV Building
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 251-6065

A legal name change is done through a Court Order which must be obtained through the Clerk of Court’s office, Special Proceedings Division. Please find more information online or by calling (828) 259-3400.

Payment Types

  • Credit/Debit
  • Personal Checks
  • Money Orders
  • Cash

Locate & Contact

Register of Deeds

Contact

Birth, Death & Marriage Records
P: (828) 250-4300
F: (828) 250-4333

Recording / Real Estate / Assumed Business
P: (828) 250-4302

Help Desk
P: (828) 250-4303

Línea Telefónica En Español
P: (828) 250-4307

Register of Deeds
205 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801

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Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.