Duplin County Marriage License Guide
Duplin County marriage license records are stored at the Register of Deeds office in Kenansville, North Carolina. The Register of Deeds, Anita Marie Savage, manages all marriage license applications, vital records, and land records for the county. Duplin County has records going back to 1749, making it one of the richest record repositories in the state. The Courthouse Annex at 118 Duplin Street houses the office. This guide explains how to get a marriage license, search for records, and order certified copies in Duplin County.
How to Apply in Duplin County
Visit the Register of Deeds at the Courthouse Annex, Room 106, 118 Duplin Street, Kenansville, NC 28349. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Couples should arrive before 4:30 PM to have enough time to fill out the paperwork. Both people must appear in person at the same time.
Bring a picture ID and your Social Security number. If you were married before, know the date of your divorce or the death of your previous spouse. Under Section 51-6, a valid marriage license is required before any ceremony in North Carolina. The Duplin County Register of Deeds page has additional information about office procedures.
Duplin County Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee is $60. Duplin County accepts cash, checks, and money orders. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to Duplin County within 10 days. No waiting period and no blood test apply.
Certified copies of a marriage record cost $10 each. Uncertified copies are available at a lower cost. You can also order online through GetCertificateNow.com, which is the county's online ordering partner.
Duplin County Marriage Records History
Duplin County has marriage records from 1749 to the present. Land records also date back to 1749. Birth and death records start in October 1913. Maps and plats are also on file. This deep archive makes Duplin County a valuable resource for genealogy and family history research.
For records not available at the county level, the NC State Archives holds historical documents on microfilm. The NC Vital Records office has marriage records from 1962 to the present for all counties. You can also use the NC county finder to look up any Register of Deeds in the state.
Note: Some very old records may be fragile. Call the office at (910) 296-2108 before visiting to check availability.
Duplin County Marriage License Images
The screenshot below is from the Duplin County Register of Deeds page.
The county website provides links to vital records, land records, and contact information for the Register of Deeds office.
Below is the Duplin County online certificate ordering portal.
Use this portal to order certified copies of Duplin County marriage records from home.
Ordering Copies by Mail from Duplin County
Send your request to P.O. Box 970, Kenansville, NC 28349. Include $10 per certified copy by in-state check or money order. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a copy of your government-issued picture ID. The office will process your request and mail the copies back. Under Section 130A-93, only those with a direct and tangible interest in the record can get certified copies.
If you have questions about ordering, call (910) 296-2108 or fax (910) 296-2344. The staff can walk you through the process.
Duplin County Marriage License Age and Consent
Under Section 51-2, you must be 18 to marry without parental consent in North Carolina. Those aged 16 or 17 can marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The other person cannot be more than four years older. People under 16 generally cannot marry in the state. The Register of Deeds in Duplin County checks all ages using the IDs and documents you bring to the office.
Under Section 51-1, both parties must be legally free to marry. If either person was married before, the prior marriage must have ended through divorce or death before a new license can be issued. The Duplin County office will verify this information as part of the application process. There is no waiting period once the license is issued.
Who Can Officiate in Duplin County
Ordained ministers, magistrates, and certain tribal officials can perform marriages in North Carolina. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the Duplin County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This step is required before the record is filed. Couples should confirm with their officiant that the return was completed on time.
About Kenansville and Duplin County
Kenansville is the county seat of Duplin County. It is in the coastal plain of southeastern North Carolina. The town is small but has a proud history. Duplin County is one of the larger counties in the state by area and is known for farming, including poultry and hog production. The Duplin Winery, one of the largest in the eastern United States, is also in the county.
The Courthouse Annex on Duplin Street is the hub for county services. The Register of Deeds office handles a range of tasks beyond marriage licenses, including land recordings, vital records, and notary work. Whether you are a local resident or visiting for a wedding, the process is straightforward and the staff is helpful.
Duplin County is also home to the Duplin Winery, one of the largest wineries in the eastern United States. Wine tastings and events are popular draws for visitors. Couples who pick up their marriage license in Kenansville sometimes combine the trip with a visit to the winery. The county's mix of history, agriculture, and southern charm makes it a unique place to start a marriage. Under Section 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole issuing authority for marriage licenses in Duplin County.