GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

SESSION LAW 2007-61

SENATE BILL 1131

AN ACT allowing a district court judge to perform marriage ceremonies.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 51-1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 51-1.  Requisites of marriage; solemnization.

A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of a male and female person who may lawfully marry, presently to take each other as husband and wife, freely, seriously and plainly expressed by each in the presence of the other, either:

(1)       a.         In the presence of an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, district court judge of this State, or a magistrate; and

b.         With the consequent declaration by the minister minister, district court judge of this State, or magistrate that the persons are husband and wife; or

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

Marriages solemnized before March 9, 1909, by ministers of the gospel licensed, but not ordained, are validated from their consummation."

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective June 4, 2007, and expires June 8, 2007.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 5^th day of June, 2007.

                                                                    s/ Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/ Joe Hackney

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/ Michael F. Easley

                                                                         Governor

Approved 4:05 p.m. this 5^th day of June, 2007