Tyrrell County Marriage License Records
Tyrrell County stores marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Columbia, North Carolina. The office is inside the Tyrrell County Courthouse at 403 Main Street. Tyrrell County is one of the smallest counties in North Carolina by population, but it holds a deep collection of historical records. Marriage records go back to 1862, and some published records cover the period from 1761 to 1862. Couples who wish to marry here can apply at the Register of Deeds. Those looking for past records will find a staff ready to assist with requests.
Tyrrell County Marriage License Application
Both people must appear at the Register of Deeds in person. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID is accepted. You also need proof of your Social Security number. If either person is between 18 and 20, a certified birth certificate is required. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the state sets out the rules for who may marry and what documents are needed.
The fee for a Tyrrell County marriage license is $60. This is the statewide fee. The license is valid for 60 days. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. Two witnesses must sign at the ceremony. Proof of identity is also required for anyone requesting a certified copy of a marriage record.
Certified Marriage Records from Tyrrell County
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.25 each. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only the named individual, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or legal representative may receive a certified copy. Requests can be made in person at the courthouse or by mail.
For mail orders, send a written request to the Tyrrell County Register of Deeds, P.O. Box 417, Columbia, NC 27925. Include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, your payment (check or money order), and a copy of your photo ID. The office does not accept fax requests. The phone number is (252) 796-2901. The fax number is (252) 796-0148. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Note: Fax requests for certified copies are not accepted at the Tyrrell County Register of Deeds.
Tyrrell County Marriage License History
Tyrrell County holds marriage records from 1862 to the present. A published book of Tyrrell County marriage records covers the years 1761 to 1862, providing a rare look at early colonial and post-colonial marriages in the region. Birth and death records start in 1913. Land records go back to 1736. Probate records date from 1730, and court records begin in 1900.
These deep archives make Tyrrell County a valuable resource for genealogy. The Tyrrell County vital records page provides information about the types of records held at the Register of Deeds. The NC State Archives may also hold microfilm copies of historical Tyrrell County records. Online genealogy platforms index some of the county's early records as well.
Online Search for Tyrrell County Marriage Records
Tyrrell County offers a free online search of recorded land documents by name and date range. This tool can help researchers identify documents in the county's collection. For marriage records specifically, contact the Register of Deeds by phone or visit in person.
The published marriage records covering 1761 to 1862 are available in book form. Libraries with genealogy collections may hold copies. Online genealogy platforms such as FamilySearch index some Tyrrell County records. The NCARD county finder tool confirms the Tyrrell County office address and phone number. The NC Vital Records website handles marriage certificate orders for records from 1962 to the present.
Marriage License Laws in North Carolina
Every couple who marries in North Carolina must get a license first. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the Register of Deeds issues it. Both parties must be at least 18 under N.C.G.S. § 51-2. The fee is $60 statewide. The license is valid for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant has 10 days to file the signed license.
The NC marriage certificates page explains how to order a copy through the state office. The state charges $24 for a three-year search. The county charges $10 for a certified copy. For most people, the county route is faster and less costly. The NC State Archives is the best source for records that predate the modern licensing system.
Tyrrell County Register of Deeds Contact
The office is at the Tyrrell County Courthouse, 403 Main Street, Columbia, NC 27925. The mailing address is P.O. Box 417, Columbia, NC 27925. The phone number is (252) 796-2901. The fax number is (252) 796-0148. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Columbia is a small town on the Scuppernong River in northeastern North Carolina. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Despite its small population, the Tyrrell County Register of Deeds provides the same marriage license services as any other county in the state. All applications must be completed in person with both parties present.
How to Get a Tyrrell County Marriage Certificate
Visit the Register of Deeds at 403 Main Street in Columbia. Bring your photo ID and $10 for a certified copy. Staff can usually process your request the same day. If you cannot visit, send a mail request to P.O. Box 417, Columbia, NC 27925.
For marriages from 1962 forward, the NC Vital Records office can also issue copies. The state charges $24 per search. The Tyrrell County office is the less expensive option. For records before 1862, check the published marriage record book or the NC State Archives. The county's early records are among the oldest on the eastern North Carolina coast.
The Tyrrell County vital records page provides information about the records held at the Register of Deeds.
Visit the Tyrrell County vital records page to learn about available records, including marriage certificates from 1862 to the present.
The NC Vital Records website is the state portal for ordering marriage certificates from 1962 onward.
The NCARD county finder helps locate the Tyrrell County Register of Deeds and other offices statewide.