How to Find North Carolina Marriage Records

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How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find North Carolina Marriage Records

Finding North Carolina Marriage Records
Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and often begin at the creation of the county.

Different types of county marriage records are available in North Carolina in different time periods. In general, the following types of records are available:


 * 1669-1741 Limited availability
 * 1741-1851 Marriage bonds
 * 1851-1868 Marriage bonds, licenses and certificates
 * 1868-present Marriage licenses

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1741
 * 1741 to 1850
 * 1851 to 1867
 * 1868 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1741
There are a limited amount of

From 1669 to 1742, marriages were performed by clergy or civil authorities and were recorded in county records. Few of these records have survived, except for those of Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you found the marriage information from the indexes above, there are two ways to obtain the marriage record:

OPTION 1 Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

OPTION 2 Order the marriage record from the Register of Deeds in the county the marriage took place. List of county Register of Deeds contact information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1851 to 1867
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to Present
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Michigan Department of Public Health.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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