Dear Adventurous Souls!
If you’ve stumbled upon this blog, chances are you're a bit like me – a seeker of answers, especially when it comes to the thrilling yet mysterious world of elopements. I remember when I eloped in Las Vegas – it's a whirlwind of excitement mixed with a dash of ‘What am I doing?’ But fear not, because eloping, especially here in Cumberland County, Fayetteville, NC, is an adventure of a lifetime and not nearly as daunting as it might seem!
Let’s dive into the exhilarating journey of eloping in Fayetteville, with a step-by-step guide to make your elopement story go as smooth as possible.
Step 1: The Marriage Application Adventure
Next up, fill out that online marriage application [right here]. This is like your treasure map to an easier process when you visit the courthouse – they'll have all your info ready! Should you have any questions, please contact the Cumberland County Register of Deeds office at (910) 678-7795.
Step 2: The Vital Statistics Quest
Your next quest is to the Cumberland County Register of Deeds office at 117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, NC. It's a duo mission – both of you need to be there. Arm yourself with IDs, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports if you have them. It’s not just paperwork; it’s the keys to your next chapter! Click here to visit their website. You must visit the Cumberland County Register of Deeds office within 30 days of your online application.
Step 3: Courthouse Shenanigans
Once you have gone to the Cumberland County Register of Deeds you have 60 days to get elope and if you do not then you have to pay the fee again!
The Ceremony: Choose Your Own Adventure
Now, here’s where it gets really fun! You have options my friend and I am experienced in photographing them all!
Cumberland County Detention Center Vows (Yes, Really! LOL)
The Cumberland County Detention Center at 204 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville, NC, might sound unconventional, but it’s a gem in disguise. I have personally shot more than 20 elopements there! Click here to see what an elopement can look like if you choose this option. Word is, it is open 24/7, making it perfect for those spur-of-the-moment 'I do's. To be honest, I have always wanted to do a night time elopement there with flash photography! (Let me know if anyone wants to be different and do their elopement at night, maybe even grab some fun dancing photos at Paddy's Irish Pub after since it is so classic to this area and even funny!)
Back at the dentention center, the process is simple – metal detectors, lockers for your stuff (no phones or cameras that means no photographers inside*, so keep that in mind), and a $50 fee. You’ll say your vows in a quaint courtroom-like setting. Bring two witnesses, and you’re all set! I will be waiting when you come back out of the Dentention Center doors to capture you're elopement. Some people even throw their bouquet right there on the sidewalk. If you need to call them here is their contact (910) 672-5633.
After the ceremony, let’s explore downtown for some stunning elopement-style photos.. I’ll guide you to the perfect spots to capture your unconventional day. Afterwards have a drink at one of these restaurants recommended by yours truly for another fun scene to your day! Click here to see my favorites. (All recommended from experience from past elopements.)
The Great Outdoors with an Officiant
Not keen on a detention center wedding? No worries! Get hire someone who is ordained! I would not recommend using someone who quickly gets ordained online due to some controversy I have seen around if the marriage is valid or not.
Next gather a couple of witnesses, and we can head to some beautiful local spots I know. It’s your own personalized ceremony in the heart of nature, with me capturing every beautiful moment. I have done several of these and it is easy. Click here to check an officiant that I recommend.
After officiating your ceremony, your officiant will complete your marriage license and sign it along with your two witnesses (you've already signed it at the courthouse). They should send you a scanned copy for verification purposes and mail your marriage license to the issuing county the next business day.
That is it! Congratulations – You are married!
]Welcome to the start of your greatest adventure yet. I hope this guide eases your path to eloping in Fayetteville. If you have any stories or questions, shoot me an email! If I do not know the answer then I know I can point you in the right direction.
Wishing you all the love, passion, and adventure,
XO,
Amanda
*Disclaimer: remember rules and such change so please use the linked websites and phone numbers to verify anything you see in this blog post.
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