Nash County Marriage License Guide
Nash County stores marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Nashville, North Carolina. The office is at 120 West Washington Street and serves the entire county, including the city of Rocky Mount, which sits partly in Nash County and partly in Edgecombe County. Couples who plan to wed in Nash County can apply for a marriage license at this office. Staff members assist with both new applications and requests for certified copies of past marriage records. The county has kept these records since its formation, giving researchers a long history to explore.
Nash County Marriage License Application
Both parties must visit the Nash County Register of Deeds together to apply. Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID will work. You also need your Social Security number. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the Register of Deeds must verify all documents before a license is issued.
If either person has been married before, state the month and year the last divorce was final. A certified copy of the divorce decree is needed if the divorce happened within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period in Nash County. The license is valid the moment it is issued and can be used anywhere in North Carolina for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Nash County Register of Deeds within 10 days, as required by N.C.G.S. § 51-6.
Marriage License Fees in Nash County
A marriage license costs $60 in Nash County. This fee is the same across all 100 counties in North Carolina. It covers the local filing and the state portion of the cost. Call (252) 459-9836 to ask about accepted payment methods before your visit.
Two witnesses must sign the license at the ceremony. The officiant then returns the signed document to the Register of Deeds. Once filed, the license becomes a permanent part of the county's marriage records under N.C.G.S. § 51-8. If the license is not returned within the required 10-day window, the recording of your marriage may be delayed.
Note: The $60 fee is not refundable, even if you do not use the license before it expires.
Get Certified Nash County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Nash County marriage certificates cost $10 each. The Register of Deeds issues these copies at the Nashville office. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only certain people may receive a certified copy. The list includes the person on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative with proper proof.
Request copies in person at 120 West Washington Street. You can also submit mail requests. Include a signed letter with the names on the record, the marriage date, a copy of your photo ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The fax number for the office is (252) 459-9889. The Nash County county website has general information about all county departments and services.
Age Rules for Nash County Marriage Licenses
North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. § 51-2 sets the rules. Anyone 18 or older may apply for a marriage license without parental consent. People aged 16 or 17 can apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The age gap between the two parties cannot exceed four years when one is under 18. No one under 16 may marry in the state.
There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Nash County to get a license here. Both people must appear at the office in person. Each must bring valid ID and a Social Security number. The process usually takes less than an hour once all documents are in order.
Nash County Marriage Record History
Nash County has kept marriage records since its early formation. The county was established in 1777 and named after General Francis Nash of the Revolutionary War. Birth and death records date from 1913. The Register of Deeds also maintains land records and notary files. The office offers a recorded document search that covers land records and notaries by name and date range. A GIS mapping system provides access to property data, tax information, aerial photos, and links to deeds and plats.
For statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present, the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh is another option. That office charges $24 per three-year search period. For older records, the Nash County Register of Deeds is the best source. The North Carolina State Archives holds historical marriage bonds and other early records that may not be available at the county level.
Search Nash County Marriage License Records
Visit the Nash County Register of Deeds at 120 West Washington Street in Nashville. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone inquiries go to (252) 459-9836. The fax line is (252) 459-9889.
The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder can help you find offices in other counties. The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to order state-level marriage certificates.
The Nash County website offers an overview of county departments and services. Visit the Nash County homepage for general information.
This site provides contact details and links to county departments including the Register of Deeds.
The NC Vital Records portal handles statewide vital record requests. Visit the NC Vital Records homepage for ordering options.
This portal is the starting point for requesting marriage certificates issued from 1962 to the present.
The county finder tool from the NC Association of Registers of Deeds lists all 100 offices across the state. Search the county finder for contact details.
Use this tool to quickly find phone numbers and addresses for any county Register of Deeds in North Carolina.
Note: Always call (252) 459-9836 to confirm hours before visiting, especially around holidays.