Can we get married without a wedding license?

The easiest answer to this question is to quote part of NC General Statute § 51-6:

“Solemnization without license unlawful.

No minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State shall perform a ceremony of marriage between a man and woman, or shall declare them to be husband and wife, until there is delivered to that person a license for the marriage of the said persons, signed by the register of deeds of the county in which the marriage license was issued or by a lawful deputy or assistant. There must be at least two witnesses to the marriage ceremony.”

In addition, if I officiate a marriage ceremony without a valid license, I have committed a Class I misdemeanor and am subject to a fine.