Mecklenburg County Marriage License
Mecklenburg County is the most populous county in North Carolina, home to Charlotte, the state's largest city. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and keeps records dating back to the 1800s. Whether you are planning a wedding in Charlotte or searching for a historical marriage record, this guide covers the full process for the Mecklenburg County marriage license, from what you need to bring to how to request certified copies.
Mecklenburg County Marriage License Process
Go to the Register of Deeds office at 720 East Fourth St., Room 103, Charlotte, NC 28202. Both people must appear in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number.
Under North Carolina General Statute 51-6, a marriage license must be obtained before any ceremony. There is no waiting period. The license is valid right away and stays good for 60 days. It can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the only official authorized to issue marriage licenses at the county level.
Mecklenburg County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60 for a new marriage license. This is the standard fee set by North Carolina law. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. The $60 covers both the issuance and filing of the license. Contact the office at (704) 336-2443 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit. Fax the office at (704) 336-7699 with questions.
As the largest county in the state, Mecklenburg processes a high volume of marriage license applications. Arriving early in the day or early in the week can help you avoid longer wait times. Fridays and the weeks leading up to popular wedding dates tend to be the busiest.
Note: Mecklenburg County is one of the busiest in the state for marriage license applications, so planning ahead is helpful.
Mecklenburg County Marriage Records
The Register of Deeds holds marriage records from 1869 to the present. For records before 1869, the North Carolina State Archives has Mecklenburg County marriage records going back to 1783. Birth and death records start from 1913. Land records go back to 1763. Court records date from 1886. The office also maintains notary records, real estate documents, and other public records.
You can search recorded documents online for free. The search covers real estate records, birth, death, marriage, and notary records. The Mecklenburg County website provides links to the Register of Deeds and other county services. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library also has genealogy resources including death records, marriage records, and historical documents.
The North Carolina Vital Records office maintains statewide marriage certificates from 1962:
The state website is a valuable backup when you need a marriage certificate that may not be readily available at the county level.
Mecklenburg County Marriage License Requirements
Under General Statute 51-2, both applicants must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian. Both people must appear together at the office with valid identification and their Social Security numbers. No blood test is needed in North Carolina.
If either person was previously married, bring the month and year of the last divorce. There is no waiting period after a divorce. The application process at the office takes about 15 to 20 minutes when all documents are ready. Under General Statute 130A-93, certified copies of marriage records serve as legal proof of marriage for name changes, court proceedings, and other official matters. Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds office serves not just the city but also the surrounding towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Matthews, and Mint Hill.
Mecklenburg County Marriage Record History
Mecklenburg County has a rich history of public records. The State Archives holds court records from 1774 to 1885, divorce records from 1846 to 1969, marriage records from 1783 to 1868, and probate records from 1762 to 1957. These can be accessed through the NC State Archives in Raleigh.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is another resource for genealogy. They maintain searchable databases with cemetery records, census data, death records, marriage records, obituaries, wills, and probate information. These resources are free to use and can help fill in gaps when county records are incomplete. The library system has multiple branches across the Charlotte area, and their online databases can be accessed from home with a library card. This makes it easy to start your research from home before visiting a branch in person for additional help.
The NC marriage certificates page provides details on ordering copies from the state:
This page explains fees, required information, and processing times for state-level requests.
State Resources for Marriage License Searches
The NC Division of Vital Records holds records from 1962 onward. The NC county finder tool links to every Register of Deeds office. For questions about Mecklenburg County records, call the office at (704) 336-2443. The office is at 720 East Fourth St., Room 103, Charlotte, NC 28202. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The NC county finder can help you find the right office for any county in the state:
Use this tool when you are not sure which county holds the marriage record you need, or when searching for records across county lines.
Note: Mecklenburg County's Register of Deeds office in Charlotte serves the largest population in North Carolina, making it a high-volume office for marriage license services.