§ 51-1. Requisites of marriage; solemnization. - North Carolina Statutes

Chapter 51.

Marriage.

Article 1.

General Provisions.

§ 51‑1.  Requisites ofmarriage; solemnization.

A valid and sufficientmarriage is created by the consent of a male and female person who may lawfullymarry, presently to take each other as husband and wife, freely, seriously andplainly expressed by each in the presence of the other, either:

(1)       a.         Inthe presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a ministerauthorized by a church, or a magistrate; and

b.         With the consequentdeclaration by the minister or magistrate that the persons are husband andwife; or

(2)        In accordance withany mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, orfederally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe.

Marriages solemnized before March9, 1909, by ministers of the gospel licensed, but not ordained, are validatedfrom their consummation.  (1871‑2, c. 193, s. 3; Code, s. 1812; Rev., s.2081; 1908, c. 47; 1909, c. 704, s. 2; c. 897; C.S., s. 2493; 1945, c. 839;1965, c. 152; 1971, c. 1185, s. 26; 1977, c. 592, s. 1; 2000‑58, ss. 1,2; 2001‑14, ss. 1, 2; 2001‑62, ss. 1, 17; 2002‑115, ss. 5, 6;2002‑159, s. 13(a); 2003‑4, s. 1; 2005‑56, s. 1; 2007‑61,s. 1; 2009‑13, s. 1.)