How To Get Married In Winston Salem North Carolina
September 10, 2024
Wedding Planning Tips | Winston Salem Wedding Photographer
Here’s how to get married in Winston Salem, North Carolina, a charming and historic city. From its rich heritage to its picturesque venues, the city offers a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern amenities for couples planning their big day. If you’re looking to tie the knot in Winston Salem, here’s everything you need to know to make your wedding day legal and memorable.
Step 1: Applying for Your Marriage License
First, you should know where a marriage license can be obtained in Winston Salem, but the license can be used anywhere in the state of North Carolina.
- Where to Apply: Visit the Forsyth County Register of Deeds office, located at the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 or apply online using this form.
- Office Hours: The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check their website for any changes in hours.
- What to Bring:
- Both parties must be present.
- Valid government-issued photo IDs (such as a driver’s license or passport).
- Social Security numbers are required (bring your Social Security card or a document with your SSN).
- Cost: The fee for a marriage license is approximately $60, and it can be paid by cash, credit, or debit.
Additional notes: You should apply for your marriage license 60 days before your wedding date. If it’s not completed in that time frame it will expire. Additionally, North Carolina has no waiting period, so the couple can get married as soon as they receive their license.
Step 2: Choose Your Officiant
In North Carolina, there are several options when it comes to choosing someone to officiate a wedding:
- Religious Leaders: Ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders are authorized to officiate weddings.
- Magistrates: For a civil ceremony, you can have a magistrate perform your wedding. The Forsyth County Courthouse can help you schedule a time with a magistrate. The fee is $50 cash only and you cannot get married in the Register of Deeds office.
Step 3: The Big Day
Planning the Event: To make your wedding planning even smoother, consider working with a professional planner. If you’re looking for a planner to help guide you through the entire process from start to finish, or if you just need a little help in the final months of your planning, ABBA Design can assist you. They offer services tailored to your needs, ensuring your big day is as stress-free and perfect as possible.
Choosing a Venue: Winston-Salem offers a variety of beautiful venues for your wedding ceremony. Here are a few options:
- The Barn at Reynolda Village: Get married surrounded by thousands of flowers with a newly renovated greenhouse as your ceremony backdrop at Reynolda Gardens. Then head over to the barn venue for your reception.
- The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge: With over 50 acres of beautiful land, you’ll have several options for ceremony spaces at this charming venue. This space is beautifully unique, from the intimate stone chapel to the Victorian-inspired greenhouse.
- The Crest: This sophisticated venue provides unique indoor spaces such as the library and great room, and well as timeless outdoor spaces like the private gardens. They are also expanding, with a new building set to be finished in 2024.
Witnesses: North Carolina does not require witnesses for wedding ceremonies, though some officiants might prefer to have them.
Step 4: File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license, making your marriage official. This is what will need to happen next:
- Return the License: The officiant or one of the newlyweds must return the signed marriage license to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days of the ceremony.
- Certified Copies: If you need certified copies of your marriage certificate for legal purposes, such as changing your name, you can request them from the Register of Deeds.
Step 5: Additional Considerations
- Name Change: If you plan to change your last name, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, and other important documents.
- Premarital Counseling: Some couples may opt for or be required to attend premarital counseling, especially if they are having a religious ceremony. Check with your officiant or religious institution for more information.
That is all the info you need on how to get married in Winston Salem. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding, Winston-Salem provides a delightful setting for your special day. With this guide in hand, you’re one step closer to making your marriage official and legal! Happy planning!
This blog is a collaboration between ABBA Design and Elsa Judkins Photography.
I hope you enjoyed this blog on How to Get Married in Winston Salem, North Carolina! At the end of the day, wedding planning can be stressful, so I hope this guide helps. Whether you’re getting married in Winston, or somewhere else in North Carolina, these tips should help the process go a little smoother.
If you are a photographer, a wedding vendor, or a couple getting married soon and have questions about this post please feel free to DM me on Instagram, I’d love to help!! I hope you enjoyed this free resource for your wedding planning!
– Elsa
Elsa Judkins Photography is based in Winston Salem, NC. She specializes in wedding photography for couples who are seeking a romantic and elegant wedding day. Elsa preserves those intimate and candid moments on one of the biggest days of your life so you can relive your day through timeless images.
Please reach out HERE if you’d like to learn more about my wedding photography in Winston Salem, Greensboro, Roanoke VA, and surrounding areas. I offer wedding day coverage, engagement sessions, albums, and more! Inquire to receive a custom quote for your wedding.
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