Carteret County Marriage Records in Beaufort

Carteret County marriage records are held at the Register of Deeds in Beaufort, North Carolina. The county was formed in 1722 from Craven County and named for John Carteret, one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Marriage records in Carteret County begin in 1723. Researchers should be aware that two courthouse fires, in 1744 and 1817, destroyed some early documents. Records that survived those events and all filings after 1817 are available at the Beaufort office.

Carteret County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds office is at 302 Courthouse Square in Beaufort. This is inside the Carteret County Courthouse complex on the waterfront of the historic town of Beaufort. The phone number is (252) 728-8470. Office hours run Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

The office maintains all marriage licenses and certificates filed since the county was established. Staff can search by name and year and produce copies. Certified copies carry the official seal of the Register of Deeds and are accepted by courts and government agencies. For genealogical research or personal reference, uncertified copies are also available at a lower cost.

Courthouse Fires and Carteret County Marriage Records

Carteret County experienced two significant courthouse fires that affected public records. The first fire occurred in 1744, just over two decades after the county was formed. The second fire struck in 1817. Both events destroyed some of the county's earliest documents, including marriage and land records.

Despite these losses, Carteret County still holds marriage records beginning in 1723. This means some records from the earliest years did survive, either because they were not stored in the courthouse, were copied before the fires, or were reconstructed afterward. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh has worked to collect and preserve surviving materials from counties that experienced courthouse disasters.

Researchers working on pre-1817 Carteret County marriages should check both the local Register of Deeds office and the State Archives. The Archives holds transcripts, abstracts, and microfilm of early county records. Records after 1817 are more complete and are held in Beaufort. For any research involving the gap years caused by the courthouse fires, consulting the Archives finding aids is a smart first step before assuming a record is lost.

Getting Carteret County Marriage Record Copies

Visit the Register of Deeds at 302 Courthouse Square in Beaufort to request copies in person. Bring both parties' names and the approximate year of the marriage. Staff will search the index and provide the record. Payment for copies is due at the time of request.

Mail requests are accepted at the same address. Include the names of both parties, the year of marriage, your return address, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Processing times depend on current office volume. Calling (252) 728-8470 before mailing your request is a good way to confirm the current fee schedule and processing time.

The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh holds statewide records from 1962 forward. For Carteret County marriages before 1962, the local office in Beaufort is the primary source. The State Archives is the best resource for marriages before the 1817 fire that destroyed some of the earliest Carteret County records.

Marriage Licenses in Carteret County

Couples who wish to marry in Carteret County must apply in person at the Register of Deeds office in Beaufort. Both people must appear together. Under NCGS 51-6, residency in Carteret County is not required. A license issued here allows the couple to marry anywhere in North Carolina. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date.

Valid photo identification is required from both applicants. Under NCGS 51-8, both parties must be at least 18 years old unless a court authorizes the marriage. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the certificate and return it to the Register of Deeds under the timeline set by NCGS 130A-93. The returned certificate is then recorded and indexed as an official Carteret County marriage record.

Genealogy Research in Carteret County

Carteret County's long history makes it a significant source for North Carolina genealogical research. The county's coastal location and history as a fishing and maritime community meant a distinct population with family names that appear repeatedly across generations. Early marriage bonds from the 1700s often name bondsmen who were brothers, fathers, or uncles of the bride, providing valuable clues for family reconstruction.

The Beaufort area has also been well documented by local historians. The Carteret County Historical Society and the local library system may hold published genealogies, church records, and newspaper archives that complement the official marriage records. These secondary sources can help fill gaps caused by the 1744 and 1817 courthouse fires.

The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds Colonial and early statehood marriage abstracts that cover Carteret County. Searching the Archives online catalog before your trip can help you identify which specific records have been preserved and transcribed. This is especially helpful for research before 1850.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or lie near Carteret County along the North Carolina coast. Each has its own Register of Deeds and marriage record collection.