As we said before, the process is simple. Here is a little more in depth explanation of each step:
1) Book your wedding date with Reverend LeeAnn and fill out the wedding info form provided.
It is important to reserve the date well in advance, especially if will be saying your vows in the most popular wedding months of June and July or around a holiday. Keep in mind that you can marry any day of the week and surround your wedding and honeymoon with a relaxing week at the beach with family and friends or alone if you choose.
Keep in mind that most week-long rentals at Holden Beach, Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach are from Saturday to Saturday, with a few renting Sunday to Sunday. Feel free to plan your wedding on any day of the week – Rev. LeeAnn will be happy to accommodate. Many couples choose to marry on a Sunday or Monday after the family and guest have had time to settle in. Some choose mid week to give time for preparation before the wedding and celebration with family after.
2) Choose your ceremony.
Each wedding couple is totally unique and Rev. LeeAnn encourages her couples to make their ceremony uniquely theirs. She has many ceremony “scripts” for couples to choose from. Some of the ceremonies have a more religious approach, some more spiritual. Many ceremonies recognized that this is not only a bond between the wedding couple, but also creates a new union between two families. There are ceremonies that include the children of the bride and groom and ceremonies that mention the backdrop of sand and ocean and sky. In her initial call, Reverend LeeAnn will get a feel for the type of ceremony you would like and email a few choices for your review. You can edit to fit your personality, cut and paste from more than one ceremony if you like.
Many couples choose to have the “sand unity ceremony” as part of their wedding. This derivation of the unity candle ceremony, is a fitting symbolism with the ocean and sky as a back-drop for the ceremony.
3) Making it legal
To be married in North Carolina, the bride and groom will need to get a marriage license. This is a simple procedure. If over age 21, take your drivers license and Social Security card (or other proof of social security number, such as a pay stub or W-2 form) to any NC county register of deeds. Both bride and groom must apply together and in person. If between ages 18 and 21, you will need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate in addition to picture ID and social security number. The license is viable for 60 days. There is no waiting period. The fee in most counties is $50. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you bring your marriage license to the wedding. You cannot be legally married without a license. Reverend LeeAnn will make sure you and your witnesses sign the wedding certificate after the ceremony. She will take care of completing the license and returning it to the register of deeds in the county where it was issued.
Certified copies of the marriage license are available about 2 weeks after the ceremony. The bride or groom may acquire a certified copy of the marriage license from the register of deeds for an additional $10. This documented is needed if the bride chooses to change her name. You may want to request 2 certified copies of the license, one for the Dept of Motor Vehicles and one for the Social Security office.
For more info on getting married in North Carolina, visit the NC Magistrates Association website.
If you choose to get your wedding license in Brunswick County, you’ll want to visit the Register of Deeds in the County complex. The address is : 75 Courthouse Dr. Building I Bolivia, NC 28422
Map to the Register of Deeds for Brunswick County.
More information on getting married in Brunswick County.
4. use the links provided on this site or your own resources to plan other aspects of your beach wedding including:
- rental homes for yourself and the wedding guest
- wedding photographer
- wedding catering
- renting ocean kayaks,bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas for your guest during their stay.
- your wedding cake
5. Wedding day: take a deep breadth and promise yourself that you will enjoy every minute of this day. Give that marriage certificate to a most responsible person. Reverend LeeAnn will lead you through your ceremony and pronounce you thoroughly hitched. She’ll make sure you and your witnesses sign on the dotted line and take care of getting the license to the county. You are free to enjoy your new commitment.
Couples who choose one of our island paradises for their beach wedding, can depend on a picturesque venue and a relaxing, friendly atmosphere to start their new life together.