Carteret County Marriage License Records
Carteret County manages marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office at 302 Courthouse Square in Beaufort, North Carolina. Carteret County stretches along the Crystal Coast and is a popular spot for beach weddings. The office handles a high volume of marriage license applications, especially during the warmer months. Walk-in applications are accepted, but due to demand, the cutoff time for marriage licenses is 4:30 PM. Both new license applications and requests for certified copies are handled at the Beaufort courthouse. An online ordering portal is also available for those who need copies of existing records.
Applying for a Carteret County Marriage License
Both parties must appear at the Carteret County Register of Deeds with valid photo ID and Social Security cards. Accepted IDs include a state ID, driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a Social Security number, an affidavit is available at the office.
Applicants aged 18 to 20 must bring a certified copy of their birth certificate. Those under 18 should contact the office for specific requirements. If you were divorced within the past year, bring an original or certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
The fee is $60, payable by cash or credit card. The license is valid for 60 days. It can be used in any county in North Carolina. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the officiant must return the signed license within 10 days of the ceremony. Two witnesses are required. Due to high demand at this coastal location, arrive before 4:30 PM to start your application.
Carteret County Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of marriage certificates from Carteret County cost $10 each, payable by cash or credit card. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online through the Carteret County online vital records portal. Online requests have additional processing fees.
For mail requests, include the full names of both parties (maiden name if applicable), the date of marriage, a contact phone number, a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a money order or cashier's check for $10. Make it payable to Carteret County Register of Deeds and mail to: 302 Courthouse Square, Beaufort, NC 28516.
Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies go only to eligible people. This includes the named parties, close family, and legal representatives. Others may request uncertified copies for research. Call (252) 728-8474 or fax (252) 728-7693 with questions about your eligibility.
Magistrate Ceremonies in Carteret County
Couples who want a magistrate ceremony in Carteret County can schedule one by calling (252) 504-4543. The magistrate's office is at 308 Craven Street, Beaufort, NC 28516. An appointment is required. The fee is $50, payable in cash only.
Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present at the ceremony. The magistrate handles the paperwork and returns the signed license to the Register of Deeds. N.C.G.S. § 51-1 allows any authorized officiant or magistrate to conduct a marriage ceremony once the license is in hand.
Note: The magistrate office is at a different address from the Register of Deeds, so plan accordingly if you are getting your license and having the ceremony on the same day.
Carteret County Marriage License Requirements
Gather these items before visiting the Carteret County office:
- Valid photo ID for both parties (state ID, driver's license, passport, or military ID)
- Social Security cards for both parties
- Certified birth certificate if aged 18 to 20
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married within one year
- $60 fee (cash or credit card)
N.C.G.S. § 51-2 sets age requirements. The minimum age to marry without parental consent is 18. No blood test or waiting period is required. The license takes effect right away. N.C.G.S. § 51-8 requires the Register of Deeds to issue the license when all conditions are met. The FindLaw NC Chapter 51 reference has the full text of the statutes.
Search Carteret County Marriage Records
Marriage licenses filed in Carteret County are available through the Register of Deeds office. Online vital record requests can be submitted through the Permitium portal for Carteret County. This service handles birth, death, and marriage record requests with credit card payment.
For statewide marriage certificates from 1962 onward, the NC Vital Records office charges $24 per three-year search. The marriage certificates page has ordering details. For older records, the Carteret County office in Beaufort is the primary source.
The Carteret County marriage licenses page provides detailed information about the application process. Visit the Carteret County marriage license page for current requirements.
This page covers ID rules, age requirements, fees, and the mail request process for Carteret County.
The online vital records portal lets you order certified copies of Carteret County marriage certificates from home. Access the Carteret County online ordering system to submit a request.
Online orders include additional processing fees beyond the standard $10 certified copy charge.
The NCARD county finder can help you locate any Register of Deeds in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Archives holds historical records for genealogical research in Carteret County and beyond.
Carteret County stretches along the Crystal Coast from Morehead City to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. It is one of the most popular wedding destinations in eastern North Carolina, and the Beaufort office processes a high number of marriage license applications during the spring and summer months. The county was formed in 1722 and holds records that span centuries. Researchers looking for early Carteret County marriage records may find additional resources at the State Archives in Raleigh, where microfilm copies of historical documents are stored. The Register of Deeds staff in Beaufort can assist with both new applications and historical record searches. Call (252) 728-8474 or fax (252) 728-7693 for questions about marriage licenses and record availability. The mailing address for record requests is 302 Courthouse Square, Beaufort, NC 28516. The office is open Monday through Friday and processes marriage license applications until 4:30 PM each day.