Orange County Courthouse Wedding in Hillsborough NC

The secret is out. Hillsborough is one of the most sought-after spots in North Carolina for newlyweds and families looking to plant roots. If you’re considering an Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC, our team at Fancy This Photography has insider tips. We want to help you plan a seamless, stress-free day. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

It’s easy to see why more couples are choosing courthouse weddings over traditional ceremonies and receptions. They’re intimate, cost-effective, and free from the pressures of large-scale event planning. But let it be said here—courthouse weddings deserve professional photography, too! Your wedding day is a milestone, whether it happens in a courthouse or a place of worship, and Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture it.

The first group of images featured in this blog are from Samantha Tulenko and Kerry Martin’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in July 2024, beautifully captured by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography. Keep scrolling for more details on the legal requirements for getting married at the Orange County Courthouse in Hillsborough NC.

Where to Get a Marriage License and Certificate in Hillsborough

The Register of Deeds office in Hillsborough, NC is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and certificates in Orange County. The office is located on the third floor of the Gateway Center Building at 228 S. Churton St.

Couples must complete an application and schedule an appointment before their Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Know Before You Go: Orange County Courthouse Weddings

While the Orange County Courthouse previously hosted outdoor civil ceremonies, this option was discontinued in 2022. However, downtown Hillsborough still provides a beautiful setting for photos before or after your indoor ceremony. Capture candid moments under the large, historic tree in front of the current courthouse or in front of the old Orange County Courthouse, which has cool Grecian columns.

Samantha Tulenko and Kerry Martin’s Orange County Courthouse wedding took place in July 2024 and was beautifully captured by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Requirements

Couples must complete an application and schedule an appointment before their Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. To arrange a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Once your date and time are set, here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• Identification: A valid ID for both partners (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport).

• Social Security Number for both partners.

Marriage License & Certificate Fees

Marriage license cost: $60, payable by cash, debit/credit card, money order, or certified bank check.

Marriage certificate cost: Available in person at the Register of Deeds office or by mail. Certified copies cost $10 each, and uncertified copies are 15 cents each.

License validity: Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and can only be used within North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the Register of Deeds office.

Good news! Premarital physical exams or blood tests are not required.

To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Here’s How It Goes: Orange County Courthouse Weddings

On your wedding day, meet your photographer, guests, and any other essential vendors at the Hillsborough Courthouse before your scheduled time. Take a moment to soak in the love and excitement. Fancy This Photography would love to be there to capture every beautiful moment.

After your arrival, check in with the magistrate, then head inside to pay the ceremony fee and sign your marriage license. Fancy This Photography’s team will discreetly document the experience as it unfolds. Once everything is in order, it’s time for your civil ceremony.

Photos by Courtney Collins, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

Samantha and Kerry’s North Carolina Love Story and Engagement

Samantha and Kerry first met as graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill while competing on the club triathlon team. They remained close friends for years before their relationship turned romantic during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Kerry’s marriage proposal came as a surprise–even though the couple had already discussed a wedding timeline. In February 2024, Samantha had a rare free week between medical school rotations. Kerry suggested a trip, and she told him, “I’ll go anywhere, but you have to plan it because I don’t have time.”

Kerry understood the assignment. He planned an unforgettable surprise trip to Montreal and Quebec City, where he proposed to Samantha on an outdoor ice-skating trail nestled in a forest between the two cities.

“It was lightly snowing as we weaved in and out of the trees—completely magical!” Samantha recalls of the engagement on Feb. 18, 2024.

Wanting to keep their wedding simple and budget-friendly, the couple opted for an intimate courthouse ceremony.

“I was on a fairly inflexible timeline with medical school, and we didn’t feel like we needed a long engagement. I’ve always loved the idea of a chic courthouse wedding,” Samantha says. “We’ve lived in Carrboro for our whole relationship and wanted to get married at our local courthouse.”

Finding Fancy This Photography

While searching for inspiration, Samantha came across Fancy This Photography’s blog and was drawn to previous Hillsborough Courthouse weddings.

