Winston-Salem Marriage Records
Winston-Salem marriage records are maintained by the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. The City of Winston-Salem does not issue marriage licenses. All marriage licensing and record keeping in Winston-Salem falls under county authority. The Forsyth County Register of Deeds office is located in downtown Winston-Salem on the second floor of the courthouse building at 201 N Chestnut Street. Couples can also start their application process online before visiting in person.
Winston-Salem Marriage Records Quick Facts
Forsyth County Register of Deeds in Winston-Salem
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is located at 201 N Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, in Winston-Salem. The office phone is (336) 703-2700. This is the sole office for marriage licenses and records in Forsyth County. Winston-Salem residents do not need to travel to a satellite location. The downtown office handles all requests for the city and county.
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds website provides information on current hours, required documents, and the online application form. Starting your application online before your visit helps reduce time at the counter. Both parties still must appear in person to complete the license process.
| Office | Forsyth County Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 N Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Phone | (336) 703-2700 |
| Online Application | Available at forsyth.cc/rod |
| City Website | cityofws.org |
Applying for a Winston-Salem Marriage License
Both people who wish to marry must go to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds together. Neither party can apply alone. You must each bring a valid photo ID. Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either person was previously married, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended.
An online application is available through the county's register website. Completing this form before your visit moves the in-office process along faster. After submitting the online form, you schedule your visit and bring the required documents and payment. Contact the office at (336) 703-2700 to confirm current fees and any updated requirements before your visit.
Once issued, your license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. The person who performs your ceremony returns the completed license to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. The register then records the marriage certificate as a permanent public record in Winston-Salem.
Magistrate Marriage Ceremonies in Winston-Salem
Forsyth County magistrates perform wedding ceremonies in Winston-Salem on Thursdays and Fridays by appointment. This is a civil ceremony option for couples who want a simple, official wedding without a religious officiant. You must have your marriage license in hand before the ceremony.
Magistrate ceremonies are brief and formal. They take place at the courthouse. You need witnesses present at the ceremony. The magistrate completes and returns the marriage license to the register after the ceremony. This is a practical and affordable way to get legally married in Winston-Salem.
To schedule a magistrate ceremony, contact the Forsyth County Magistrate's Office. Appointments are required. Walk-ins on ceremony days are not guaranteed. Thursday and Friday appointment slots can fill up, especially in busy seasons. Call ahead well in advance of your desired date.
Searching Winston-Salem Marriage Records
Marriage records from Winston-Salem and all of Forsyth County are stored at the Register of Deeds office at 201 N Chestnut Street. You can visit in person to search records by name or approximate date. Staff can help locate records and prepare certified copies. Bring the names of both spouses and an approximate marriage date to speed up your search.
Certified copies of marriage certificates carry the official seal of the Forsyth County Register. They are accepted for legal name changes, insurance updates, and other official uses. Plain copies are available at a lower cost but may not meet all official requirements. Call (336) 703-2700 to ask about current copy fees before your visit.
Historical marriage records for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County cover a long time span. Older records may be in microfilm or image format. If you are researching family history connected to Winston-Salem, the register's office is a good starting point. For very early records, the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh may have additional materials.
Winston-Salem City Government and Marriage Records
The City of Winston-Salem handles municipal services for residents but does not handle vital records. Marriage licenses, certificates, and historical marriage records are all county responsibilities in North Carolina. The city may link to county resources on its website, but the actual records and services come from the Forsyth County Register of Deeds.
If you are unsure where to go for a marriage record in Winston-Salem, start with the county register at 201 N Chestnut Street or call (336) 703-2700. Staff there handle all marriage record questions for the city and county.
Forsyth County Marriage Records
Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County. Every marriage record connected to Winston-Salem is held at the county level. For full details on the register's services, hours, historical records, and online access, visit the Forsyth County marriage records page.