Forsyth County Marriage License Records
Forsyth County marriage license records are held at the Register of Deeds office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Register of Deeds, Lynne Johnson, manages all marriage license applications, certified copies, and vital records for this large Piedmont county. Forsyth County is one of the most populous in the state, and the office at the Government Center on North Chestnut Street processes a high volume of requests. The county also offers online vital records ordering through Permitium. This guide covers the full process for marriage licenses and record searches in Forsyth County.
Forsyth County Marriage License Application
Visit the Register of Deeds at the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are accepted. Both people must appear in person with a valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. If you were married before, have the date of your divorce ready.
The process is immediate. You can receive the license the same day. Under Section 51-6, you must have a valid marriage license before any ceremony takes place. The recorded information line is (336) 703-2701 if you want to hear general details before your visit.
Forsyth County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. Forsyth County accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. The license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds within 10 days. No waiting period. No blood test.
Certified copies cost $10 in person. Uncertified copies are $0.50. Online orders through Permitium cost $15.11 per certified copy due to processing fees. Online processing can take up to 45 days. Mail requests take 2 to 3 business days and should be sent to 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Include an application form, photocopy of your ID, and a business check, bank check, or money order.
Note: The higher fee for online orders reflects convenience fees charged by the third-party platform.
Forsyth County Marriage Records Search
Forsyth County has marriage records from 1849 to the present. Birth and death records start in 1913. Land records also go back to 1849. You can search recorded documents by name, date, or type through the county's online tools. The Forsyth County records search portal allows free lookups of recorded documents. The public records page covers court and public records information.
For state-level searches, the NC Vital Records office holds marriage records from 1962 to the present. The NC State Archives has older records on microfilm for genealogy research.
Forsyth County Marriage License Images
The screenshot below is from the Forsyth County Register of Deeds website.
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds website is the starting point for marriage license applications and vital records services.
Below is the Forsyth County records search portal.
This portal lets you search recorded documents in Forsyth County by name, date, or document type.
The image below is from the Forsyth County public records page.
This page provides information about accessing public records in Forsyth County, including court records and vital documents.
Age Rules for Forsyth County Marriage License
Under Section 51-2, you must be 18 to marry without parental consent. Those 16 or 17 need a parent or guardian's written consent. The age gap cannot exceed four years. People under 16 generally cannot get a marriage license. The Register of Deeds will verify all ages using the IDs and documents you bring to the office.
Forsyth County Marriage License Return Process
After the wedding, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This step must happen before the marriage record is officially on file. Couples should confirm with their officiant that the license was returned on time. Once the record is filed, you can request certified copies for $10 each at the office or through the online system.
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, their parents, legal representatives, and certain government agencies. Forsyth County processes a high volume of these requests given its large population.
About Winston-Salem and Forsyth County
Winston-Salem is the county seat and largest city in Forsyth County. It is the fifth most populous city in North Carolina. The city is known for its Moravian history, Wake Forest University, and a growing arts and innovation scene. Old Salem Museums and Gardens is a popular attraction that draws visitors year-round. The city has a wide variety of wedding venues, from historic churches to modern event spaces.
The Government Center on North Chestnut Street is in downtown Winston-Salem. Parking is available in nearby garages. The main phone number for the Register of Deeds is (336) 703-2700. The mailing address is P.O. Box 20639, Winston-Salem, NC 27120. You can also use the NC county finder to look up any other Register of Deeds in the state.
Under Section 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in the county. The Forsyth County office has a long track record of serving the community with professionalism and care. Whether you are applying for a new license or searching for a historic record, the staff can help. Reynolda House Museum and Tanglewood Park are popular venues for ceremonies and receptions. The Forsyth County marriage license is valid at any venue in North Carolina for 60 days from the date of issue.