Obtain a Columbus County Marriage License
Columbus County marriage license records are stored at the Register of Deeds office in Whiteville, North Carolina. The Register, Kandance H. Bullock, manages all marriage license applications and vital records for this southeastern North Carolina county. Columbus County was formed in 1808 from Bladen and Brunswick Counties and is the third largest county in the state by area. With a population of over 55,000, it has a steady flow of marriage license applications each year. This guide covers how to apply, what to bring, and how to search for past records.
Columbus County Marriage License Application Process
Both people must go to the Register of Deeds office at 125 Washington St., Suite B, Whiteville, NC 28472. The office takes marriage license applications from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Document recording hours run until 4:45 PM, and the full office is open until 5:00 PM. The office is closed on county holidays.
All applicants must bring proof of their Social Security number. This is a firm rule in Columbus County. Both parties must appear in person at the same time. If you are 21 or older, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. A certified birth certificate that has not expired also works. For those aged 16 to 17, parental consent is needed. The other person cannot be more than four years older. Ages 14 to 15 require a court order. The full rules are on the Columbus County marriage license page.
If you were divorced, bring the original or a certified copy of your divorce decree. No premarital physical exam is needed.
Note: Expect a wait of up to one hour between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM due to lunch staffing.
Marriage License Fees in Columbus County
The fee is $60, and Columbus County accepts cash only for marriage licenses. This is important to know before you visit. The license is valid for 60 days from issuance and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Columbus County Register of Deeds within 10 days, as required by state law.
Certified copies cost $10 each. Uncertified copies are just $0.25 per page. You can request copies at least 10 days after the wedding ceremony. When sending a mail request, include both names, the date of the marriage, a copy of your photo ID, $10 per certified copy by money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail goes to P.O. Box 1086, Whiteville, NC 28472.
Columbus County Marriage Record History
Columbus County has marriage records dating back to 1867. Birth and death records start in 1913, and land records go back to 1802. The office also has a real estate lookup search available online. For older marriage records not in the county office, the NC State Archives in Raleigh may have what you need.
The county was named after Christopher Columbus. Its long history means there is a deep collection of public records. If you are doing family research, both the county office and the state archives can help. The Columbus County FAQ page answers common questions about record requests.
Columbus County Marriage License Images
The screenshot below comes from the Columbus County Register of Deeds website.
The Columbus County Register of Deeds website provides general information about office services and hours.
This next image is from the Columbus County marriage license page.
This page details the exact requirements, fees, and rules for getting a marriage license in Columbus County.
Magistrate Services in Columbus County
If you want a simple civil ceremony in Columbus County, a magistrate can perform it. The magistrate fee is $20. You can reach the magistrate's office at (910) 641-3090 to schedule a ceremony. Under North Carolina law, ordained ministers, magistrates, and certain other officials can officiate a marriage. The marriage license must be signed and returned to the Register of Deeds after the ceremony.
Under Section 51-1, both parties must meet all legal requirements before a marriage can take place. The officiant is responsible for completing the license and returning it promptly.
Search Columbus County Marriage License Records
You can search for Columbus County marriage records through the county's online real estate lookup or by visiting the office in person. Staff at the Register of Deeds can look up records by name and date. Certified copies under Section 130A-93 are available for anyone with a direct and tangible interest in the record.
For statewide searches, the NC Vital Records office has marriage records from 1962 to the present. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds can help you find contact details for any county in the state.
Note: Online record searches may not include every older document, so contact the office if you need records from before the digital era.
Contact Columbus County Register of Deeds
Phone: (910) 640-6625. Fax: (910) 640-2547. Visit the office at 125 Washington St., Suite B, Whiteville, NC 28472. The Register of Deeds is Kandance H. Bullock. The office can answer questions about marriage licenses, certified copies, and all vital records in Columbus County. Visit the Columbus County Register of Deeds website for more details.
Columbus County Marriage License Age Rules
Under Section 51-2, anyone 18 or older can marry without parental consent. Those 16 or 17 need parental consent, and the age gap cannot exceed four years. Ages 14 to 15 require a court order, as Columbus County specifically notes. People under 14 cannot marry. The Register of Deeds checks all ages and verifies documents before issuing any license.
Columbus County was formed in 1808 from Bladen and Brunswick Counties. It is the third largest county in North Carolina by land area. Whiteville, the county seat, sits in the southeastern part of the state and serves as the center of county government. The Register of Deeds office on Washington Street handles a steady volume of marriage license applications and vital record requests each year. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from another area, the staff can help you through the process of getting a marriage license or finding a past marriage record in Columbus County.