How to Find North Carolina Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find North Carolina Marriage Records

Finding North Carolina Marriage Records

 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
 * 1962 - counties began sending copies of marriage records to the state

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records


 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1741
 * 1741 to 1961
 * 1962 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


 * }

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1741
Records survive for few marriages that took place before 1741.

From 1669 to 1741, marriages were performed by clergy or civil authorities and were recorded in county records. Check the North Carolina Archives or the Family History Library to see what is available for the county of interest.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages from 1741 to 1961

 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county

Different types of county marriage records are available in North Carolina in different time periods. In general, the following types of records are available:


 * 1741-1851 Marriage bonds
 * 1851-1868 Marriage bonds, licenses and certificates
 * 1868-present Marriage licenses

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you found the marriage information from the indexes above, there are two ways to obtain the marriage record:

OPTION 1 Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available from the North Carolina Archives or FamilySearch Centers and Libraries. With the county and date of marriage, use the table to determine how to make a search.

OPTION 2 Order the marriage record from the Register of Deeds in the county the marriage took place. List of county Register of Deeds contact information.

'''Still can't find your ancestor in the above indexes? Try one of the following:'''


 * Tips for searching online indexes
 * Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive
 * Try other records with marriage information

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages from 1962 to Present

 * 1962 - counties began sending copies of marriage records to the state

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes


 * Copies of the marriage record may be ordered from the Register of Deeds at the County Courthouse.


 * Copies of the marriage record may be ordered from the North Carolina Public Health, Vital Records Unit.

PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the Register of Deeds at the County Courthouse.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in other records.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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