Chowan County Marriage License Records
Chowan County marriage license records are kept at the Register of Deeds office in Edenton, North Carolina. This historic county was formed in 1670 and is one of the oldest in the state. Couples who plan to marry in Chowan County can get their marriage license at the office on South Broad Street. The Register of Deeds handles all marriage license applications and also stores certified copies of past records. If you want to search for a Chowan County marriage record, you can visit the office or look through public records tools that cover the area. Both people must go to the office in person with the right forms of ID.
Chowan County Marriage License Application
To get a marriage license in Chowan County, both people must visit the Register of Deeds office at 101 South Broad St. in Edenton. The office is open during standard business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. You do not need an appointment. Walk in and ask for a marriage license application at the front desk. The process can usually be done in one visit if you bring all the right documents.
Each person must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID will work. You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2, or recent pay stub will do. Under North Carolina law, specifically Section 51-6, a marriage license is required before any ceremony can take place in the state.
If you are under 21, bring a certified birth certificate. If you were married before, you will need the month and year of your divorce or the date your former spouse passed away.
Chowan County Marriage License Fees and Details
The fee for a marriage license in Chowan County is $60. This is the same across all of North Carolina, as set by state law. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You can use it anywhere in the state. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Chowan County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This step is important because the record will not be filed until the license is returned.
There is no waiting period in North Carolina. Once you get the license, you can have your ceremony right away. No blood test is needed. The state removed that rule years ago. These details come from NC Vital Records, which covers all counties.
Note: Certified copies of a Chowan County marriage record cost $10 each and can be requested in person or by mail.
Marriage Records History in Chowan County
Chowan County has a long history of record keeping. Formed in 1670, it is among the first counties created in what would become North Carolina. Marriage records go back to the county's formation, though older records may be stored at the NC State Archives in Raleigh. Birth and death records in Chowan County date to 1913, when the state began requiring counties to file vital records.
For those doing family research, older Chowan County marriage records can be found on microfilm at the State Archives. The archives hold a wide range of documents for genealogy work. You may also find indexes and abstracts through the NC Association of Registers of Deeds, which lists contact details for every county office in the state.
Chowan County Marriage Officiants
In North Carolina, several types of people can perform a marriage ceremony. An ordained minister, a magistrate, or a federally recognized tribal leader can all officiate. The officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the Register of Deeds. Under state statute Section 51-1, both parties must be free to marry and meet the age and consent rules.
Magistrates in Chowan County can perform civil ceremonies for a small fee. Call the office at (252) 482-2619 for more details on scheduling a magistrate ceremony.
Searching Chowan County Marriage License Records
You can search for Chowan County marriage license records through recorded document search tools. The county offers online access to some public records. You can also visit the office at 101 South Broad St. in Edenton during business hours to request a search in person. Staff can look up records by name and date.
If you need a certified copy of a marriage license from Chowan County, the fee is $10. You can request it by mail by sending a letter to the Register of Deeds at 101 South Broad St., Edenton, NC 27932. Include a copy of your photo ID, a check or money order for $10, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. For state-level searches, the NC Vital Records office holds marriage records from 1962 to the present.
Note: Allow extra time for mail requests, as processing can take several business days.
Chowan County Marriage License Age Rules
North Carolina law sets clear age rules for marriage. Under Section 51-2, anyone 18 or older can marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, one parent or guardian must give written consent. The other person cannot be more than four years older than the minor. Those under 16 generally cannot marry in North Carolina.
The Chowan County Register of Deeds will verify ages using the IDs and birth certificates brought to the office. This is not a step that can be skipped. The law is strict on this point to protect young people.
About Edenton and Chowan County
Edenton is the county seat of Chowan County. It sits on the Albemarle Sound in the northeastern part of North Carolina. The town has deep roots in American history and was one of the colonial capitals of the state. Today, Chowan County has a small population and a quiet, historic feel. The courthouse area in Edenton is walkable, and the Register of Deeds office is easy to find on South Broad Street.
Couples who marry in Chowan County sometimes choose waterfront venues along the Albemarle Sound. The area draws visitors for its historic homes, scenic views, and relaxed pace. Whether you are a local or visiting for your wedding, the marriage license process is straightforward.
The image below is from the NC Vital Records homepage, which serves as the state portal for marriage records.
This state website provides guidance on how marriage records are managed across all North Carolina counties, including Chowan.
You can also view the NC marriage certificates page shown below for more details on the process.
This page explains how certified copies of marriage records can be obtained at the state level.
Contact the Chowan County Register of Deeds
You can reach the Chowan County Register of Deeds by phone at (252) 482-2619. The fax number is (252) 482-3062. The office is at 101 South Broad St., Edenton, NC 27932. Staff can answer questions about marriage license applications, fees, and certified copy requests. Under Section 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the official issuing authority for marriage licenses in every North Carolina county.