Mitchell County Marriage Records
Mitchell County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Bakersville, North Carolina. The office stores marriage licenses and certificates going back to 1861, making it a rich source for researchers tracing family history in the western mountain region. Birth and death records at the office begin in 1913. This guide explains how to access Mitchell County marriage records, request certified copies, and find historical materials that predate the county's record series.
Mitchell County Quick Facts
Mitchell County Register of Deeds Office
The Register of Deeds is located at 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 4, in Bakersville, NC 28705. The phone number is (828) 688-2139. For public records inquiries, use extensions 1401 or 1402 to reach the appropriate staff member. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Mitchell County was formed in 1861 from portions of Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. Marriage records at the Register of Deeds date back to the county's founding year. This makes Mitchell County records particularly valuable for genealogists working on family lines in the Blue Ridge mountain region. The county is known for its mining history and scenic views near Roan Mountain.
| Office |
Mitchell County Register of Deeds 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 4 Bakersville, NC 28705 Phone: (828) 688-2139 Extensions: 1401 or 1402 for public records |
|---|---|
| Marriage Records | From 1861 to present |
| Birth/Death Records | From 1913 to present |
| Certified Copy Fee | $10 per copy |
Marriage Licenses in Mitchell County
Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in Mitchell County. Each party needs a valid government-issued photo ID. North Carolina law under NCGS 51-8 requires both people to be present at the time of application. The standard license fee in North Carolina is $60. No waiting period or blood test is required.
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the license to the Mitchell County Register of Deeds for recording. Certified copies become available once the record is entered. Under NCGS 51-6, a license must be obtained before the ceremony takes place.
If either applicant was previously married, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased former spouse satisfies the requirement under NCGS 51-16. Call extensions 1401 or 1402 before your visit to confirm what is needed.
Mitchell County Marriage Record Copies
Certified copies of Mitchell County marriage records cost $10 each. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting the Register of Deeds office in Bakersville. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage so staff can locate the record. Under NCGS 130A-93, certified copies are available to parties to the marriage and other qualified applicants.
Mail requests are another option. Send a written request to the office at 26 Crimson Laurel Circle, Suite 4, Bakersville, NC 28705. Include the names, the approximate date of the marriage, a copy of your ID, and payment by check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. The office will process your request in the order it is received.
North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov holds statewide marriage records from 1962 onward. For Mitchell County marriages before 1962, contact the Register of Deeds in Bakersville directly.
Historical Marriage Records in Mitchell County
Mitchell County's marriage records begin in 1861, the year the county was formed. These records document mountain community marriages during and after the Civil War period. Many entries reflect the close-knit family networks that formed in the isolated coves and ridgelines of the southern Appalachians. These records are among the most detailed sources for ancestry research in this part of North Carolina.
For records from the area before 1861, researchers should look to the parent counties: Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Watauga, and Yancey. The North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh holds marriage bonds and early registers from these counties. Contact the archives through archives.ncdcr.gov for guidance on accessing pre-county records.
The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds at ncard.us offers a statewide guide to what county offices hold and how to request records. This is useful for planning research across multiple counties or comparing what is available in Mitchell County versus neighboring offices.
State Resources for Mitchell County Marriage Records
North Carolina Vital Records maintains statewide marriage records from 1962 to the present. Their website at vitalrecords.nc.gov/marriage.htm explains how to order a certified copy by mail or in person at their Raleigh office. Fees and turnaround times are listed on the site. For marriages in Mitchell County that fall within this date range, the state office is an alternative to visiting Bakersville.
For older Mitchell County records, the county Register of Deeds remains the sole official source. The combination of the county office, the state vital records program, and the state archives covers the full span of Mitchell County marriage history from 1861 to the present day.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Mitchell County. Confirm where the ceremony took place before contacting an office.