Greensboro Marriage Records
Greensboro marriage records are maintained by the Guilford County Register of Deeds. The City of Greensboro does not issue marriage licenses or hold marriage certificates. In North Carolina, that responsibility belongs to the county. Greensboro is the county seat of Guilford County, so the main register office sits right in the city. Guilford County holds marriage records going back to 1771, making it one of the richer sources for historical research in the state.
Greensboro Marriage Records Quick Facts
Greensboro Marriage Records Office Location
The Guilford County Register of Deeds main office is located at 201 W. Market Street in downtown Greensboro. This is the primary location for all marriage license applications, certificate requests, and record searches for Greensboro residents. The office phone is (336) 641-7556. Staff can answer questions about your application, current fees, and document requirements before your visit.
Guilford County also has a second office in High Point, which serves the western part of the county. Greensboro residents will typically use the main downtown office. Both locations offer the same services for marriage licenses and records.
| Office | Guilford County Register of Deeds - Main Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 W. Market Street Greensboro, NC 27402 |
| Phone | (336) 641-7556 |
| License Fee | $60 (cash, check, debit, or credit accepted) |
| Office Website | guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds |
Applying for a Greensboro Marriage License
Both applicants must be present together to get a marriage license. You cannot complete the process alone. Each person must bring a valid photo ID. Bring proof of any prior divorce or the death certificate of a former spouse if relevant. The office needs accurate information to prepare the license.
The license fee is $60. Guilford County accepts cash, personal check, debit cards, and credit cards. This is helpful for applicants who may not have cash on hand. Not all county offices in North Carolina accept card payments, so this is a convenient feature of the Greensboro office. You can learn more about the process at guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds/marriage-license.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina. The person who performs your ceremony must return the completed license to the Guilford County Register of Deeds within 10 days. The register then records the certificate and the marriage becomes part of the permanent record.
Keepsake Certificates for Greensboro Marriages
The Guilford County Register of Deeds offers an optional keepsake certificate for $1. This is a decorative version of the marriage certificate. It makes a nice memento of your wedding day. It is not a legal document. For any official purpose, you will need the standard certified copy.
Many Greensboro couples order a keepsake certificate along with their official copies. You can request one at the time of license pickup or when ordering copies later. At just $1, it is a low-cost way to commemorate the occasion. Ask the staff at the Greensboro office when you visit to apply for your license.
Historical Greensboro Marriage Records
Guilford County has marriage records going back to 1771. This is an unusually long span for a county register office. Early records document marriages from the colonial and early American periods. These records hold real value for genealogists researching Greensboro family histories.
The Greensboro Public Library holds marriage records from 1771 to 1899. Researchers working on older family lines may find the library collection complements what the register holds. The library and register together cover a wide range of Greensboro and Guilford County marriage history.
For marriages from 1899 forward, the Register of Deeds at 201 W. Market Street is the primary source. Staff are experienced in helping genealogists navigate both modern and historical records. If you need records older than what the register holds on file, they can point you toward the State Archives or library collections.
Certified Copies of Greensboro Marriage Records
A certified copy bears the official seal of the Guilford County Register of Deeds. This is what you need for legal name changes, passport applications, insurance updates, and similar purposes. The office provides certified copies for marriages recorded in Guilford County. Bring or provide the names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage.
You can request copies in person at 201 W. Market Street. Mail requests are also accepted. Include the required information and your payment. The office can tell you the current per-copy fee when you call at (336) 641-7556. Processing time is usually fast for in-person requests. Mail requests may take a few extra business days to process and return.
Guilford County Marriage Records
Greensboro is the county seat of Guilford County, and all marriage records for the area are held at the county level. For full details on office hours, both locations, historical records, and all available services, see the Guilford County marriage records page.