Buncombe County contains Asheville, one of the most popular wedding and elopement destinations in the eastern United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop and Asheville's vibrant arts scene draw thousands of destination couples annually — all of whom benefit from North Carolina's no-waiting-period rule.
Office Location and Hours
Marriage licenses in Buncombe County are issued by the Buncombe County Register of Deeds at 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801 — in the Buncombe County Courthouse complex in downtown Asheville. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Asheville's position as a wedding destination creates unusually high demand for marriage licenses from out-of-state couples. The Register of Deeds staff is experienced with non-resident applicants and the office typically runs efficiently even during busy wedding season (May–October). Arrive by 4:30 PM — last applications are accepted then.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Buncombe County Clerk's office:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: State driver's license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government photo ID. Must not be expired.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card not required — just know the number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and state the marriage ended. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Fee — $60
The Buncombe County marriage license fee is $60. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, credit/debit card, and money order. Personal checks are not accepted at most county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.
Waiting Period — None
The waiting period in Buncombe County is None. Plan your license application date carefully relative to your ceremony date. See our complete waiting periods guide for more detail on this state's rules and how to request a waiver if applicable.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Buncombe County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in North Carolina. If your ceremony falls outside this window, the license expires and you must reapply. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact expiration date.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Buncombe County Clerk within the timeframe required by North Carolina law. The clerk then records it as a permanent public record. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office after recording — typically available 2–4 weeks after the ceremony.
Call the Buncombe County Clerk's office the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fee amounts, and any appointment requirements. Government office policies can change without public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — North Carolina requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. There are very limited exceptions (active military deployment in some states). Both parties must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Yes. North Carolina has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. You can apply in Buncombe County regardless of where you live, and the license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in North Carolina.
After your officiant returns the signed license and the Buncombe County Clerk records it, you can order certified copies directly from the clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. You'll need certified copies for Social Security, your driver's license, and other name change purposes.
The county clerk's office does not typically perform ceremonies. For a civil ceremony, contact the Asheville area courthouse to ask about judge or magistrate availability. Justices of the Peace in the county may also be available. See our courthouse ceremony guide for more detail.