Find Alamance County Marriage License Records

Alamance County stores marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Graham, North Carolina. The office sits at 118 West Harden Street and holds records from the county's formation to the present day. Couples who plan to wed in Alamance County must apply in person at this office. Staff also help those who need certified copies of past marriage records. Whether you are tracing family roots or need a copy of your own marriage license, the Alamance County Register of Deeds is the place to start. The office works with the state to keep all vital records safe and up to date for public use.

Alamance County Marriage License Application

Both parties must appear at the Alamance County Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license. You will need a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. A Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number is also required. If you are between 18 and 20 years old, bring a certified birth certificate as well. These rules come from N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, which sets out who may marry in North Carolina and what documents they must show.

Appointments are required. Call (336) 570-6565 and press prompt 2 to set one up. The Alamance County marriage license page has full details on what to bring. Applicants who were divorced must state the month and year their divorce was final. If the divorce was within the last 30 days, a certified decree is required. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-1, the state sets clear rules on who may enter a marriage, and under N.C.G.S. § 51-8, the Register of Deeds must issue the license once all conditions are met.

Marriage License Fees in Alamance County

The fee for a marriage license in Alamance County is $60. This is the standard fee across all of North Carolina. You can pay with cash in the office. Credit and debit cards are accepted for online requests through the Alamance County online vital records portal. The Alamance County fee schedule lists all costs for the office's services.

Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. It can be used for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Alamance County Register of Deeds within 10 days, as required by N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must also sign the license at the time of the ceremony. If the license is not returned on time, the marriage record may be delayed.

You can get a marriage license Monday through Friday. The office issues licenses from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Recording hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The main office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and closed on county holidays.

Certified Marriage Records in Alamance County

The Alamance County Register of Deeds provides certified copies of marriage certificates for $10 each. Uncertified copies cost $0.25 per page. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only certain people may receive a certified copy. This includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal representative acting on their behalf.

You can request a certified copy in person, by mail, or online. For mail orders, send a money order or bank check to P.O. Box 837, Graham, NC 27253. Include a copy of your photo ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Personal checks are not accepted by mail. For online orders, use a major credit or debit card. Extra processing fees apply for online requests.

The vital records page on the Alamance County website walks you through the request process step by step.

Note: Mail orders typically take longer than in-person requests, so plan ahead if you need records by a set date.

Alamance Marriage License Requirements

The following items are needed when you apply for a marriage license in Alamance County:

• Valid photo ID for both parties (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
• Certified birth certificate if either applicant is between 18 and 20
• Month and year of divorce if previously married
• Certified divorce decree if divorced within the last 30 days

Applicants under 18 must call the office at (336) 570-6565 to learn about special rules. North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. § 51-2 allows those aged 16 or 17 to marry with parental consent, but the age gap between the parties cannot exceed four years. No one under 16 may legally marry in the state. There is no blood test or waiting period for a marriage license in Alamance County. The license is valid right away once it is issued.

Alamance County Marriage Record History

Alamance County has kept marriage records since its formation. These records cover a long span of time and are stored at the Register of Deeds office in Graham. Historical marriage bonds for early periods are also held at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Researchers looking into family history may find these bonds helpful for tracing ancestors who married in the area before formal license records began.

The office also keeps indexes of recent marriage records available online. Images of some recent records can be viewed through the county's digital system. For older records, staff can assist with in-person searches. Genealogy research help is available at the office during normal business hours.

The Alamance County Register of Deeds website is a good starting point for any records search. You can also check the NC Vital Records office, which holds statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. The state office charges $24 per three-year search period. For records before 1962, the county office is the best source.

How to Search Alamance County Records

The Alamance County Register of Deeds offers several ways to access marriage license records. You can visit the office at 118 West Harden Street in Graham during business hours. For phone inquiries, call (336) 570-6565. The fax number is (336) 570-6562.

For those who want to search from home, the online portal lets you request vital records and pay with a credit card. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder can also help you locate the right office for any county in North Carolina. This is useful if you are not sure which county holds the record you need.

Alamance County marriage license records are public records, but certified copies are restricted to eligible applicants under state law. Uncertified copies are available to anyone for research purposes. The office staff can guide you through the process and let you know which type of copy fits your needs.

Below is a screenshot from the Alamance County Register of Deeds website, which provides an overview of their services and office details. Visit the Alamance County Register of Deeds portal for the latest information.

This page shows the main hub for all Alamance County recording and vital record services, including marriage license applications.

The marriage license section of the Alamance County website details specific requirements for applicants. View the Alamance County marriage license requirements page for current rules.

Applicants can review all needed documents and office hours before scheduling their appointment.

Alamance County also offers online vital record ordering through a third-party portal. Access the Alamance County online vital records system to submit requests from home.

This system accepts credit and debit cards, with additional processing fees for each order.

The fee schedule page lists costs for all services offered by the Alamance County Register of Deeds. Check the Alamance County fee schedule for up-to-date pricing.

Fees for marriage licenses, certified copies, and other recording services are listed on this page.

Note: Always confirm office hours and fees by calling (336) 570-6565 before visiting, as schedules may change on holidays.