Macon County Marriage License Search
Macon County is in the southwestern mountains of North Carolina, with its county seat in Franklin. The area is a popular choice for mountain weddings. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and holds marriage records from 1878 to the present. This page explains how to get a marriage license, what to bring, the fees, and how to search for existing records in Macon County.
Macon County Marriage License Application
Go to the Macon County Courthouse at 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. Both people must appear together. Marriage license hours are 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Register of Deeds is Todd Raby, and the office staff includes Jana Smith, Christie Smith, and Gloria Cabe.
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security card or other proof of your number, such as a W-2, pay stub, or military discharge. Under NC General Statute 51-6, a valid license is required before any ceremony. The license is good right away and stays valid for 60 days. It can be used in any of North Carolina's 100 counties.
An online application is available. You can fill it out before your visit to save time at the office. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Macon County Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Macon County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. Macon County accepts cash, checks, and money orders only. No credit or debit cards are accepted for this service. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. Make checks payable to "Register of Deeds."
The Macon County marriage certificates page has full details on fees and the application process:
This page lists every document you need, payment options, and answers to common questions about getting a marriage license in Macon County.
Note: Cash, check, or money order only for marriage license fees at the Macon County Register of Deeds.
Macon County Marriage Records
The office holds marriage records from 1878 to the present. Birth records start from 1913, with some delayed births from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Death records date from 1913. The office only has records for persons born, married, or deceased in Macon County. For records from other counties, you will need to contact that county's Register of Deeds directly.
You can order certified copies of marriage records through the online vital record request portal or by mail. Mail requests go to Macon County Register of Deeds, Marriage Request, 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. Include the names of both parties, the date of marriage, your return address, payment, and a copy of your photo ID.
The Macon County vital records page covers all the types of records you can request:
From this page, you can learn about birth, death, and marriage record requests, along with who is eligible to receive certified copies.
Macon County Marriage License Requirements
Under General Statute 51-2, both people must be 18 or older to marry without consent. Ages 16 and 17 require written parental consent, and a parent or guardian with ID must be present. A certified birth certificate is needed for applicants under 18. Ages 14 and 15 require a court order. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the authorized official for issuing marriage licenses. There is no blood test required in North Carolina. There is no waiting period after a divorce.
Under General Statute 130A-93, certified copies can be obtained by the individual named on the record, immediate family members, authorized agents, or legal representatives. Macon County recognizes gender neutral marriages. The office also provides voter ID certificates for free with proper documentation. The marriage license is valid in all 100 North Carolina counties for 60 days from the date of issuance.
After Your Macon County Marriage
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Macon County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, you can request certified copies for $10 each. The Franklin office processes in-person requests the same day. Mail requests go to 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. Include payment, the names of both parties, the date of marriage, and a copy of your ID.
You will need certified copies for name changes. Take your copy to the Social Security office at 800 Centre Park Drive in Franklin first. Then visit the DMV at 16 Patton Avenue in Franklin. Banks and insurance companies will also need proof of your marriage. Having two or three copies ready saves you from making extra trips back to the Register of Deeds office later on.
Macon County Marriage License Ceremonies
A magistrate is available on the 3rd floor of the Macon County Courthouse for civil ceremonies. Hours are weekdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The fee for a magistrate ceremony is $20 in cash. You still need a valid marriage license from the Register of Deeds before the ceremony can take place.
After the ceremony, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license for name changes. The Social Security Administration office is at 800 Centre Park Drive in Franklin. The DMV office is at 16 Patton Avenue in Franklin. Visit Social Security first, then the DMV.
State Marriage License Resources
The NC Division of Vital Records holds marriage certificates from 1962 forward. The state marriage certificates page has ordering details. The NC State Archives may hold older records. The NC county finder tool links to every Register of Deeds office in the state. The Macon County Register of Deeds website has the most current local information.
Note: The Macon County Register of Deeds can be reached at (828) 349-2097 or (828) 349-2095, or by email at csmith@maconnc.org.