Buncombe County Marriage License

Buncombe County processes marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Asheville, North Carolina. Drew Reisinger serves as the Register of Deeds. The main office is at Room 226 in the Buncombe County Courthouse, 35 Woodfin Street. The vital records division is at 60 Court Plaza, Room 110. Asheville is a popular wedding destination in the mountains, and the Buncombe County office handles a steady flow of marriage license applications year-round. Marriage records on file date back to 1891. No appointment is needed for a marriage license, making the process quick and convenient for couples.

Getting a Marriage License in Buncombe County

Both parties must appear in person at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. No appointment is needed. The office accepts walk-in marriage license applications Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card or proof of SSN.

If you are between 18 and 20, a certified birth certificate is also required. Applicants aged 16 to 17 need parental consent, as set by N.C.G.S. § 51-2. Those under 16 require a court order. If you were divorced, bring the date of the divorce. A certified decree is needed if the divorce was within the past 30 days.

The fee is $60. This rate was set on September 1, 2009, and matches the statewide standard. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the officiant must return the signed license to the Buncombe County office within 10 days. Two witnesses are required.

Buncombe County Civil Ceremonies

Buncombe County offers civil ceremonies at the courthouse. A magistrate is available on the second floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. No appointment is needed. The fee is $50, payable in exact change with cash only.

For those who prefer a ceremony outside of business hours, a magistrate is also available 24 hours a day at the Buncombe County Detention Center. This option is uncommon but useful for couples with unusual schedules. The Asheville city services page has additional information about obtaining certificates and marriage licenses in the Buncombe County area.

N.C.G.S. § 51-1 establishes who may marry, and any authorized officiant or magistrate may perform the ceremony once the license is in hand.

Buncombe County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of marriage certificates from Buncombe County cost $10 each. You can prepay for certified copies at the time you purchase your marriage license, which saves a return trip. The office handles requests in person at 60 Court Plaza, Room 110, Asheville, NC 28801. Call (828) 250-4301 for the vital records division or (828) 250-4300 for the main line.

Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies are restricted to eligible individuals. This includes the named parties, their close family members, and authorized representatives. Uncertified copies may be available for general research purposes. Send an email to register.of.deeds@buncombecounty.org with questions about requests or eligibility.

Note: Buncombe County marriage records on file go back to 1891, so copies of older Asheville-area marriages are available through this office.

Buncombe County Marriage License Requirements

Gather these items before visiting the Buncombe County Register of Deeds:

• Valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security card or proof of SSN
• Certified birth certificate if aged 18 to 20
• Parental consent if aged 16 to 17
• Date of divorce and certified decree if divorced within 30 days
• $60 fee

No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. The license is good right away. The FindLaw NC Chapter 51 reference has the full text of the laws that govern marriage in Buncombe County. N.C.G.S. § 51-8 requires the Register of Deeds to issue the license when all statutory conditions are met.

Search Buncombe County Marriage Records

Buncombe County has marriage records dating back to 1891. The office offers a recorded document search system for locating records. For older records that predate the county's collection, the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh is the best resource. Statewide marriage certificates from 1962 onward are available from the NC Vital Records office for $24 per three-year search.

The NC marriage certificates page covers eligibility and ordering at the state level. The NCARD county finder helps locate any Register of Deeds in the state. For Buncombe County specifically, the fax number is (828) 250-4336.

The Asheville city services page provides information on obtaining marriage licenses and certificates in the Buncombe County area. Visit the Asheville services page for local guidance.

This page explains how to get birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates in the Asheville area.

The NC Vital Records homepage is another resource for Buncombe County marriage certificate searches at the state level. Visit the NC Vital Records portal for statewide records from 1962 onward.

The state office charges $24 per search and may have long processing times due to high demand.

Contact Buncombe County Register of Deeds

The main office is at Room 226, Buncombe County Courthouse, 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801. The vital records office is at 60 Court Plaza, Room 110, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone numbers are (828) 250-4300 for the main line and (828) 250-4301 for vital records. The fax is (828) 250-4336. Email the office at register.of.deeds@buncombecounty.org.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Marriage licenses are issued until 4:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and holidays. Buncombe County is a popular spot for weddings, so the office staff are well versed in the process and can answer questions quickly.

Buncombe County was formed in 1791 and is named after Colonel Edward Buncombe. Asheville, the county seat, is the largest city in western North Carolina and a major tourist destination. The Blue Ridge Mountains surround the city, and Buncombe County draws couples from across the country for destination weddings. The Register of Deeds office handles a high volume of marriage license applications year-round due to the area's popularity. Whether you are a local resident or visiting Asheville for your wedding, the process at the courthouse is straightforward and walk-in friendly.