Anson County Marriage Records Wadesboro NC

Anson County marriage records go back to 1749, making this one of the oldest record collections in North Carolina. The Register of Deeds in Wadesboro is the official office for marriage licenses and certificates in Anson County. You can request records in person, by phone, or by mail. This page covers the history of Anson County marriage records, how to obtain copies, and what to know about gaps caused by the courthouse fires of 1869 and 1872. Understanding these events will help you plan your search for Anson County marriage records.

Anson County Register of Deeds

The Anson County Register of Deeds is at 114 N. Greene Street, Suite 118, in Wadesboro, NC 28170. The phone number is (704) 994-3208. This office maintains all current marriage records for Anson County, including marriage licenses and certificates. Staff can help you search for records, get certified copies, and understand what is available for the time period you are researching.

Anson County was created in 1750 from Bladen County. Some marriage records in Anson County date back to 1749, predating the formal creation of the county. This remarkable depth of record keeping reflects the long settlement history of this part of the Carolina piedmont. The office at ansoncountync.gov has more information on services and how to contact staff.

Anson County Records Lost to Courthouse Fires

Anson County lost significant records in two courthouse fires. The first fire happened in 1869, and a second fire struck in 1872. These events destroyed or damaged many early public records. If you are searching for Anson County marriage records from before the 1870s and cannot find them at the Register of Deeds, the fires may be the reason.

Despite these losses, some records from early Anson County history survived in other forms. Marriage bonds and other documents may exist at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. County court minutes, family bibles, church records, and newspaper announcements sometimes provide marriage information when formal records were lost. The NC State Archives is a good place to start when county records are incomplete or missing.

Records created after the 1872 fire are more complete. If you are searching for Anson County marriage records from the late 19th century onward, the Register of Deeds office is the best starting point. Staff can tell you what survives and what years have complete records.

Anson County Marriage Licenses

Both parties to a marriage must apply in person at the Register of Deeds office to get a marriage license in Anson County. Bring valid photo ID. North Carolina law requires a license before the ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and can be used anywhere in North Carolina.

After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed license to the Register of Deeds. The office records it and the marriage becomes part of the permanent record in Anson County. Call (704) 994-3208 to confirm current fees and requirements before your visit. The staff in Wadesboro can answer questions about what you need to bring and how long the process takes.

Marriage Records Copies from Anson County

You can get copies of Anson County marriage records in person at the Register of Deeds office in Wadesboro. Bring your ID and payment for the copy fee. Certified copies are needed for most legal purposes, such as changing your name or updating insurance records. The office can process your request while you wait in most cases.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send the full names of both parties, the marriage date, your mailing address, and payment by check or money order. Allow additional time for mail processing. The office will send the copy to your return address once it is ready.

For marriages from 1962 to the present, the state also holds records through the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh. If the county office cannot find a record, the state office may have it. Contact NC Vital Records for state-level marriage certificates and verification letters.

History of Marriage Records in Anson County

Anson County is one of the older counties in North Carolina, created from Bladen County in 1750. The county's marriage records, stretching back to 1749, are among the earliest in the state. Researchers working on early Carolina families often find that Anson County records are essential, since many later counties were carved from Anson's original territory. The county served as the parent for a large part of south-central North Carolina.

Genealogists studying families in Anson County should also look at records from neighboring counties and from Bladen County, which was the parent county. The depth of history in Anson County makes it a rich source for family research. Even with the losses from the two courthouse fires, enough records survive to make the Register of Deeds worth contacting for any serious search into the county's past.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Anson County. Records belong to the county where the marriage license was issued.