Applications are accepted at Register of Deeds offices M-F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Times
may vary by county.

Age requirement 18 (under 18 w/parental consent)  --  Under 21 requires birth
certificate

Waiting Period: none

Blood Test: none

Cost: $50 cash

Both parties must apply, in person, at the same time at the Register of Deeds in any
County in North Carolina.  Both parties must bring a photo ID and a Social Security
card. (or some form that includes SS# such as tax return, pay stub, etc

License is valid for 60 days and marriage may take place anywhere in North Carolina.
Marriage License
Divorced applicants  must provide the month and year of their last divorce.  If the divorce was finalized within 30 days of
applying for the marriage license, the applicant must provide an original or certified copy of the divorce decree. There is no
waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license.

Bring the marriage license (and the return envelope provided by the Register) to the rehearsal. If a rehearsal is not planned,
the license must be presented before the ceremony takes place. The marriage license must be at the ceremony or the
marriage is not valid.

Immediately after the wedding ceremony the marriage license will be signed by two chosen witnesses, usually the best man
and maid/matron of honor. The newly married couple do not need to sign the license after the ceremony; this signature was
required at the time of issuance. The marriage license will be signed by the officiating minister who is responsible for returning
it to the Register of Deeds in the county where it was issued.

You will not automatically receive a certified copy. A certified copy of the marriage license may be obtained after the original
license is returned and recorded at the Register of Deeds office. At the same time the marriage license is obtained, the county
gives cost information and a form to request a certified copy by mail. The certified copies cost $10.00 and you will probably
want to request at least two copies.
For Information on weddings  and
other special occasion ceremonies in
Asheville and Western North Carolina
contact Rev. Georgette Cressend
at 828-645-0514
compassionatejoy@yahoo.com
Wedding Officiant, Asheville and Western NC
My approach honors your wishes and is universal in its message. Whether
you desire a large or small gathering, or a traditional or non-traditional
approach, I will work with you so that your ceremony  best expresses the
unique love you share. Whatever you can imagine, can be woven into your
ceremony to create this special event!  (See ceremony ideas below.)

Your wedding ceremony is an opportunity to express the  love that is the
essence of each of you.  It is an invitation to rise above the separateness of
“me” into the wholeness of “we” as One, allowing the needs of another to
be in a position of equal value to your own.
Rev. Georgette Cressend with
Amanda and Jon

"Our wedding simply would not
have been the same without
Georgette as our officiant. Her
kindness, compassion, and
tenderness is expressed
wonderfully through her
beautiful, poetic words and  
presence. I highly recommend
her to anyone wanting to
enhance their special occasion!"
-- Amanda and Jon
Have the wedding of your
dreams….a personalized
ceremony that reflects your
unique relationship.
We will meet on the phone, through email, or in person.
If we decide that we are a match,we can reserve your date and time with a non-refundable deposit
of half the fee. Your deposit then applies towards the fee. Once you've reserved my services, I will
get right to work on your ceremony scripting, writing up everything that we worked on at our
meeting. The other half of the fee is due at the wedding .

After we meet
Within a week or two after we meet, you will receive the wedding ceremony script for your review.  
This writing out of the scripting for your review is especially important and unique to my services. I
offer this so that you will always know exactly what to expect. With this complete scripting in hand,
you will feel secure and confident knowing that your wedding ceremony is personalized and
customized to reflect your beliefs, values, and wishes.

Changes
Once you receive your scripting, you can review it  to make sure that everything is exactly how you
want it. If there are changes, just email them to me. I will make the changes and send you a newly
revised scripting for a second (or third) review.

Rehearsal
By this point, you'll have the complete and final scripting, with any and all changes you requested.   
If one is scheduled, and at your request, I will attend the rehearsal.   

After the Ceremony
You will bring the marriage license, and I will have the witnesses sign it.  I will file license with the
appropriate authority.  (See obtaining the marriage license below)
Wedding
Rev Georgette Cressend  with
David and Karri in Asheville
"My husband and I had the immense pleasure
of having Rev. Georgette Cressend lead our  
marriage ceremony on June 24th, 2006. She
was highly recommended by  personal friend
of ours and from the moment we met with her,
we knew this was going to be a very special
and sacred event. She took the time to get to
know us, spiritually and as an eager couple
ready to commit ourselves to 'relationship' and
to God. She brought so many ideas and
thoughts to the ceremony and we were just
overwhelmed with her enthusiasm and her
glowing spirit!  The day of our ceremony was
filled with immense love of course, but Rev.
Georgette brought such a powerful light to
each and every one of us...it was electric. Her  
spirit filled us and our family & friends with the
most conscience and loving union we could
have ever asked for. She continues to be the
very present in our lives and we are forever
grateful for her unconditional love and light. We
would highly recommend Rev. Georgette to
lead your commitment ceremony."
--Karri & David
Summary of my services:
  • A getting acquainted meeting.
  • Unlimited in-person, phone and e-mail accessibility.
  • A religious, spiritual, interfaith or secular ceremony .   (See ceremony ideas below.)
  • Attendance at the rehearsal, if requested.
  • Mail license to appropriate authority (See applying for license below.)
  • Advice, assistance, nurturing and any other help needed along the way.
  • A calm presence to keep the stress levels down.
  • Fee starting at $300.  Every ceremony is unique and fees are quoted on an individual basis.
    Factors include date, location, rehearsal, travel, and designing your ceremony.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two separate candles
held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one.
Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers of the bride and
groom, or any designated member of the wedding party, lighting the candles after they walk
down the isle or during the ceremony. The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the
candle each year on their anniversary).

The Blessing of the Rings;
The wedding ring is the visible sign of an inward bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless
love. It is a seal of the vows made to one another. It symbolizes living together in unity, love
and happiness for the rest of their lives.
Rev Georgette with Jessica and Andy
Breaking of the Glass
The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony usually is reserved for Jewish
ceremonies. However, it is a beautiful ending to any wedding. “Breaking the glass serves to
remind us of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone -
should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final
as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning
of the FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or
infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so
difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride
and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and
love of their life."

Children Services
Many couples are remarrying and want to include their children in the ceremony. There are
numerous ways this may be done. Ask us about the Family Medallion Ceremony.

Flower Ceremony
This is a family/friends ceremony. Each designated person comes up and places a different
flower in a vase to create a garden of love.

Hands Ceremony
A recent favorite of many couples. A three to five minute ceremony in which the officiant uses
the phrasing, "These are the hands that...." in order to create a preliminary set of vows
(although this is often used in place of traditional vows).

Honoring the Mothers
A brief reading is done and then the bride and/or groom present their mother(s) with a small
gift (flowers usually).

Silent Blessing and Moment of Remembrance
Both are small blessings/readings honoring the deceased. They may include specific names
or a general statement.

Ribbon Ceremony/Handfasting
The ancient Celts tied the hands of the bride and groom. The officiant loosely binds the hands
together. They remain that way for the rest of the ceremony

Rose Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony using roses, the symbol of love. The couples who have chosen this
have described it as an extremely beautiful and moving ceremony.

Support from Families Service
Parents become part of the introduction to the vows. The officiant asks who brings this couple
to be wed.

Wine or Water Ceremony
The couple share a cup of wine or water while the officiant says a blessing and a reading.
Wedding
Rev Georgette Cressend on top of
Chimney Rock, NC
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