Raleigh NC Marriage Records
Raleigh marriage records are handled by the Wake County Register of Deeds. Raleigh is both the state capital and the Wake County seat, making it a central hub for public records in North Carolina. Marriage licenses for Raleigh residents are issued by the county register, not the city government. The Wake County office has multiple service locations and an online application portal. Residents can apply in person or begin their application at home before visiting an office.
Raleigh Marriage Records Quick Facts
Where Raleigh Marriage Records Are Kept
North Carolina keeps marriage records at the county level. The City of Raleigh has no role in issuing licenses or storing marriage certificates. That work belongs entirely to the Wake County Register of Deeds. The main office sits at 300 S. Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh, close to the state capitol building. Wake County also operates four additional regional service centers spread across the county.
Each location can process new marriage license applications and provide copies of existing records. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at all locations. You can also begin your application online at wakerod.permitium.com before your in-person visit. The online portal is available around the clock.
| Office | Wake County Register of Deeds - Main Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700 Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Hours | Walk-in service Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| License Fee | $60 |
| Online Portal | wakerod.permitium.com |
| Office Website | wake.gov/departments-government/register-deeds |
Applying for a Raleigh Marriage License
Both parties must appear together to apply for a marriage license in Wake County. Neither person can apply alone. Both must bring valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include driver's licenses, state IDs, and passports. If either party was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage ended, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
The marriage license in Wake County costs $60. It is valid anywhere in North Carolina for 60 days from the date of issue. You are not required to get married in Raleigh or in Wake County just because you obtained your license there. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the license to the register within 10 days, and the register records the marriage certificate.
Starting your application at wakerod.permitium.com before you visit saves time at the office. Read more about the process on the Wake County marriage license page. Both parties still need to appear in person to sign and receive the license. No appointment is required. Show up during walk-in hours and staff will assist you.
Wake County Register Locations Near Raleigh
Wake County operates five locations that serve Raleigh and the surrounding area. The main office in downtown Raleigh is the most convenient for most city residents. The other four regional centers are farther out and serve outlying communities. All five offices provide the same marriage license and records services.
The main office at 300 S. Salisbury Street is easy to reach by bus and is a short walk from many downtown Raleigh neighborhoods. If you live in the northern or southern parts of Raleigh, a regional center may be closer. All locations follow the same 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday schedule for walk-in service.
Getting Copies of Raleigh Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records come from the Wake County Register of Deeds. They bear the official seal and signature of the register. You need a certified copy for legal matters such as name changes, passport applications, and estate proceedings. Plain copies may work for personal reference but are not accepted in most official settings.
You can request copies in person at any Wake County Register of Deeds location. You can also submit a request by mail to the main office at 300 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Include the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and your return address. Enclose payment by check or money order. The office can tell you current copy fees when you call or visit.
Older marriage records from Raleigh and Wake County go back many decades. Most of these are now digitized and searchable. Staff can assist with records that predate the digital era. The office works with genealogists and researchers on a regular basis.
Historical Marriage Records in Raleigh
Wake County has maintained marriage records for well over a century. These records document the marriages of Raleigh residents across generations. Early records may exist on microfilm or in scanned image files held by the register. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh also holds older statewide vital records that may supplement county-level searches.
Genealogy researchers working on Raleigh family histories often find the Wake County Register of Deeds to be a strong starting point. Staff are used to helping with both recent and historical record requests. If the record you need is very old, staff can help direct you to additional resources in Raleigh or at the state archives just blocks away.
Wake County Marriage Records
Raleigh is the county seat of Wake County. Every marriage license issued to a Raleigh resident is processed at the county level. For full details on office locations, services, online tools, and historical records, see the Wake County marriage records page.