Raleigh Marriage License Guide
Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County. Marriage licenses in Raleigh are issued by the Wake County Register of Deeds, located at the Wake County Justice Center. The Raleigh City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses or keep marriage records. Both applicants must appear in person with valid ID and proof of their Social Security numbers. The license is valid right away and good for 60 days across all of North Carolina. No blood test is needed and there is no waiting period.
Applying for a Marriage License in Raleigh
To get a marriage license in Raleigh, visit the Wake County Register of Deeds at 300 South Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, inside the Wake County Justice Center. The office issues marriage licenses Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call (919) 856-5460 for details. An online appointment system is available and can speed up the process. Under G.S. 51-6, every couple must get a marriage license before the wedding ceremony takes place.
Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID and your Social Security number. Acceptable ID includes a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you had a prior marriage and the divorce was recent, you may need a certified copy of the divorce decree. The marriage license fee is $60 and must be paid at the time of your visit.
Raleigh Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old under G.S. 51-2. Minors aged 16 or 17 need parental consent and additional paperwork. There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Raleigh or Wake County to get a marriage license here. No medical exam or blood test is required under current North Carolina law.
The Register of Deeds issues the license as required by G.S. 51-8. After the ceremony, two witnesses must sign the license along with the officiant. The signed license must be returned to the Wake County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once it is on file, you can request certified copies of the marriage certificate.
Note: Wake County marriage records go back to 1932. For older records, try the NC Vital Records research page or the NC State Archives.
Marriage License Fees in Raleigh
The cost of a marriage license in Raleigh is $60. This fee is the same across every county in North Carolina. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $10 each from the Wake County office. You can also get copies through the NC Vital Records office for a $24 search fee that covers one copy. Extra copies from the state cost $15 each. The county office is the faster choice for recent marriage records.
Where to Get Raleigh Marriage Records
Certified copies of Raleigh marriage records are available from the Wake County Register of Deeds. You can visit the office in person at the Justice Center or submit a request by mail to Wake County Register of Deeds, Attention: Vital Records, P.O. Box 1897, Raleigh, NC 27602-1897. The Wake County marriage and divorce records page has more details about viewing and requesting copies. Marriage certificates can also be viewed online through the vital records portal, though certified copies still require a formal request.
For state-level requests, mail your application to NC Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. State records cover marriages from 1962 to the present. Processing times at the state office tend to be longer than at the county office, so plan ahead if you need a copy in a hurry.
Raleigh Marriage License Office Location
The Wake County Register of Deeds is in the Wake County Justice Center at 300 South Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Marriage license services run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The phone number is (919) 856-5460 and the fax is (919) 856-5467. The Raleigh City Clerk at 222 West Hargett Street does not handle marriage licenses. The city clerk manages city council records and municipal code, not vital records.
Raleigh Marriage License Images
The screenshot below shows the Wake County marriage and divorce records page, where you can find details on getting certified copies of Raleigh marriage records.
This page explains how to view or print copies and includes links to request forms for marriage records in Wake County.
The Wake County Register of Deeds page on the Wake County government site provides general information about all services the office offers.
From this page you can find office hours, contact numbers, and links to online records for Wake County marriage licenses.
The NC Vital Records marriage page covers state-level options for getting copies of marriage certificates.
State records go back to 1962. For Raleigh marriages before that date, contact the Wake County Register of Deeds, which has records from 1932.
Steps After Your Raleigh Wedding
After your wedding in Raleigh, the officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the Wake County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This step is critical. Without the returned license on file, the county cannot issue certified copies of the marriage certificate. Most couples need several copies for name changes, insurance, and other updates.
Start the name change process by getting a certified copy from the county. Take it to the Social Security Administration office. Wait for the new card, then update your driver's license at the NC DMV. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds directory can help you find any county office if you need records from a different county as well.
Note: Marriage certificates are not sent to you after the ceremony. You must request copies from the Wake County office or the state vital records office.
Wake County Marriage License Records
Raleigh is in Wake County, and all marriage license filings go through the Wake County Register of Deeds. For more on the county office, fees, and resources, visit the Wake County marriage license records page.