Hertford County Marriage License Records
Hertford County is a small county in northeastern North Carolina with its seat in Winton. The Register of Deeds office in Hertford County keeps marriage records from 1884 to the present and issues new marriage licenses. Whether you are planning a wedding or tracing a family history connection, this guide covers how to get a marriage license, search records, and request certified copies in Hertford County. The county has a long history in North Carolina, and the records held by the Register of Deeds in Winton reflect that deep heritage. Residents from across the county visit the Winton office for marriage license applications and vital record requests throughout the year.
Applying for a Hertford County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office at 119 Justice Drive, Suite 9, Winton, NC 27986. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM to allow enough time to complete your application.
You will need a current driver's license or state ID. If you are under 20, a certified birth certificate is also required. Those aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent and a certified birth certificate. You must provide proof of your Social Security number. Accepted forms include your Social Security card, a W-2, or a recent pay stub. If either person was previously married, bring the date of divorce or death of the former spouse. Under NC General Statute 51-6, a license must be obtained before the ceremony.
Hertford County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license is $60. Hertford County accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds handles all license issuance in the county.
Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. It can be used in any county in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Hertford County Register of Deeds within 10 days. There is no waiting period in the state.
Note: Hertford County does not accept credit or debit cards for marriage license payments, so bring cash, a check, or a money order.
Searching Marriage Records in Hertford County
Hertford County has marriage records from 1884 to the present. Birth records date from 1913, death records from 1913, and land records from 1866. These records make the office a useful resource for genealogy and historical research in the region. You can search for recorded documents online by name and date range through the county's portal. The Hertford County Register of Deeds website provides access to the online search system and general office information:
This portal links to vital records, recorded documents, and fee information for the Hertford County Register of Deeds office in Winton.
Hertford County Marriage License by Mail
For certified copies of marriage records, you can submit a request by mail. Send your letter to 119 Justice Drive, Suite 9, Winton, NC 27986. Include a signed request with the names of both parties, the date of marriage, your return address, and payment. Also include a copy of your photo ID. The office will process your request and mail the certified copy back to you.
The Hertford County marriage license page lists all requirements in detail:
This page includes all the documents you need, payment options, and special rules for younger applicants in Hertford County.
Hertford County Marriage License Ceremonies
If you need a civil ceremony in Hertford County, call (252) 358-7829 for information about magistrate services. Magistrates can perform marriage ceremonies for a fee. This is a simple option for couples who want to get married without a large ceremony or a religious officiant. You still need a valid marriage license before the magistrate can perform the service. The license must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office before your ceremony date.
Under North Carolina General Statute 51-1, a marriage in the state is a civil contract. Any ordained minister, magistrate, or other authorized person may officiate. The Hertford County government page for the Register of Deeds provides additional contact details.
Note: Contact the Hertford County Register of Deeds at (252) 358-7850 or email Melanie.Storey@hertfordcountync.gov for questions about records or applications.
State Resources for Marriage License Searches
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records holds marriage certificates from 1962 forward. The state marriage certificates page explains fees and ordering steps. For records before 1962, the NC State Archives may have historical documents. The county finder tool from the NC Association of Registers of Deeds links to each office in the state.
After the Ceremony in Hertford County
Once the wedding takes place, the officiant signs the marriage license and must return it to the Hertford County Register of Deeds within 10 days. After the license is filed, it becomes part of the permanent record. You can then request certified copies for $10 each. Most people need at least one or two copies for name changes and other official updates.
Start your name change at the Social Security Administration with a certified copy of your Hertford County marriage license. After your Social Security card is updated, visit the DMV for a new driver's license. Banks, insurance providers, and your employer will also need to see proof of your marriage. The Hertford County office in Winton can issue certified copies the same day if you visit in person. For mail requests, expect processing to take a few business days depending on the office workload. Having all your documents ready speeds up the process at every step.