“I kept coming back to these because they really captured the energy I was looking for—especially the ones shot by Courtney,” she says. “We loved working with Courtney. She had the perfect energy for a wedding day and immaculate attention to detail, and our photos are perfect. We could not be happier with the decision!”

Samantha and Kerry’s Favorite Wedding Day Moments

• Getting ready at home with their sweet dog, Dory, an 8-year-old border collie/golden retriever mix, lying at the bride’s feet.

• Laughing about saying their vows to a magistrate through bulletproof glass in a cinder block hallway—and cherishing that private moment together when nothing else mattered.

• Seeing the "Just Married" sign and cans that a friend had secretly added to their getaway car.

• Popping into Weaver Street Market in wedding attire (at Courtney’s suggestion) to cool off.

• Enjoying every bite of food at Tesoro—especially when dessert after dessert kept arriving (there were maybe four in total?), each one better than the last.

For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707. Photo by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography.

Hillsborough NC Weddings

Hillsborough, North Carolina is simply the best. No, seriously–we are obsessed with this soulful Southern town nestled along the Eno River. The historic district in downtown Hillsborough is the perfect backdrop for wedding, elopement or engagement photos. Best of all, the Orange County Courthouse sits in the heart of it all, just steps away from historic landmarks and scenic nature parks.

Before or after your civil ceremony, take a stroll with your wedding photographer down Churton Street. Old oak trees and brick buildings line the sidewalk, home to family-owned restaurants and art galleries, including fan-favorite Weaver Street Market. Picket fences and cobblestone roads add a whimsical, Americana vibe to wedding photos in Hillsborough. We especially love when couples include their pets in their wedding portraits!

Photo by Amanda Law, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography. Matt & Christine | Orange County Courthouse Wedding December 2024

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos by Amanda Law

The second group of images featured in this blog are from Christine and Matt’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in December 2024, beautifully captured by Amanda Law, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography.

To arrange a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Keep scrolling for more beautiful real wedding inspiration at the Orange County Courthouse in Hillsborough NC.

Matt and Christine December 2024 - Hillsborough River Walk art sculpture - photo by Amanda Law, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

So, you had your dream Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC—now what? If you plan to change your name, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license.

• Social Security Administration: Present a certified copy of your marriage license to update your Social Security card.

• Department of Motor Vehicles: Bring a certified copy of your marriage license to the DMV to update your driver’s license. (Note: The DMV does not keep the copy.)

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos by Nikki Whitt Belch

The images featured in this final section of the blog are from Jeff and Sabrina’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography. Cheers to love!

Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture your Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Jeff and Sabrina’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding took place in July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Jeff and Sabrina on the Riverwalk in Hillsborough, NC - July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Jeff and Sabrina on the Riverwalk and at The Wooden Nickel in Hillsborough, NC - July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture your Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Anna + Kyle’s Winter Elopement at the Hillsborough, NC Courthouse

Photographed by Courtney

Winter in Orange County, NC is a magical time, with crisp air and breathtaking views, but still mild enough for a beautiful celebration. It’s the perfect season for a romantic and intimate courthouse wedding, even if you take it outside for a short ceremony like Anna and Kyle chose to do. Not only is it cost-effective and stress-free, but it can also be a unique and memorable experience for you, your partner and close loved ones. From personal touches to what to wear, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create a beautiful and unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re looking for a low-key ceremony or a more elaborate event, say ‘I do’ to a winter courthouse wedding and start planning your special day today.

Holding Family Close

The thing about a wedding with just those closest to you means you have time to really get those candid memories captured. A couple choosing to elope with only a few of their closest family and friends, is a couple that cares so deeply about what this day signifies. The people they hold closest to Anna and Kyle are their biggest fans, their every day cheerleaders, the people that will continue to surround them with love and support through this marriage, all the days ahead.

Why Have a Courthouse Wedding

For couples who are looking for a more low-key ceremony, the courthouse elopement option can be a perfect fit. Winter is an especially good time to consider a courthouse wedding, as it can add a cozy atmosphere and a touch of magic to your special day. In addition, a courthouse wedding can be a great option for those who value simplicity and want to focus on the true meaning of their marriage. The specific courthouse Anna and Kyle were married at is located in Hillsborough, NC. The Orange County Courthouse is a beautifully quaint location.

