Gaston County Marriage Records Lookup
Gaston County marriage license records are on file at the Register of Deeds on the first floor of the Gaston County Courthouse in Gastonia, North Carolina. The office handles marriage license applications, land recordings, vital records, and other public documents. Gaston County is just west of Charlotte and has a large population, which means the office stays busy. The process for getting a marriage license here is the same as in all North Carolina counties. This page covers everything you need to know about fees, requirements, and record searches in Gaston County.
Get a Gaston County Marriage License
Both people must visit the Register of Deeds at the Gaston County Courthouse, First Floor, 325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia, NC 28052. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed. Walk in and ask for a marriage license application.
Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. No waiting period applies. No blood test is required. Under Section 51-6, a valid marriage license must be obtained before any ceremony. The Gaston County Register of Deeds page has general office information.
If you are under 18, parental consent is needed under Section 51-2. The other person cannot be more than four years older than a minor applicant.
Gaston County Marriage License Fees and Rules
The fee is $60. Gaston County accepts cash, checks, and money orders. The license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in North Carolina. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. You can marry on the same day you get the license.
Certified copies of a marriage record cost $10 each. You can request them in person or by mail. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053. Include payment, a copy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Gaston County Marriage Records Availability
Gaston County has birth, marriage, and death records from 1913 to the present. Land records go back to 1847. The office offers a recorded document search that covers land records, financing statements, plats, corporations, and assumed names. This search is a helpful tool for property and public record research.
For marriage records not in the county system, the NC State Archives in Raleigh holds historical records on microfilm. The NC Vital Records office has marriage records from 1962 onward. The NC county finder can help you find any other Register of Deeds in the state.
Note: If you need a record from before 1913, contact the State Archives directly for assistance.
Gaston County Marriage License Resources
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 marriage records for all North Carolina counties, including Gaston.
Below is the NC marriage certificates page.
This page explains how certified copies of marriage records can be obtained at the state level.
Age and Consent in Gaston County
Under Section 51-2, anyone 18 or older can marry without parental consent. Those 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The other person cannot be more than four years older than the minor. People under 16 generally cannot get a marriage license in North Carolina. The Register of Deeds will verify all ages using the IDs and birth certificates you bring.
Under Section 130A-93, certified copies of vital records such as marriage certificates are available to those with a direct and tangible interest. This includes the named parties, parents, and legal representatives. The standard fee is $10 per certified copy in Gaston County.
Gaston County Marriage License Return Steps
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is a required step under North Carolina law. The marriage record is not officially filed until the signed license is received by the office. Couples should follow up with their officiant to make sure this step is completed on time.
Once the record is filed, you can request certified copies in person at the courthouse or by mail. Include payment, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with mail requests. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053.
About Gastonia and Gaston County
Gastonia is the county seat of Gaston County. It is in the western suburbs of Charlotte, about 25 miles from uptown Charlotte. Gaston County has a population of over 220,000 and is one of the more densely populated counties in western North Carolina. The area has a mix of small towns, suburbs, and rural land.
The courthouse on North Marietta Street is in downtown Gastonia. Parking is available nearby. The Deed Room can be reached at (704) 862-7684, and the main office at (704) 862-7680. The Register of Deeds handles marriage licenses, vital records, land recordings, and other public documents. Under Section 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole issuing authority for marriage licenses in the county.
Gaston County has a range of wedding venues, from churches and event halls to outdoor spaces along the South Fork River. The marriage license from Gaston County is valid at any location in North Carolina. Crowders Mountain State Park, on the border of Gaston and Cleveland counties, is a popular spot for outdoor events and photos. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding foothills and is just a short drive from the courthouse in Gastonia.