Gaston County Marriage Records

Gaston County marriage records are maintained by the Register of Deeds in Gastonia, North Carolina. Susan S. Lockridge serves as Register of Deeds. The office holds marriage licenses and certificates going back to 1848, shortly after the county was created in 1846. This page covers how to find Gaston County marriage records, how to apply for a marriage license, how to request certified copies, and what other services the Register of Deeds provides for residents and researchers.

Gaston County Register of Deeds

The Gaston County Register of Deeds is located at 325 North Marietta Street in Gastonia, NC 28053. The office phone is (704) 868-7684. Susan S. Lockridge has served as Register of Deeds and expanded office services in 2019 to include passport applications. Regular office hours run Monday through Friday. Staff can help with marriage licenses, certified copies of vital records, genealogy research, and general records inquiries.

Gaston County was created in 1846 from Lincoln County and named for William Gaston, a prominent jurist and North Carolina Supreme Court justice. The county seat of Gastonia grew into one of the major industrial cities in the Carolina Piedmont. Marriage records at the Register of Deeds date from 1848 and cover nearly 180 years of weddings in the county. Death records held by the office go back to 1913. The office website at gastongov.com has current information on services, fees, and how to request records.

Gaston County Marriage License Application

Couples applying for a marriage license in Gaston County must visit the Register of Deeds office at 325 North Marietta Street in Gastonia together. Under NCGS 51-8, both parties must be present at the time of application. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. You will also be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any prior marriages. The office typically issues the license on the same day of the application.

Under NCGS 51-16, anyone who was previously married must provide proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased former spouse meets this requirement. The Register will check these documents before the license is issued. Once the license is in hand, it is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina under NCGS 51-6. If the ceremony does not take place within that time, a new license must be obtained at the office in Gastonia.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the license to the Gaston County Register of Deeds. The office records the document. Certified copies can then be requested by the parties to the marriage. Allow a few business days after the officiant submits the paperwork for the record to be fully processed.

Gaston County Marriage Records Requests

Certified copies of Gaston County marriage records are available from the Register of Deeds office in Gastonia. In-person requests are the quickest option. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. Staff will search the records and provide copies during your visit. The office also has death records from 1913 onward if you need vital records from both categories for research purposes.

Mail requests are accepted at the Gaston County Register of Deeds office at 325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia, NC 28053. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the marriage, your return address, and a money order or bank check for the copy fee. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope so the office can return your copies. Do not send cash by mail. NCGS 130A-93 governs access to certified copies of vital records in North Carolina. The parties to the marriage and their legal representatives may request certified copies. Call (704) 868-7684 with any questions about eligibility or fees before submitting.

Additional Services at Gaston County Register of Deeds

In 2019, the Gaston County Register of Deeds expanded services to include passport applications. This means residents can apply for a U.S. passport at the same office where they obtain marriage records and vital documents. This is a convenience for those who need both a marriage certificate and a passport at the same time, such as newlyweds preparing for international travel.

Passport acceptance facilities process applications for new passports and renewals. To apply in Gastonia, you will need your completed passport application form, proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, a passport photo, and the application fee. Check the Gaston County website at gastongov.com for current appointment availability and any special instructions for the passport services offered at the Register of Deeds office.

Historical Gaston County Marriage Records

Gaston County marriage records go back to 1848, covering nearly 180 years of family history in the Charlotte metro region. The county's history as a textile and industrial center means many families have deep roots in the area, and the marriage records reflect those generations. Genealogists researching Gaston County family lines can access many historical records through the Register of Deeds and through online genealogy platforms that index North Carolina county records.

For records before 1848 from the area that is now Gaston County, researchers should check Lincoln County, from which Gaston was formed. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh also holds historical marriage bonds and other early records from Gaston County. The archives are available at archives.ncdcr.gov and can provide access to materials that may not be held at the county level or available through online searches.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Gaston County. If you are not sure which county holds the marriage records you need, confirm where the ceremony took place.