New Hanover County Marriage License Records
New Hanover County manages marriage license records through the Register of Deeds office in Wilmington, North Carolina. As one of the oldest port cities in the state, Wilmington has an extensive collection of historical marriage records dating back to the colonial period. The Register of Deeds handles both new marriage license applications and requests for certified copies. Couples from across the Cape Fear region choose New Hanover County for their weddings, drawn by the coastal setting and historic charm of the area. The office serves residents and visitors alike during regular business hours.
Apply for a New Hanover Marriage License
Both parties must appear in person at the New Hanover County Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license. Each person must bring a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the Register of Deeds must verify all documents before issuing a license.
If either person was married before, provide the month and year of the last divorce. A certified copy of the divorce decree is needed if the divorce was final within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period. The license takes effect right away and is valid for 60 days. It can be used anywhere in North Carolina. New Hanover County is a popular choice for beach weddings at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.
New Hanover County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license in New Hanover County is $60. This standard fee applies to all counties in North Carolina. It covers the local filing cost and the state portion required by law. Contact the Register of Deeds to confirm which payment methods are accepted at the office.
After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the New Hanover County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is required under N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must also sign the license at the ceremony. Once returned, the Register of Deeds files the completed license and it becomes part of the permanent county records under N.C.G.S. § 51-8. If the signed license is not returned on time, the recording of your marriage may be delayed in the system.
Note: The license cannot be extended past the 60-day window, so schedule your ceremony within that time frame.
Certified Marriage Records in New Hanover County
Certified copies of marriage certificates from New Hanover County cost $10 each. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only eligible people may receive a certified copy. This includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative with proper authority. Anyone else may request an uncertified copy for research purposes.
You can request copies in person at the Register of Deeds office in Wilmington. Mail requests are also accepted. Include a signed letter with the full names on the record, the date of the marriage, a copy of your photo ID, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Wilmington Public Library also has local history and genealogy resources that can help with research into older New Hanover County marriage records.
Marriage License Rules in New Hanover County
North Carolina law governs who can get a marriage license. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, anyone 18 or older may apply without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 can apply with written consent from a parent or guardian, as long as the age gap between the two parties does not exceed four years. No one under 16 may marry in the state.
There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in New Hanover County to get a marriage license here. Both people must appear together at the office with valid ID and a Social Security number. The license is issued the same day once all paperwork is in order. This makes New Hanover County a top choice for destination weddings along the North Carolina coast.
The following items are needed for your application:
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security number for each person
- Month and year of any prior divorce
- Certified divorce decree if divorced within the last 30 days
- Parental consent if either party is 16 or 17
New Hanover County Marriage Record History
New Hanover County holds marriage records that date back to the early colonial period. Wilmington was one of the first major port cities in North Carolina, and its records reflect centuries of growth and change. Birth and death records start in 1913. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds historical marriage bonds and other early records from New Hanover County. These older documents are valuable for genealogy research and family history projects.
The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh also maintains statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. That office charges $24 per three-year search. For records before 1962, the county Register of Deeds in Wilmington is the best source. The Wilmington Public Library offers local history resources that can complement your search.
Search New Hanover Marriage License Records
Visit the New Hanover County Register of Deeds in Wilmington to search marriage records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New Hanover County provides online records access for some document types, which can speed up your search. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder has contact details for the New Hanover office and every other county in the state.
The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to request state-level marriage certificates and what fees apply. This is a good backup option if you cannot visit the county office in person.
The NC Vital Records homepage is the main portal for all state-issued vital records in North Carolina. Visit the NC Vital Records site to learn about ordering and processing times.
This site handles marriage certificate requests from 1962 to the present.
The NC marriage certificates page explains fees and the search process for state records. View the NC marriage certificates page for details.
A $24 fee covers each three-year search period, and one copy is included if a record is found.
The NC county finder tool lists all 100 Register of Deeds offices in the state. Search the county finder for New Hanover County contact details.
Phone numbers and addresses for every county office are available here.
Note: Contact the New Hanover County Register of Deeds to confirm current hours and accepted payment methods.