Guilford County Marriage Records

Guilford County marriage records are kept by the Register of Deeds, which has two office locations serving Greensboro and High Point. The main office is in downtown Greensboro and a second location serves the High Point area. The office issues marriage licenses, records them after ceremonies, and provides certified copies of marriage certificates. Historical marriage records for Guilford County date back to 1771, with a searchable database at the Greensboro library and marriage bonds at the State Archives going back to the same year. This guide covers how to find and request Guilford County marriage records for any purpose.

Guilford County Register of Deeds

The Guilford County Register of Deeds has two locations. The main office is at 201 West Market Street in Greensboro, NC 27402. The High Point office is at 325 East Russell Avenue, Room 155, High Point, NC 27260. Both locations can assist with marriage licenses and record requests. The main phone number for the office is (336) 641-7556. Regular hours run Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Guilford County is one of the most populous counties in North Carolina. Greensboro and High Point together form a significant urban area in the Piedmont Triad region. The two-office structure of the Register of Deeds makes it more convenient for residents in different parts of the large county to access services without a long drive. Marriage records at the Register date back to 1771 for historical materials and cover all periods through the present. The office website at guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds has current service information for both locations.

Guilford County Marriage License Information

Couples applying for a marriage license in Guilford County can visit either the Greensboro or High Point location. Under NCGS 51-8, both parties should appear together at the time of application. Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID along with their Social Security number and date of birth. The marriage license fee is $60, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. An optional keepsake certificate is available for an additional $1, which some couples choose as a decorative memento separate from the official record.

Under NCGS 51-16, prior marriages must be documented. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased former spouse provides the required proof. The Register will review these documents before the license is issued. Once issued, the license is valid immediately and remains valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina under NCGS 51-6. The ceremony can take place the same day the license is issued. More information about what to bring is at guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds/marriage-license.

Guilford County Marriage Records Certified Copies

Certified copies of Guilford County marriage records cost $10 each. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card for copy fees. You can request copies in person at either the Greensboro or High Point location, by mail, or online. NCGS 130A-93 governs who may receive certified copies of vital records in North Carolina. The parties to the marriage and their legal representatives are among those eligible. More details are on the vital records page at guilfordcountync.gov/government/register-deeds/vital-records.

Mail requests should be sent to the main Guilford County Register of Deeds office at 201 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27402. Include the full names of both parties, the date or approximate year of the marriage, your return address, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Staff will process mail requests in order of receipt. Online ordering options may also be available through the office website.

Historical Guilford County Marriage Records

Guilford County has one of the strongest collections of historical marriage records in North Carolina. The county was formed in 1771, and marriage records from that year onward are part of the county's holdings. A historical marriage records database covering 1771 to 1899 is available at the Greensboro Public Library. Researchers can access this database on-site at the library to search early marriages without contacting the Register of Deeds for that historical range. The library's local history collection is a significant resource for Guilford County genealogy.

Marriage bonds from 1771 to 1868 are held at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. These bonds predate modern marriage licenses and often contain valuable genealogical information. The bondsman named in the bond was frequently a relative of the bride or groom, which can help researchers extend family trees. The archives are accessible at archives.ncdcr.gov and staff can help with specific searches for Guilford County materials. Together, the library database, the State Archives bonds, and the county Register of Deeds cover nearly 255 years of marriage records in Guilford County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Guilford County. If you need marriage records from a neighboring area, confirm the location of the ceremony.