Jones County Marriage Records
Jones County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Trenton, North Carolina. The office keeps marriage licenses and certificates along with other vital records for Jones County. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. This office has specific identification requirements that vary by age, so knowing what to bring before your visit is important. This page covers how to find Jones County marriage records, what the office requires for license applications, and how to request certified copies.
Jones County Quick Facts
Jones County Register of Deeds
The Jones County Register of Deeds is located in Trenton, NC 28585 and can be reached through the county's government offices. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday hours are limited to 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The shorter Friday hours are important to keep in mind if you plan a visit late in the week. Staff handle marriage licenses, vital records, and real estate documents for Jones County.
Jones County real estate indexes run back to the late 1700s, reflecting the county's long history in eastern North Carolina. For current office information, visit the official county page at jonescountync.gov/departments/register-of-deeds/. This page lists current hours, services, and contact details for the Register of Deeds in Trenton.
| Office |
Jones County Register of Deeds Trenton, NC 28585 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Thu 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| License Fee | $60 cash only |
| License Valid | 60 days from date of issue |
| Website | jonescountync.gov/departments/register-of-deeds/ |
Jones County Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must appear together at the Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license in Jones County. The license fee is $60 and must be paid in cash. No other payment methods are accepted. The license is valid for 60 days from the date issued and is good for ceremonies anywhere in North Carolina.
Identification requirements vary by age. Applicants aged 21 or older need a valid photo ID and their Social Security card. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 21 must also bring a certified birth certificate in addition to valid photo ID and their Social Security card. This additional requirement for younger adults is specific to this office, so plan ahead and gather the right documents before your visit.
Military identification is no longer accepted at this office due to changes in Department of Defense identification numbering. If you previously used military ID at other offices, be aware that Jones County does not accept this form of identification. Use a state-issued ID, driver's license, or passport instead.
Getting Certified Jones County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Jones County marriage records can be requested at the Register of Deeds in Trenton. Visit during office hours and bring valid photo identification and information about the record, including names and date. Staff will search the collection and provide copies. Payment is due at the time of the request.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Jones County Register of Deeds in Trenton, NC 28585 with the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, a money order made out to the Register of Deeds, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office will search the records and mail the copy to you. Do not send cash through the mail.
North Carolina began recording births and deaths statewide in 1913. For vital records of that type, the county office holds records from that point forward. Marriage records in Jones County extend back further, with real estate records going back to the late 1700s.
Historical Jones County Marriage Records
Jones County has a long records history in eastern North Carolina. Real estate indexes at the Register of Deeds reach back to the late 1700s, which gives researchers a sense of how far the collection extends. For marriage records specifically, the Register of Deeds holds the county's collection of licenses and certificates going back many generations.
For marriages before statewide vital registration, the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds historical marriage bonds and registers from Jones County. Researchers working on nineteenth-century family history should check the archives at archives.ncdcr.gov for materials that predate the consistent registration period. The archives staff can help you identify what is available for the time frame you are researching in Jones County.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Jones County. Marriage records are held in the county where the ceremony took place.