Does North Carolina recognize common law marriage?
A. Common law marriage, which is recognized in some states, involves a couple living together and holding themselves out to everyone as man and wife. Even though there is no marriage ceremony or certificate, this marriage is considered valid in those states that recognize common law marriage. North Carolina is not one of those states, and no amount of living together in this state can result in a valid marriage, without a valid marriage ceremony. 4. Q. OTHER THAN AGE, WHAT DOES THE LAW REQUIRE FOR MARRIAGE IN NORTH CAROLINA? A. First, the parties must both be unmarried and no closer than first cousins to each other. Next, they must obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage is to take place. There is no waiting period and the license is good for sixty days (60) after it is issued. 5. Q. ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE? A. Prior to 1 October 1994 the man and woman must obtain a doctor’s certificate showing that they ar
