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OCRACOKE WEDDING GUIDE
One thing’s
for sure, getting married on Ocracoke offers a variety of settings for
everything from the ceremony and reception to the honeymoon bridal
suite. Whether you decide to be barefoot on the beach or tie the knot in
the shadow of the oldest operating lighthouse on the eastern seaboard,
or even if you prefer a more intimate setting in one of the village
churches - your Ocracoke wedding is sure to be a memorable occasion. We
know of several couples who were married on the ferry ride from Swan
Quarter to Ocracoke, with seagulls flying overhead witnessing the happy
nuptials.
Ocracoke is in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore,
so getting married on the beach or the ground at the Ocracoke Lighthouse
requires a Special Use Permit. The current $100.00 fee is
non-refundable, so applicants are encouraged to wait until thirty days
before the ceremony. The request must be made, in writing, and there are
several requirements that must be adhered to. The permit is good only
for four hours (two hours on each side of the stated ceremony time.) For
more information, call the Special Use Coordinator at 252-473-2111, x
121.
Marriage License Requirements
Marriage licenses must be obtained from a NC
Register of Deeds Office. The license can be obtained in any county in
NC and the ceremony performed in another county; however, the license
must be returned to the issuing county. No waiting period is required
before the ceremony may take place. The license is valid for 60 days
from the date it is issued. The cost is $50.00.
If the applicant is over 18 years of age, a photo
identification and a social security card are required. In the State of
North Carolina it is unlawful for any person under the age of 14 to
marry. If a female between 14 & 16 becomes pregnant, she and the child’s
father may marry with parental consent. A physician’s certificate is
required to verify the pregnancy. A minor between 16 and 18 may marry
with their parents’ or guardians’ consent. If the applicant is divorced,
proof of decree is required. Proofs and requirements may vary from
county to count. Applicants should call the Register of Deeds Office in
the county where they plan to purchase the license prior to their
arrival to ascertain all requirements. The Hyde County Register of
Deeds Office is located in the county seat of Swan Quarter on the
Mainland and may be reached at 252-926-4182.
Any magistrate or ordained minister may perform the
marriage ceremony. There must be two witnesses at any marriage ceremony,
whether it is civil or religious. After the ceremony, whoever performs
the ceremony is required to give the couple a marriage certificate. The
minister or magistrate must sign the license and return it to the
Register of Deeds Office in the issuing county where certified copies of
the completed marriage license can be obtained, either by personal
appearance or written request. The cost of a certified copy is $10.00.
The original license remains on record in the Register of Deeds Office
and a copy is sent to Vital Records in Raleigh, NC where they become
permanent records. The following list of clergy and magistrates on
Ocracoke is provided for your information:
Clergy
Interfaith/Creative - 252-928-1311
Assembly of God – 252-928-9001 ~ Catholic – 252-928-1661/3543
United Methodist – 252-928-4211
~ Nondenominational – 252-928-7245 - 252-928-7213 ~
Magistrates
Lonnie Burrus 252-928-5381 ~ John Fletcher 252-928-4135
For more information
about Hyde County and Ocracoke, including accommodations, ferry
schedule, please request a free visitor guide by clicking on the visitor
guide link below.
FREE HYDE COUNTY
VISITORS GUIDE |
