Wayne County Marriage License Guide
Wayne County keeps marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The office is at 224-226 East Walnut Street. Wayne County was created in 1779, making it one of the older counties in the state. The Register of Deeds holds marriage records from 1860 to the present, with earlier records from 1790 to 1859 held at the NC State Archives. The office also manages land records, birth and death certificates, and other public filings. Goldsboro is the county seat and the center of all vital record services for Wayne County.
Wayne County Marriage License Application
Both applicants must visit the Register of Deeds in person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need proof of your Social Security number. Those between 18 and 20 should bring a certified birth certificate. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the state lays out all requirements for marriage eligibility and the application process.
The fee for a Wayne County marriage license is $60. This is the statewide rate set by North Carolina law. The license stays valid for 60 days. You may hold the ceremony anywhere in the state during that period. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Wayne County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Two witnesses must sign at the ceremony. Those with a recent divorce may need a certified decree.
Certified Marriage Records in Wayne County
Certified copies of Wayne 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 get a certified copy. This includes the named individual, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal representative.
Request copies in person at 224-226 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27533. The mailing address is P.O. Box 267, Goldsboro, NC 27533. The phone number is (919) 731-1449. The fax is (919) 731-1441. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For mail orders, include the names of both spouses, the marriage date, your payment, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Note: Wayne County marriage records at the Register of Deeds begin in 1860. For records from 1790 to 1859, contact the NC State Archives.
Wayne County Marriage License History
Wayne County has a long record-keeping history. Marriage records at the Register of Deeds span 1860 to the present. Earlier marriage records from 1790 to 1859 are held at the NC State Archives. Birth and death records begin in 1913. Land records go back to 1779. Court records at the State Archives cover 1787 to 1968. Probate records run from 1782 to 1937. Wills date from 1776 to 1927.
Wayne County was created in 1779 during the Revolutionary era. Its records from this period are among the oldest in the state. The Wayne County official website provides links to county departments and services. Researchers looking for early Wayne County marriage records should check both the county office and the State Archives. The county's online tools provide access to recorded documents and other public filings.
Online Search for Wayne County Records
Wayne County provides an integrated online search for recorded documents. The system covers UCC financing statements, real estate filings, birth, death, and marriage records. You can search by name, date, or document type. This makes the Wayne County search one of the more comprehensive county tools in the state.
Genealogy resources for Wayne County include cemetery records, census data, death records, marriage records, and obituaries. The NCARD county finder can help confirm the Wayne County office details. For marriages from 1962 onward, the NC Vital Records website also accepts certificate orders.
Marriage License Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a license before any wedding. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the Register of Deeds issues the license. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, both people must be at least 18 to marry without restrictions. 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 legal requirements are met.
The NC marriage certificates page explains the state-level ordering process. The state charges $24 for a search. The county charges less for a certified copy. For records before 1962, the Wayne County Register of Deeds or the State Archives is the primary source.
Getting a Wayne County Marriage Certificate
The fastest way to get a copy is to visit the Register of Deeds at 224-226 East Walnut Street in Goldsboro. Bring your photo ID and payment. Staff can usually handle your request the same day. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 267, Goldsboro, NC 27533.
For marriages from 1962 onward, the NC Vital Records state office can also issue copies. The state fee is $24 per search. The county route is cheaper and typically faster. Call (919) 731-1449 with questions about Wayne County marriage records.
Wayne County Marriage License Office
The Register of Deeds is at 224-226 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27533. The mailing address is P.O. Box 267, Goldsboro, NC 27533. The phone number is (919) 731-1449. The fax is (919) 731-1441. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on county and state holidays.
Goldsboro is located in eastern North Carolina. It is near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The city has a diverse community with deep roots in the region. All marriage license applications must be completed in person with both parties present at the Wayne County Register of Deeds.
The Wayne County official website links to county departments and services including the Register of Deeds.
Visit the Wayne County website for links to the Register of Deeds, vital records services, and marriage license application details.
The NC Vital Records website is the state portal for ordering marriage certificates from 1962 to the present.
The NCARD county finder helps locate the Wayne County Register of Deeds and other North Carolina county offices.