Wilmington Marriage License Records
Wilmington is the largest city on the North Carolina coast and the county seat of New Hanover County. Marriage licenses in Wilmington are issued by the New Hanover County Register of Deeds. The city clerk does not handle marriage licenses. Wilmington is a popular destination for weddings, and many couples from other states come here to marry at the beach. Both applicants must appear in person with ID and Social Security information. No residency is needed, so out-of-state visitors can apply. The license costs $60 and is valid for 60 days.
How to Get a Marriage License in Wilmington
The New Hanover County Register of Deeds main office is at 216 North 2nd Street, Room 2, Wilmington, NC 28401. A satellite office is at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 185. Marriage licenses are issued Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call (910) 798-4530 for questions. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are a good idea. An online marriage application is available to save time at the office.
Under G.S. 51-6, all couples must get a marriage license before the ceremony. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. If you had a prior marriage, provide details about how it ended. The $60 fee is due when you apply.
Wilmington Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 under G.S. 51-2. Minors aged 16 or 17 need parental consent and more documentation. No residency is required. No blood test or medical exam is needed. G.S. 51-8 makes the Register of Deeds the issuing official. Two witnesses are needed at the ceremony. The officiant returns the signed license to New Hanover County within 10 days after the wedding.
Wilmington draws many couples who want a beach wedding. Keep in mind that some beach locations may require permits from the city for photography or events. Contact the City of Wilmington for permit details.
Wilmington Marriage License Filing
North Carolina law places marriage licenses at the county level. Wilmington is the county seat of New Hanover County, so the Register of Deeds is in town. The main office at 216 North 2nd Street and the satellite office at 230 Government Center Drive both handle marriage license applications. Wilmington is a popular destination for beach weddings, and many couples come from other states to marry on the coast. No residency is needed.
Marriage License Fees in Wilmington
The marriage license fee is $60. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $10 each from the New Hanover County Register of Deeds. The NC Vital Records office also offers copies for a $24 search fee. The county office is the faster option for recent Wilmington marriage records.
Note: You can also order copies directly through the New Hanover County Register of Deeds office or by mail.
Wilmington Marriage Records Search
The New Hanover County public records search lets you look up recorded documents for free. Search by name, date range, or book and page number. Marriage records are included in the search database. Records go back to the formation of the county. Results are for informational use. For official certified copies, visit the Register of Deeds office or submit a formal request.
The state vital records office has marriage records from 1962 to the present. If you need an older Wilmington marriage record, the county office or the New Hanover County Public Library NC Room may have genealogical resources that can help.
Wilmington Marriage License Images
The City of Wilmington website provides general city information but directs marriage license questions to the county.
The city handles permits for beach events and park rentals, but all marriage license matters go through New Hanover County.
The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to order state-level copies of marriage certificates.
State records date back to 1962. For earlier Wilmington marriages, contact the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.
The NCARD county finder helps you locate any Register of Deeds office in North Carolina.
Use this directory to look up office hours, addresses, and phone numbers for all 100 county offices.
Wilmington Marriage License Process
The process follows North Carolina state law. Both applicants visit the New Hanover County Register of Deeds at 216 North 2nd Street, Room 2, in Wilmington. You fill out the application, show your 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 stays valid for 60 days. It works in any county in the state. Wilmington draws many couples from other states who want a coastal wedding. The same rules apply to out-of-state visitors.
After the ceremony, the officiant and two witnesses sign the license. The officiant returns the completed license to the New Hanover County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, the county can issue certified copies of the marriage certificate. Plan ahead and make sure your officiant knows this requirement.
After Your Wilmington Wedding
After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed marriage license to the New Hanover County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, request certified copies for name changes and updates. Take a certified copy to the Social Security Administration first. Wait for the new card, then visit the NC DMV. Update bank accounts and insurance from there. Order several copies since you will need them for multiple agencies.
The New Hanover County courts handle divorce records, not marriage records. If you need divorce records, contact the Clerk of Superior Court at (910) 772-6600. Beach weddings in Wilmington may require permits from the city for photography or large events. Contact the city early in your planning if you want to use a public beach.
New Hanover County Marriage License Records
Wilmington is in New Hanover County, and all marriage license filings go through the New Hanover County Register of Deeds. For more on the county office, fees, and resources, visit the New Hanover County marriage license records page.