Union County Marriage License Information
Union County manages marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Monroe, North Carolina. The office is located at 500 North Main Street on the second floor. Union County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, sitting just southeast of Charlotte. Couples who plan to wed in Union County apply for their license at this office. The Register of Deeds also provides certified copies of past marriage certificates, handles land recordings, and maintains an extensive collection of vital records for the county.
Union County Marriage License Application
Both applicants must go to the Register of Deeds in person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Proof of your Social Security number is required. Those aged 18 to 20 need a certified birth certificate. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the state outlines all eligibility and documentation rules for marriage.
The fee for a Union County marriage license is $60. This is the standard fee across North Carolina. Once issued, the license is good for 60 days. The ceremony can take place anywhere in the state. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Union County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Two witnesses must also sign the license during the ceremony. Anyone who was recently divorced may need to bring a certified copy of the decree.
Certified Marriage Records in Union County
Certified copies of Union County marriage certificates are available from the Register of Deeds. Standard North Carolina fees apply. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only certain people may receive a certified copy. The list includes the named person, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal representative.
You can request copies in person at 500 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, Monroe, NC 28111. The phone number is (704) 283-3727. The fax number is (704) 283-3569. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For mail requests, include the names of both spouses, the marriage date, your payment, a copy of your ID, and a return envelope.
Note: In-person requests at the Union County Register of Deeds are processed faster than mail orders.
Union County Marriage License Online Search
Union County provides a free online search for recorded land documents. You can search by name, instrument number, or book and page. This tool is useful for finding land records and related filings. For marriage certificates, contact the Register of Deeds directly by phone or in person.
The NCARD county finder can confirm the office address and phone number. Union County's growing population means the office handles a high volume of both marriage licenses and land recordings each year. The county's online search tools cover land records and related filings.
Marriage License Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a marriage license before any ceremony. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the license must come from the Register of Deeds. Both parties must be at least 18 under N.C.G.S. § 51-2. The fee is $60, and the license stays valid for 60 days. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-8, the Register of Deeds must issue the license when all legal conditions have been met.
After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license. This creates the official marriage record. The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh has copies of marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. For older records, the Union County Register of Deeds is the primary source. The NC marriage certificates page covers the state ordering process and fees.
Union County Marriage License History
Union County was formed in 1842 from parts of Anson and Mecklenburg counties. Monroe has served as the county seat since the beginning. The Register of Deeds has kept marriage records, land documents, and other vital records for the county's entire history. Birth and death records start in 1913. The county's historical land records are extensive.
Union County has seen rapid growth in recent decades. Its location near Charlotte has attracted many new residents. This growth has increased the demand for marriage licenses and other services at the Register of Deeds. Despite the higher volume, the office continues to serve walk-in and mail requests during regular business hours. For historical research, the NC State Archives may hold microfilm copies of early Union County records.
Getting a Union County Marriage Certificate
The fastest way to get a copy of a Union County marriage certificate is to visit the Register of Deeds at 500 North Main Street in Monroe. Bring a valid photo ID and the fee. Staff can typically process your request the same day.
You can also send a mail request. Include the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, a check or money order for payment, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send it to 500 N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Monroe, NC 28111. For marriages from 1962 onward, you may also order through the NC Vital Records state office. The state charges $24 per search, while the county charges less.
Union County Marriage License Office Details
The Register of Deeds is at 500 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, Monroe, NC 28111. The phone number is (704) 283-3727. The fax number is (704) 283-3569. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on county and state holidays.
Monroe is located about 25 miles southeast of Charlotte. It is easily reached from the Charlotte metro area. All marriage license applications must be done in person. Both parties must appear at the same time. The office does not process applications by mail, fax, or email.
The NC Vital Records website is the state portal for ordering marriage certificates from 1962 to the present.
The NC marriage certificates page covers fees, required information, and the process for ordering state-level marriage records.
Use the NCARD county finder to confirm the Union County Register of Deeds address and contact details.