3 "Must-Do" Tips for Outer Banks Wedding Weekend + Expo

January 9th and 10th the Outer Banks Wedding Association will be hosting their annual Wedding Weekend + Expo!  Tickets and information are available online. To those attending the show, here are three things you should plan on doing in order to avoid information overload.

1.  Purchase your tickets early to avoid standing in line when the doors open on Sunday, January 10th.

2.  Pre-print your name and address information on small stickers to avoid writing it repeatedly at the show.  Placing your sticker in the "would like more information" sign-up sheets at the various booths of vendors you find interesting is a timesaver.

3.  Bring your camera!  Everybody has one these days and it's a great tool to use at the show.  If you find a booth you are interested in learning more from but don't have time to stop and talk,take a photo to use as a reference point just in case the show closes before you've had a chance to meet with that professional.  Later, back at your hotel room, you'll have the images you can refer too.

Tips you would like to share?  Leave a suggestion here ...

"I remember having one couple present their marriage license to the minister after the ceremony and he quickly pointed out that they were married in a different county then what was on the marriage license.   At that time, according to the marriage laws of NC, being wed in a different county then where the couple applied for/received their marriage license  meant the ceremony was not binding.  More to the point, it made the ceremony the couple just had null and void.  Imagine that kind of surprise on your wedding day! " 

Nowadays, the marriage license application laws for NC are have been updated and are provided below.  Just know this, having a physical exam before receiving a marriage license is no longer a requirement.  Also, a marriage license purchased in the state of NC can be applied for/used anywhere within the state of NC and is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued.  

--Mary Basnight

Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds in the Dare County Justice Center, 962 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo.  Both parties must apply in person for the license.  The following items are needed:

-picture id

-social security card or certificate with your social security number listed (W2 or pay  stub)

-birth certificate if under 21

-divorce papers with judge's signature

 

The marriage license is $50 and good for 60 days after issuance.  The Register of Deeds can be reached at (252) 475-5970, between 8:30 am -4:30pm., Monday through Friday.  The office is closed on holidays and weekends.  For civil ceremonies, a Dare County magistrate can perform the service.  Ceremonies are performed at the magistrates office in Manteo, located on Driftwood Drive (252) 475-9228.  A marriage application can be filled out at locations throughout the state of NC and can be used anywhere within the state of NC.

Contact the town in which your ceremony will be held regarding any additional permits or restrictions. 

Town of...

Duck -252-255-1234

Southern Shores-252-261-2394

Kitty Hawk-252-261-3552

Kill Devil Hills-252-449-5300

Nags Head-252-441-5508

Manteo-252-473-2133

Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore Recreational Area-252-473-2111

If getting married in Corolla, contact the Currituck County Register of Deeds at 252-232-3297.

If getting married on Ocracoke Island, contact the Hyde County Register of Deeds at 252-926-3011.

Info courtesy of Dare County Tourism, www.OuterBanks.org