How To Elope in North Carolina
Whether you are looking for a North Carolina beach elopement or an Asheville mountain elopement, there are a few things that anyone planning to elope in North Carolina should know.
1. Permits
Almost all of the most popular elopement locations will require a permit. This may sound like a hassle, but it is standard for a good reason: to make sure that these amazing places are protected and preserved for future generations.
If your location requires a permit, it is usually pretty easy to find that information on the website of whoever manages that land. For example, permits for the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the more popular elopement locations in North Carolina, can easily be accessed on the National Park Service website.
Still sound kind of overwhelming? That’s okay! A good elopement photographer will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and guide you through the permit process.
2. Weather
As you are planning your outdoor elopement, it is important to remember that not everything can be guaranteed to go according to plan. Weather is one thing that certainly can’t be controlled. However, there are a few things that you should remember when picking when to have your elopement.
Fall is certainly the most popular time to elope in North Carolina and, with the amazing colors, it’s not hard to see why. It is important to note that hurricane season is from mid-June to November with most of those hurricanes happening between mid-August to mid-October.
Also, if you are planning a mountain elopement, remember that, during the colder months, you are most likely to find snow at hight elevations.
3. Layers
If you are dreaming of an incredible mountain elopement, make sure that you bring layers! Once you reach those higher altitudes, the temperature is going to drop and you will be so happy to have that extra flannel in your backpack.
Other great layers to consider are nude leggings, cute jackets, or even a cape (yes, that’s right, a cape). Planning for these kinds of contingencies is another thing that your elopement photographer can help you with.
4. Officiant
In North Carolina, you will need an officiant to perform your ceremony (Except in the case of a recognized religious ceremony or Native American tradition that does not use officiants.). Your wedding can be performed by a magistrate or a minister who is ordained or recognized by a church.
Depending on the tone that you are looking for in your ceremony, a friend or family member can get ordained online. Many wedding photographers are also officiants (I happen to be one of them). This is super handy if you were hoping to keep the elopement between just you and your partner (and your handy photographer/officiant).
5. Marriage License
Applying for a marriage license may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you are planning your elopement, but it is necessary.
In order to get married in North Carolina, you must get a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state. You and your partner will need to go to the Register of Deeds office with your social security number or a notarized statement that you are ineligible for social security number. Some counties allow you to start this process online. The license must be issued before the wedding but there is no waiting period. This means that you can get your license the morning of your wedding (Just make sure to check that they will be open!) or up to 60 days prior to your elopement.