Craven County Marriage License Guide
Craven County marriage license records are managed by the Register of Deeds office in New Bern, North Carolina. New Bern holds a special place in state history as the first permanent capital of North Carolina. The Register of Deeds office on Pollock Street handles all marriage license applications on a walk-in basis. You do not need an appointment. Craven County also offers an optional online pre-application that can save time at the office. This page covers the application process, requirements, and how to search for past marriage records in Craven County.
Craven County Marriage License Application
Visit the Register of Deeds at 226 Pollock St., New Bern, NC 28560. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are accepted all day. Both people must appear in person at the same time. You can fill out the online application ahead of time to speed up the process. The online form is stored for 30 days.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, contact the office to discuss options. The Craven County marriage license page lists every requirement in full. You can also email the office at marriage@cravencountync.gov with questions.
If you are under 18, you must bring a certified birth certificate. A parent or legal guardian with custody must come to the office in person with their own ID. Under Section 51-2, minors aged 16 to 17 need parental consent. The age gap cannot exceed four years.
Craven County Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee is $60. Craven County accepts cash, debit and credit cards, checks, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This gives couples more payment options than many other counties. Under state law, part of the fee goes to the Children's Trust Fund ($5) and the Domestic Violence Center Fund ($30), as outlined in GS 161-11.1 and GS 161-11.2.
The license is valid for 60 days. It can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Craven County Register of Deeds within 10 days. There is no waiting period and no blood test.
Certified copies of a marriage certificate cost $10 each. If you pay by credit card, there is a 5% convenience fee with a $1 minimum per transaction.
Note: The $60 fee is set by state statute GS 161-10(a)(2) and is the same in every North Carolina county.
Search Craven County Marriage Records
Craven County has marriage records going back to the county's formation. It is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. Birth and death records are available from 1913. The office also maintains consolidated real property records. You can request a search in person at the Pollock Street office or call (252) 636-6617.
For state-level marriage records from 1962 onward, visit the NC Vital Records website. The NC State Archives holds historical marriage records on microfilm for most North Carolina counties, including Craven. Researchers can also use the NC county finder to locate any Register of Deeds in the state.
Craven County Marriage License Image
The image below is from the Craven County marriage license page.
This county page provides full details on the Craven County marriage license process, including requirements, fees, and age rules.
Craven County Marriage Officiants
North Carolina allows several types of people to perform a marriage. Ordained ministers, magistrates, and federally recognized tribal officials can all officiate. Under Section 51-1, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Register of Deeds. If you want a civil ceremony, a magistrate in Craven County can do it for a small fee.
The marriage license does not limit where you can have your ceremony. Many couples choose to marry near the historic waterfront in New Bern or at Tryon Palace. The license is good anywhere in the state for 60 days.
New Bern and Craven County Overview
New Bern is the county seat of Craven County. Founded in 1710, it is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It served as the colonial and first state capital. Tryon Palace, the restored governor's mansion, draws visitors from across the country. The town sits at the meeting point of the Neuse and Trent rivers.
Craven County has a rich history tied to the early days of North Carolina. The courthouse and government buildings are in downtown New Bern, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Parking is available near the Register of Deeds office at 226 Pollock Street. The fax number is (252) 636-1937.
Couples who choose Craven County for their marriage license often appreciate the mix of history and natural beauty. Whether you are a local or planning a destination wedding, the process at the Register of Deeds office is quick and welcoming.
Under Section 130A-93, certified copies of marriage records are available to those with a direct and tangible interest. This includes the people on the license, parents, legal representatives, and certain government agencies. Craven County processes many requests each year given the area's popularity for weddings and its long history of record keeping.
Contact Craven County Register of Deeds
Phone: (252) 636-6617. Fax: (252) 636-1937. Email: marriage@cravencountync.gov. Address: 226 Pollock St., New Bern, NC 28560. The office handles marriage license applications, certified copies, and general vital records questions. Under Section 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in Craven County. Visit the NC Vital Records marriage page for additional state resources.
Craven County was formed in 1712 and is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. Its county seat, New Bern, was founded in 1710 and served as both the colonial and first state capital. The county has a deep collection of marriage records and other vital documents that spans centuries. Whether you are a resident planning a wedding near the waterfront or a researcher tracing early North Carolina families, the Register of Deeds office on Pollock Street is equipped to help. The combination of walk-in availability and online pre-application makes Craven County one of the more accessible offices in the state for marriage license services.