Hertford County Marriage Records

Hertford County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Winton, North Carolina. The office maintains marriage licenses and certificates from 1868. Hertford County is one of North Carolina's older counties, formed in 1760, but courthouse fires in 1832 and 1862 destroyed many early records. What remains from 1868 onward is the primary source for marriage history in this northeastern county. This page covers how to find Hertford County marriage records and how to request copies.

Hertford County Register of Deeds

The Hertford County Register of Deeds is located at 701 N. King Street, Winton, NC 27986. You can reach the office by phone at (252) 358-7850. The office handles marriage records and other vital documents for Hertford County. Marriage records are available from 1868. Records before that date were largely lost in courthouse fires that occurred in 1832 and again in 1862.

For marriage license requirements, fees, and procedures in Hertford County, contact the office directly at (252) 358-7850. The license fee is $60 and the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Contact the office for the most current hours and any updates to requirements.

Hertford County Marriage License Information

Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Deeds in Winton to apply for a marriage license. The fee is $60. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. Bring valid government-issued photo identification to your visit. Staff at the office can answer questions about what documents are needed when you call ahead.

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant completes the license and returns it to the Hertford County Register of Deeds. The office records the marriage, and the record becomes part of the county's permanent vital records collection. Certified copies can be requested after the record is filed. Contact the office at (252) 358-7850 to confirm current hours before visiting Winton.

Hertford County Marriage Records History

Hertford County was formed in 1760 from Bertie, Chowan, and Northampton Counties. As one of the older counties in North Carolina, it has a long history, but that history comes with notable gaps in the records. The courthouse burned in 1832, destroying many early documents. A second fire in 1862 caused additional losses. As a result, marriage records in Hertford County are generally available from 1868 onward.

For researchers trying to trace marriages before 1868, the records situation is challenging. Some pre-fire records may have survived in other forms, such as family Bibles, church records, or documents held by neighboring counties. The North Carolina State Archives may hold related materials. Searching at archives.ncdcr.gov is a good step when county records are incomplete.

From 1868 forward, the Register of Deeds holds a consistent collection of Hertford County marriage records. These are the primary source for genealogical and legal research in the county from the post-Civil War period onward.

Accessing Hertford County Marriage Records

In-person visits to the Register of Deeds in Winton remain the most direct way to access Hertford County marriage records. Bring photo identification and any information you have about the record, such as the names of both parties and an approximate date. Staff can search the records and provide copies. Call (252) 358-7850 before visiting to confirm current hours and procedures.

The North Carolina Vital Records office maintains a statewide index from 1962 onward. For Hertford County marriage records from before 1962, the county office is the right source. The state system is accessible at vitalrecords.nc.gov for more recent statewide records.

For records from the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the State Archives in Raleigh is another useful resource alongside the county office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Hertford County. Marriage records are held where the ceremony took place, so confirm the county before making a request.