Mitchell County Marriage License Records
Mitchell County sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, with its county seat in Bakersville. The Register of Deeds office at 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 4, handles all marriage license records for the county. This small mountain community has kept vital records since its early days. Couples who wish to marry in Mitchell County must visit the office in person. The staff also assists those who need certified copies of past marriage certificates. Whether you are planning a wedding or tracing family history, the Mitchell County Register of Deeds is the right place to begin your search for marriage license records.
Mitchell County Marriage License Application
Both people must go to the Mitchell County Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security number. The office is at 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 4, in Bakersville. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, both parties must show proper documents before a license can be issued. The Register of Deeds checks all forms and verifies your identity on the spot.
If you were married before, give the month and year of your last divorce. A certified copy of the divorce decree is needed if it was final within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period in Mitchell County. Once the license is in hand, it is good right away. You can use it for a ceremony at any spot in North Carolina within 60 days of the date it was issued.
Fees for a Mitchell County Marriage License
A marriage license in Mitchell County costs $60. This is the same fee charged by every county in North Carolina. Cash is accepted at the office window. Call (828) 688-2139 ahead of your visit to ask about other payment options. The $60 fee covers the cost of the license itself and the state filing portion.
After the wedding, the officiant must send the signed license back to the Mitchell County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This step is required under N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must sign the license at the ceremony as well. If the license is not returned on time, your marriage record could be delayed in the county system.
Note: The license expires after 60 days, so plan your ceremony within that window.
Certified Marriage Records in Mitchell County
The Mitchell County Register of Deeds provides certified copies of marriage certificates. Each certified copy costs $10. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only certain people may get a certified copy. This list includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal representative. Anyone else may request an uncertified copy for research.
You can request a copy in person at the Bakersville office. Mail requests are also accepted. Send a signed letter with your name, the names on the record, the date of the marriage, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for $10 made out to the Mitchell County Register of Deeds. The fax number for the office is (828) 688-3666 if you need to reach them that way. Processing times vary, so call ahead if you need records by a set date.
Mitchell County Marriage License Eligibility
North Carolina law sets clear rules on who may get a marriage license. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, anyone 18 or older can apply without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 may apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The age gap between the two parties cannot be more than four years when one is under 18. No one under 16 may legally marry in the state.
There is no blood test needed. There is no waiting period. The license takes effect the moment it is issued. Both people must show up together at the Mitchell County Register of Deeds with all the required documents. If one party cannot appear due to a hardship like being in the military or in a hospital, call the office at (828) 688-2139 to ask about special options.
Mitchell County Marriage Record History
Mitchell County has kept marriage records from its early formation. The county was created in 1861 from parts of Yancey, Watauga, Caldwell, McDowell, and Burke counties. Birth and death records date from 1913. Historical marriage bonds for the region are held at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Researchers looking into family history may find these older records useful when tracing ancestors who lived in the western mountains before modern record-keeping began.
The office also allows you to search recorded land documents by name, date range, or instrument number. Death records from 1913 to 1940 are viewable online by name. For marriage records before 1962, the county office is the best source. The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh holds statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. That office charges $24 per three-year search period.
How to Search Mitchell County Records
Start your search at the Mitchell County Register of Deeds in Bakersville. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call (828) 688-2139 for help over the phone. The fax line is (828) 688-3666.
The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder can help you locate the right office for any county in North Carolina. If you are not sure which county holds the record you need, this tool is a good place to start. You can also check the NC Vital Records marriage page for statewide records from 1962 forward.
The North Carolina state vital records page provides helpful guidance on searching for marriage license records across the state. Visit the NC Vital Records homepage for ordering options and processing times.
This portal covers all state-level vital record services, including marriage certificates from 1962 to the present.
The NC Vital Records office also has a page focused on marriage certificates and how to request them. View the NC marriage certificates page for details on fees and search periods.
This page explains the $24 search fee per three-year period and outlines who may request a certified copy.
Use the NC Association of Registers of Deeds to find contact details for the Mitchell County office or any other county. Search the county finder tool to get phone numbers and addresses fast.
This tool lists all 100 county offices in North Carolina with up-to-date contact information.
Note: Always call the Mitchell County office at (828) 688-2139 to confirm hours and fees before your visit.