Pender County Marriage License

Pender County keeps marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Burgaw, North Carolina. This coastal county stretches from the Cape Fear region to the Atlantic Ocean, including popular beach areas like Topsail Island and Surf City. The Register of Deeds handles new marriage license applications and certified copies of past marriage records. Couples drawn to the coast for beach weddings often apply for their license at the Burgaw office. Staff can walk you through the process and answer questions about what documents you need. The county has maintained vital records since its early formation.

Pender County Marriage License Application

Both parties must go to the Pender County Register of Deeds in Burgaw to apply for a marriage license. A valid photo ID is required for each person. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need your Social Security number. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the Register of Deeds must verify all documents before issuing the license.

Previously married applicants must give the month and year of the most recent divorce. A certified divorce decree is needed if the divorce was final within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period and no blood test. The license is valid right away and can be used for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina for 60 days. Pender County's beach areas make it a top choice for destination weddings along the southeastern coast.

Marriage License Fees in Pender County

A marriage license costs $60 in Pender County. This is the standard fee across North Carolina. The fee covers both the local and state filing portions. Contact the Pender County Register of Deeds to ask about accepted payment methods.

After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. N.C.G.S. § 51-6 requires this step. Two witnesses must sign the license at the ceremony. Once filed, the completed license becomes part of the permanent county records under N.C.G.S. § 51-8. If the signed license is not returned on time, recording of your marriage may be delayed.

Certified Marriage Records in Pender County

Each certified copy of a Pender County marriage certificate costs $10. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only eligible people can get a certified copy. This includes the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative with proper documentation.

Request copies in person at the Burgaw office or by mail. For mail requests, send 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. Use a money order or certified check. Processing times can vary, so call the office ahead of time if you need the record by a specific date. Uncertified copies are available to anyone for general research.

Note: Beach wedding couples should allow extra time for the license return process if the officiant is from out of the area.

Pender County Marriage License Eligibility

Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, anyone 18 or older can apply for a marriage license without parental consent. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian, and the age gap between the parties cannot exceed four years. No one under 16 may marry in North Carolina. There is no residency requirement, so you do not need to live in Pender County to apply.

Both people must appear together at the office with valid ID and Social Security numbers. The license is issued the same day once all documents are checked. Many couples from Wilmington and surrounding areas choose to get their license in Pender County because of its proximity to popular beach venues at Topsail Island and Surf City.

Pender County Marriage Record History

Pender County has kept marriage records since its early formation. The county was created in 1875 from New Hanover County. Birth and death records start in 1913. Historical records for the area before 1875 may be filed under New Hanover County. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds early marriage bonds and other historical documents from the region.

For statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present, the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh is an option. That office charges $24 per three-year search period. For older records, the Pender County Register of Deeds in Burgaw is the primary source. Genealogy researchers exploring families in the lower Cape Fear region may find records spread across Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties.

Search Pender County Marriage License Records

Visit the Pender County Register of Deeds in Burgaw to search records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder has contact details for all 100 counties. The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to request state-level certificates.

The Pender County website provides general information about county services and offices. Visit the Pender County homepage for department listings.

This site includes links to county departments and contact information for the Register of Deeds.

The NC Vital Records portal is the central hub for state-issued vital records. Visit the NC Vital Records homepage for ordering options.

Marriage certificates from 1962 onward can be requested through this portal.

The county finder tool lists all Register of Deeds offices in North Carolina. Search the county finder for Pender County contact details.

Phone numbers and addresses for every county office are available through this tool.

Note: Call the Pender County office to confirm hours before visiting, especially during summer beach wedding season.