Orange County Marriage License Guide
Orange County handles marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The office is in the Gateway Center Building at 228 South Churton Street, 3rd floor. Home to Chapel Hill and part of the Research Triangle area, Orange County processes a steady stream of marriage license applications each year. The Register of Deeds issues new licenses, provides certified copies, and maintains historical marriage records dating back to 1752. Whether you are getting married in Chapel Hill or Hillsborough, this office is where you begin the process.
Apply for an Orange County Marriage License
Both parties must visit the Orange County Register of Deeds to apply. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, an affidavit is required. The office accepts applications Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (919) 245-2700 to schedule.
An online application option is available. You can complete the Worksheet for Preparation of a Marriage License ahead of time and bring it to the office. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, both applicants must show proper documents. Payment of $60 is due at the time of application. The office accepts cash, debit and credit cards, money orders, and certified bank checks. Previously divorced applicants must state the month and year of the divorce. A certified decree is needed if the divorce was final within 30 days.
If one party cannot appear due to a hardship such as being hospitalized, incarcerated, or on active military duty, the absent person may submit an Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance along with a Marriage License Questionnaire. Call the office for details on what proof is needed. Not being able to get off work is not considered a valid hardship.
Orange County Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee in Orange County is $60. This is the same across all North Carolina counties. The fee includes the local and state portions of the filing cost. A civil ceremony through the magistrate costs $20 and can be arranged by calling (919) 245-2935. Magistrate hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Orange County Register of Deeds within 10 days, as required by N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must sign the license at the ceremony. The completed license is then filed and becomes a permanent record under N.C.G.S. § 51-8.
Certified Marriage Records in Orange County
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. Uncertified copies are $0.15 each. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies are only available to eligible people. This includes the person on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative.
You can request copies in person at the Hillsborough office. Print and complete the Vital Records Request Form, or fill one out at the office. A Spanish-language form is also available. A kiosk at the office lets you submit vital records requests on site. Bring a valid photo ID. Payment options include cash, debit and credit cards, money orders, certified bank checks, or business checks.
Mail requests should be sent to Orange County Register of Deeds, P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Include the completed form, a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. Money orders, certified bank checks, or business checks are accepted for mail orders. Personal checks are not. Processing takes one to two business days after receipt. You can also order online through the Get Certificate Now portal for Orange County.
Note: Online orders through the third-party portal may include extra processing fees beyond the $10 certificate cost.
Orange County Marriage Record History
Orange County holds one of the longer marriage record collections in North Carolina. Marriage bonds date from 1752 to 1868 and are available on microfilm at the library. Marriage records from 1869 forward are held at the Register of Deeds office. Birth and death records start in 1913. The county was established in 1752 and has been a center of education and culture since its founding.
The Rebecca B. Wall Local History Collection at the Orange County Public Library offers books, journals, maps, microfilm, and online resources for genealogy research. Ancestry.com (library edition) and HeritageQuest are both available at public computers in the library. The local history collection page has more information about what is available. The library holds local history help hours on most Mondays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh also holds early Orange County marriage bonds and other historical records. The Chapel Hill Visitor's Bureau wedding FAQ page provides useful information for couples planning weddings in the area.
Search Orange County Marriage License Records
Visit the Orange County Register of Deeds at 228 South Churton Street, 3rd floor, in Hillsborough. Call (919) 245-2700 or (919) 245-2701 for phone help. The mailing address is P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Check the Orange County FAQ page for answers to common questions about marriage licenses and vital records.
The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder can help you locate offices in other counties. The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh holds statewide marriage certificates from 1962 forward and charges $24 per three-year search.
The NC Vital Records homepage is the central hub for ordering state-issued certificates. Visit the NC Vital Records portal for the latest processing times and instructions.
Marriage certificates from 1962 to the present are available through this portal.
The NC marriage certificates page provides details on search fees and who can request copies. View the NC marriage certificates page for full instructions.
Each search covers a three-year period and includes one copy if a record is found.
The NC county finder tool helps you locate any Register of Deeds office in the state. Use the county finder for Orange County or any other county.
All 100 county offices are listed with current phone numbers and addresses.
Note: Call (919) 245-2700 to schedule an appointment before visiting the Orange County Register of Deeds.