Wake County Marriage License Records

Wake County manages marriage license records through the Register of Deeds in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the state capital and one of the most populous counties in North Carolina, Wake County processes a large number of marriage licenses each year. The Register of Deeds offers both in-person and online services for marriage license applications and certified record requests. Wake County has deep historical records, with published marriage abstracts reaching back to 1770. The office serves residents of Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and all other communities within the county.

Wake County Marriage License Application

Both applicants must appear at the Register of Deeds in person. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID is accepted. You must also provide proof of your Social Security number. Those between 18 and 20 need a certified birth certificate. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, both people must meet the state's age and identity requirements before a license can be issued.

The Wake County marriage license fee is $60. This is the same in every North Carolina county. Once issued, the license remains valid for 60 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in the state. After the wedding, the officiant has 10 days to return the signed license to the Wake County Register of Deeds. Two witnesses must also sign the license during the ceremony. If either person has a recent divorce, a certified decree may be needed.

Certified Marriage Records in Wake County

Certified copies of Wake County marriage certificates cost $10 each. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies are available to the named person, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal representative. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system.

Wake County offers a vital records request portal and Certificate Now online system. These let you order and pay for certified copies using a credit or debit card. Online orders are processed and made available for pickup, or mailed to you. For mail orders, send a written request with the names of both spouses, the marriage date, your payment, and a copy of your ID. The office is located at the Wake County Government complex in Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Note: Online orders may include extra processing fees beyond the base cost of the certified copy.

Wake County Marriage License History

Wake County has some of the most extensive historical records in the state. Published abstracts of marriage records cover 1770 to 1868. County court minutes span 1777 to 1811 in multiple volumes. Land entries date from 1778 to 1846. Early deeds from 1785 to 1802 have also been published. Wake County was one of the most populous counties in early North Carolina, which is why its collections run so deep.

The NC State Archives in Raleigh holds an extensive microfilm collection of Wake County documents. Online genealogy platforms also index many of the county's historical records. Because the archives are also in Raleigh, researchers can visit both the county and state offices on the same trip. These resources make Wake County one of the best places in North Carolina for genealogy and marriage record research.

Online Search for Wake County Marriage Records

Wake County provides several ways to search for records online. The Wake County Register of Deeds portal is the main starting point. From there, you can access the records search page to look up documents by name, date, or type. The Wake County government page for the Register of Deeds also has links to forms, fees, and office details.

The Certificate Now online system lets you order vital records without visiting the office. This includes marriage certificates and other vital documents. The system accepts major credit and debit cards. Processing times vary, so check the website for current estimates. For quick turnaround, visiting the office in person is still the fastest option.

Marriage License Laws for Wake County

North Carolina law governs marriage licenses across all 100 counties. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the Register of Deeds issues the license. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, both parties must be at least 18. The fee is $60 statewide. The license is good for 60 days. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-8, the office must issue the license when all conditions are satisfied.

The NC Vital Records office, also in Raleigh, keeps copies of marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. For earlier records, the Wake County Register of Deeds is the best source. The NC marriage certificates page explains the state ordering process. The state charges $24 for a certificate search, while the county charges $10 for a certified copy.

Getting a Wake County Marriage Certificate

There are several ways to get a copy of a Wake County marriage certificate:

• Visit the Register of Deeds in Raleigh with your photo ID and payment
• Order online through Certificate Now or the county portal
• Send a mail request with the required details and fee
• Order through NC Vital Records for marriages from 1962 onward

Each certified copy costs $10. In-person requests are usually processed the same day. Online and mail orders take longer. The state route through NC Vital Records costs $24 per search and may take several weeks. The county is generally the faster and cheaper choice for Wake County marriage records.

Wake County Register of Deeds Contact

The office is located at the Wake County Government complex in Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on county and state holidays. All marriage license applications must be completed in person with both parties present. The office handles a large volume of applications and record requests due to the county's population.

Raleigh is the state capital and the second-largest city in North Carolina. Wake County includes towns such as Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. Residents of any of these communities apply for marriage licenses at the same Register of Deeds office in Raleigh. The NCARD county finder can confirm office details for Wake County and any other county in the state.

The Wake County Register of Deeds portal provides online access to records and services.

The Wake County Register of Deeds portal is the main online hub for searching records and accessing marriage license services.

The records search tool lets you look up Wake County documents by name, date, or type.

Use the Wake County records search page to find specific marriage records and other filed documents.

The Wake County government website provides forms, fees, and office details for the Register of Deeds.

The Wake County government page has links to all Register of Deeds services and contact details.