Winter weddings also lend themselves to a cozy atmosphere that can be hard to replicate in other seasons. The chill in the air and the possibility of snow can make your wedding photographs look like something out of a fairytale. Additionally, the lack of crowds during the winter months means that you'll have a quieter, more intimate experience with your loved one.

Another significant benefit of a courthouse wedding is its simplicity. It allows you to focus on the meaning of your marriage without the distractions of a big wedding. A courthouse wedding can be a meaningful and beautiful way to start your life together.

What does a ceremony at the courthouse look like?

To make the most of your courthouse wedding, it's important to plan ahead and think about the details that will make your day special. First, consider the timing of your ceremony - courthouse weddings are generally shorter than traditional weddings, so plan accordingly. Anna and Kyle invited only the people closest to them so everything moved very quickly, but also allowed for the most epic captures.

Next, think about the attire. While a courthouse wedding is less formal than a traditional ceremony, it is such an amazing opportunity to showcase your unique style. More on that later, because this couple knocked out the styling out of the park with their attire.

When it comes to the ceremony itself, consider adding personal touches that reflect your personalities and values. You can write your own vows, choose readings that are meaningful to you, or incorporate a special song into the ceremony. Anna and Kyle actually chose to take their ceremony outside, check with your local courthouse if this is an option or maybe you just sign the documents inside and have your own personal and intimate ceremony outside!

By taking the time to plan and think about the details, you can make your courthouse wedding a truly memorable and special day. In the next section, we'll go over some creative ideas for adding personal touches to your winter courthouse wedding.

What to Wear for a Winter Courthouse Wedding

As you prepare for your winter courthouse wedding in Orange County, NC, you might be wondering what to wear to your special day. The good news is that you can still look stylish and elegant while staying warm during the colder months. Just wait for these details, drooling. But here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for your winter courthouse wedding.

First and foremost, think about the weather. If you're getting married in the colder months, you'll want to choose fabrics that will keep you warm. Consider a dress with long sleeves or a jacket to keep you cozy. You can also opt for a faux fur stole or wrap for added warmth. Anna chose a stunning, yet simple coat for the most beautiful monochromatic look for her wedding day. This look was perfectly paired with her grooms warm toned suit and touches.

Next, consider the overall vibe of your wedding. If you're going for a more casual look, you can choose a simple dress or a pantsuit. For a more formal affair, you might opt for a full-length gown or a tailored suit. Regardless of your choice, make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful. I absolutely loved that Anna chose a short and fitted dress but still kept a more traditional short veil to pair and finish her look.

Finally, remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Your outfit should be a reflection of that love and joy. As you choose your wedding attire, keep in mind that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin. These two definitely killed their wedding day looks and glided through their day comfortably and stylishly.

Don’t forget to sneak away

Just because it’s a low stress day and you truly get to spend it with your favorite people. Sneak Away. Just do it. Have time as a newly married couple, just the two of you to capture some shots of that new feeling of new beginnings, you won’t regret it.

Making Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Your winter courthouse wedding is a special day that you'll cherish forever. To make sure every moment is unforgettable, take the time to plan out ways you can capture those precious memories.

Of course we at Fancy This Photography will always suggest hiring a professional photographer to document your day. They can take photos of the ceremony, your first kiss as a married couple, and candid shots of you and your partner celebrating together. You'll have these photos to look back on for years to come. Sometimes it is so easy to forget the details and capturing details in the most beautiful way is our favorite.

Another way to make memories that will last a lifetime is to customize your wedding. You can add personal touches to every aspect of your special day, where will you enjoy your special day after the ceremony or signing of papers? If you are in the Hillsborough area The Wooden Nickel is such a cool and rustic find. Great drinks and food to share with your most loved people.

“People always wonder if they’ll miss out on a large wedding, but being surrounded by the people you love and care about the most makes it all worth it.” - Courtney (Photographer : Fancy This Photography)