Gastonia Marriage Records Gaston County
Gastonia marriage records are held by the Gaston County Register of Deeds. Gastonia is the county seat of Gaston County, located just west of Charlotte. The City of Gastonia does not issue marriage licenses or maintain marriage records. All marriage record functions in North Carolina belong to the county. The Gaston County Register of Deeds has maintained marriage records since 1848, making it a deep historical resource for families with roots in the area.
Gastonia Marriage Records Quick Facts
Gaston County Register of Deeds for Gastonia Records
The Gaston County Register of Deeds is at 325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia, NC 28053. This office handles all marriage license applications and marriage record requests for residents of Gastonia and the surrounding Gaston County area. Gastonia is the county seat, so the office is conveniently located within the city itself.
Reach the office by phone at (704) 868-7684. Susan S. Lockridge serves as the elected Register of Deeds for Gaston County. The office's full range of services includes new license applications, certified copy requests, and historical record research. Visit the Gaston County Register of Deeds website for current hours and any updates to services or fees.
Gaston County was created in 1846 from Lincoln County. Marriage records in the county's collection begin in 1848, which is shortly after the county's formation. Two years of early county history passed before formal marriage records were established here.
| County Office | Gaston County Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 325 North Marietta Street Gastonia, NC 28053 |
| Phone | (704) 868-7684 |
| Register | Susan S. Lockridge |
| Records Begin | 1848 |
| County Founded | 1846, from Lincoln County |
| Office Website | gastongov.com — Register of Deeds |
Applying for a Gastonia Marriage License
Both people who plan to marry must appear in person at the Gaston County Register of Deeds office. Neither party can apply alone or send a representative. Bring valid government-issued photo identification for each applicant. A state driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport all satisfy this requirement.
Social Security numbers for both parties are required. If either person was previously married, bring documentation showing that the prior marriage ended. A final divorce decree works for a divorce. A death certificate works if the previous spouse is deceased. Missing documents will mean a return trip.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. The ceremony can take place anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the completed license to the Gaston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is what creates the official marriage record. Call (704) 868-7684 to confirm current fees and hours before visiting.
Gastonia Passport Services at the Register of Deeds
The Gaston County Register of Deeds added passport acceptance services in 2019. This means the same Gastonia office where you get a marriage license can also accept your passport application. This is a convenience for residents who need both services around the same time, such as couples planning international honeymoons.
Passport services and marriage license services are separate processes. Contact the office at (704) 868-7684 or visit gastongov.com for details on passport appointment availability, required documents, and current processing times. Passport fees are set by the federal government and are separate from any county fees.
Historical Gastonia Marriage Records Since 1848
Gaston County's marriage records begin in 1848. This collection spans well over 175 years of marriages in the Gastonia area. The early years of the collection are especially valuable for genealogical research. Families with deep roots in the western piedmont region of North Carolina often find their ancestors in this collection.
Gaston County was carved from Lincoln County in 1846. Marriages that took place in what is now Gaston County before 1848 may appear in Lincoln County records. Researchers tracing lines from the mid-1800s or earlier may need to check both counties. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds early bond records and supplemental historical collections that can help fill in gaps.
The City of Gastonia website does not hold marriage records. Direct all historical and current record requests to the Gaston County Register of Deeds at 325 North Marietta Street.
Certified Copies of Gastonia Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records are available from the Gaston County Register of Deeds. Visit in person at 325 North Marietta Street during regular office hours. Provide the names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Staff will locate the record and issue your copy.
Mail requests are also possible. Call (704) 868-7684 to ask about the mail-in process and current fees. Certified copies bear the official seal of the Gaston County Register of Deeds. They are accepted as legal proof of marriage by courts, government agencies, and financial institutions throughout North Carolina and beyond.
Gaston County Marriage Records
Gastonia is the county seat of Gaston County. All marriage records for Gastonia and the surrounding area are managed by the Gaston County Register of Deeds. For full details on services, historical records dating to 1848, and contact information, visit the Gaston County marriage records page.