Martin County Marriage Records

Martin County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Williamston, North Carolina. This eastern county was established in 1774, giving it one of the longer record-keeping histories in the state. The Register of Deeds stores marriage licenses and other vital documents and provides both in-person and online access to many of those records. This page covers how to search for a Martin County marriage record, how to get a copy, and what resources are available through the county and state.

Martin County Register of Deeds Office

The Martin County Register of Deeds is located at 305 East Main Street in Williamston, NC 27892. The office phone number is (252) 789-4320. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff handle marriage license applications, vital record requests, and general public inquiries about records held in the county.

Martin County was one of the original counties formed after North Carolina became a state. Its deep history means that marriage records here span a long period of time. The Register of Deeds maintains all marriages recorded within the county and is the primary source for anyone who needs documentation of a Martin County marriage. Remote access to many records is available at martinrod.org.

Marriage Licenses in Martin County

Both parties must appear in person at the Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license in Martin County. Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under NCGS 51-8, both people must be present at the time of application. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and may be used anywhere in the state.

North Carolina sets a standard fee of $60 for a marriage license. No waiting period applies. No blood test is required. After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license and returns it to the Register of Deeds. The office records the document and can then issue certified copies to the parties. Contact the office at (252) 789-4320 to confirm current payment options before your visit.

If either applicant was previously married, they must provide proof of how the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate will satisfy this requirement under NCGS 51-16. Bring this documentation along with your ID when you visit the Williamston office.

Online Access to Martin County Records

The Martin County Register of Deeds provides online remote access to many records at martinrod.org. This portal allows users to search land records, deeds, and some vital records without visiting the office in person. Coverage varies by record type and date range, with more recent records more likely to be fully indexed online.

Martin County also offers a free Property Notification service through the Register of Deeds website. This service alerts property owners when a new document is recorded against their property. While this is primarily a fraud prevention tool for real estate, it reflects the office's commitment to public access and transparency in records management.

For statewide vital records, North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov holds marriage records from 1962 to the present. For older Martin County records before the state began collecting statewide data, the county Register of Deeds in Williamston is the correct source.

Historical Martin County Marriage Research

Martin County's 1774 founding date makes it one of the older counties in North Carolina. Early marriage bonds and registers from the colonial and early statehood period are among the oldest records in the state. Many of these older materials are preserved at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Researchers should contact the archives for guidance on accessing pre-1800 marriage records from Martin County.

The county seat of Williamston was established as the county seat in the early 19th century. Marriage records from the late 18th and early 19th century reflect the family networks that settled along the Roanoke River in this part of eastern North Carolina. Genealogists working on eastern Carolina ancestry often find Martin County records essential for tracing family lines back several generations.

Online genealogy databases index many North Carolina marriage records. Search by name on platforms like FamilySearch before requesting official copies from the county. Always confirm results against the original record at the Martin County Register of Deeds or the state archives.

Applicable North Carolina Marriage Statutes

North Carolina law governs how the Martin County Register of Deeds handles marriage licenses and records. NCGS 51-6 describes what information a license must contain and who may perform a ceremony in the state. NCGS 51-8 sets out the in-person application requirement and the information both parties must supply. These statutes apply uniformly across all 100 counties, including Martin.

Access to certified copies of marriage records is controlled by NCGS 130A-93. This statute defines who qualifies to receive a certified copy and what the office may charge for that service. Martin County follows these rules for every request it processes. If you are unsure whether you qualify for a certified copy, call the office before visiting.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Martin County. Check the location where the ceremony occurred to confirm which county office holds the record.