Marriage License in Madison County
Madison County sits in the mountains of western North Carolina, with its county seat in the small town of Marshall along the French Broad River. The county was formed in 1851 and holds marriage records from that year forward. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and vital records. This page walks through the process for getting a marriage license, searching for records, and requesting certified copies in Madison County.
Madison County Marriage License Application
Visit the County Administration Building at 5707 Highway 25/70, Suite 6, Marshall, NC 28753. Both people must appear in person. Marriage license hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM to allow enough time for the application. The Register of Deeds is Susan Rector.
Bring picture identification and your Social Security number with proof such as your card, a W-2, or a pay stub. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, a notarized affidavit is available at the office. 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.
Madison County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. This includes a $35 state fee. Madison County accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Certified copies of vital records cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. The Madison County fee schedule has the full list of costs for all office services.
- Marriage license: $60
- Certified copy of vital record: $10
- Non-certified copy: $0.25 per page
- Military discharge recording: No fee
- Notary qualification: $10
Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in Madison County. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license within 10 days.
Searching Madison County Marriage Records
Madison County has marriage records from 1851, the year the county was formed. Birth and death records start from 1913. Land records also date back to 1851. Delayed birth records are available as well. The Madison County Register of Deeds website provides access to online search tools:
The site links to recorded document searches, vital records information, and the fee schedule. You can search land documents by name and date range through the online portal. The SFFlexSuite Web system offers paid access for more detailed record searches, with subscription and hourly pass options available for researchers and title professionals. The county also holds delayed birth records, which can be useful for genealogy research in the western North Carolina mountains.
Madison County Marriage License Requirements
Under General Statute 51-2, you must be 18 or older to marry without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent and a certified birth certificate. Both people must appear together. If either was previously married, bring the month and year of the last divorce. There is no waiting period after a divorce. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, a notarized affidavit is available at the office. The staff will guide you through the process and make sure all the right documents are in order before issuing your marriage license.
The Madison County marriage license page lists all the requirements:
This page covers every document you need, age rules, and what to do if you were previously married. The office also has a downloadable form you can fill out ahead of time to speed up the process.
Note: Madison County accepts debit and credit cards, which is not the case in every rural mountain county.
Madison County Marriage Record Copies
Under General Statute 130A-93, certain people can request certified copies of marriage records. This includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, siblings, step-parents, step-children, legal representatives, and attorneys. Anyone seeking information for a legal determination may also request copies with proper documentation.
For mail requests, send your letter to 5707 US 25-70 Hwy, Suite 6, Marshall, NC 28753. Include a signed request, the names of both parties, the date of marriage, payment by check or money order payable to Madison County Register of Deeds, and a copy of your ID. The Madison County vital records page has full details:
This page explains the types of records available and how to request them through the Madison County Register of Deeds.
State Resources for Marriage Records
The NC Division of Vital Records holds marriage certificates from 1962 onward. The state marriage certificates page covers ordering details. The NC State Archives may have older records. The NC county finder links to each office. For magistrate ceremonies in Madison County, call 828-649-2442.
Note: Madison County's records from 1851 are a valuable resource for genealogy research in the western North Carolina mountains.
After Your Madison County Marriage
The officiant who performs your ceremony signs the marriage license and returns it to the Madison County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, the license becomes part of the permanent record. You can then request certified copies for $10 each. The Marshall office handles same-day requests when you visit in person. Mail requests go to 5707 US 25-70 Hwy, Suite 6, Marshall, NC 28753.
For a name change, start at the Social Security Administration with your certified copy of the Madison County marriage license. Then visit the DMV for a new driver's license. Banks, insurance companies, and your employer will also need proof. Madison County sits along the French Broad River and draws couples for its mountain setting. The office staff is experienced with the full process and can answer any questions you have about your marriage license or certified copies.