Gastonia Marriage License Records
Gastonia is the county seat and largest city in Gaston County, located west of Charlotte. Marriage licenses in Gastonia are issued by the Gaston County Register of Deeds at the Gaston County Courthouse. The Gastonia City Clerk manages city records and administrative functions but does not issue marriage licenses. Both applicants must visit the county office in person with valid photo ID and their Social Security cards. No blood test or waiting period is needed. The license costs $60 and is valid for 60 days in any North Carolina county.
How to Apply in Gastonia
The Gaston County Register of Deeds is at 325 N. Marietta Street, 1st Floor, Gastonia, NC 28053. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call (704) 862-7687 for questions. Under G.S. 51-6, you must have a marriage license before the ceremony.
Each applicant needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need your Social Security card. If you had a prior marriage, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. The fee is $60, payable by cash or money order. The license is good for 60 days and works in any county across North Carolina.
Gastonia Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old per G.S. 51-2. Applicants under 21 may need extra documents. No residency requirement applies. No medical exam or blood test is needed. G.S. 51-8 gives the Register of Deeds the authority to issue the license. Two witnesses are required at the ceremony. The officiant returns the signed license to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Note: The City of Gastonia provides municipal services but does not handle vital records. All marriage license matters go through Gaston County.
Gastonia Marriage License Filing
In North Carolina, all marriage licenses come from the county Register of Deeds. Gastonia is the county seat of Gaston County, so the office is right in town. The Gaston County Courthouse on N. Marietta Street is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The county handles marriage licenses for all communities in Gaston County, including Belmont, Mount Holly, and Dallas. You do not have to live in Gaston County to get a license here. The office serves walk-in visitors during business hours.
Marriage License Fees in Gastonia
The license fee is $60. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available from the Gaston County Register of Deeds after the signed license is returned and recorded. The NC Vital Records office also provides copies for a $24 search fee. The county office is the quicker option for recent Gastonia marriage records.
Getting Gastonia Marriage Records
After the wedding, request certified copies from the Gaston County Register of Deeds at 325 N. Marietta Street. Visit in person or send a mail request to P.O. Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053. The state vital records office at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903 has marriage records from 1962 forward. The NCARD directory can help you find any county office in the state if you need records from a different area.
The NC Judicial Branch marriage page has statewide information about marriage laws and records. Gastonia residents can also use this resource to learn about the general process.
Gastonia Marriage License Images
The City of Gastonia website covers city services but directs marriage license requests to the county.
For all marriage license applications and vital records, contact the Gaston County Register of Deeds directly.
The NC Vital Records homepage is the state-level portal for ordering marriage certificates by mail or online.
State records cover 1962 to the present. The Gaston County office may have records from earlier years.
The NCARD county finder lists all 100 county Register of Deeds offices in North Carolina.
Use this tool to find the address, phone number, and hours for the Gaston County office or any other county.
Gastonia Marriage License Process
The process follows North Carolina state law. Both applicants visit the Gaston County Register of Deeds at 325 N. Marietta Street in Gastonia. You fill out the application together, show identification, and pay the $60 fee. The clerk reviews everything and issues the license the same day. There is no waiting period. The license is good right away and valid for 60 days. You can use it in any of the 100 counties in North Carolina.
After the ceremony, the officiant and two witnesses sign the marriage license. The officiant must send it back to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once the signed license is on file, you can order certified copies of the marriage certificate. Each copy costs $10 from the county office.
After Your Gastonia Wedding
The officiant signs the license and returns it to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once the record is on file, request certified copies. You will need them for name changes and updates to insurance and other accounts. Visit the Social Security Administration first, then the NC DMV. Order at least three or four certified copies to cover all your needs.
Gastonia is close to Crowders Mountain State Park and other outdoor spots that serve as popular ceremony locations. No matter where the ceremony takes place in North Carolina, the license must be filed with Gaston County.
Note: Certified copies are not mailed to you after the ceremony. Request them from the county office or through the state vital records office.
Gaston County Marriage License Records
Gastonia is in Gaston County, and all marriage license filings go through the Gaston County Register of Deeds. For more on the county office, fees, and resources, visit the Gaston County marriage license records page.