Planning a Wake County courthouse wedding? If you’re considering getting married at the Wake County Justice Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, here’s exactly what you should know before your ceremony day.
Courthouse weddings are simple — but they still require planning. Understanding the process ahead of time will make your Raleigh civil ceremony smooth and stress-free.
Where Do Courthouse Weddings Take Place in Wake County?
Civil ceremonies in Raleigh are performed at the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh.
The Justice Center is a modern courthouse building located in the heart of downtown. Most ceremonies are brief, efficient, and held during regular business hours.
Tip: Always confirm ceremony availability and scheduling directly with the courthouse before planning your day.
How to Get a Marriage License in Wake County
Before your courthouse ceremony, you must obtain a North Carolina marriage license.
Key things to know:
• Both parties must appear in person.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Social Security number is required (if applicable).
• There is a marriage license fee (check current pricing in advance).
• The license is valid statewide in North Carolina.
Plan to obtain your license at least a few days before your ceremony to avoid last-minute stress.
Important: You do not need to be a North Carolina resident to get married in Wake County.
Information: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/register-deeds/apply-marriage-license
Court Ceremony Fee
There is also a separate court fee for the civil ceremony. Before your wedding day, confirm:
• The current ceremony fee amount
• Whether they accept cash, card, or check
• If exact payment is required
Payment policies can change, so always verify directly with the courthouse.
Best Time of Day for a Wake County Courthouse Wedding
Morning ceremonies — especially around 9:00 AM — are often ideal because:
• The courthouse is less crowded.
• Parking is easier downtown.
• You avoid long wait times.
• Lighting outside the building is softer for portraits.
• The day feels calmer overall.
Midday can be busier and brighter, especially during peak wedding seasons.
How Long It Takes
The ceremony itself usually lasts about 5–10 minutes. However, plan for:
• Security screening
• Elevator wait
• Check-in/ Wait time
• Paperwork processing
Expect to spend about 30–60 minutes total at the courthouse.
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Raleigh and want guidance on creating a smooth timeline, feel free to reach out. As a local Raleigh courthouse wedding photographer, I’m always happy to help couples plan a seamless experience at the Wake County Justice Center.
Wake County Courthouse Wedding | Raleigh Courthouse Wedding | Wake County Justice Center Wedding | Raleigh NC Civil Ceremony
Information: https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage#marriage-licenses-5536
