Moore County Marriage Records

Moore County marriage records are kept by the Register of Deeds in Carthage, North Carolina. The county was formed in 1784 from Cumberland County, and its marriage records reflect generations of families who settled in the Sandhills region of the state. The Register of Deeds is the official source for marriage licenses, certified copies, and historical marriage data for Moore County. This guide covers how to reach the office, what to bring, and how to access records both in person and through state resources.

Moore County Register of Deeds Office

The Register of Deeds is located at 100 Dowd Street in Carthage, NC 28327. Two phone numbers serve different functions: call (910) 947-6372 for recording inquiries and (910) 947-6374 for Deed Vault access and online records questions. Staff handle marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and general public inquiries. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Moore County is well known for Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and the surrounding golf resort area. Despite the county's resort character, the Register of Deeds in Carthage serves all residents and handles all marriages performed within county boundaries. The county was carved from Cumberland County more than 240 years ago, giving its records a long span of history.

Marriage Licenses in Moore County

Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in Moore County. Each party needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under NCGS 51-8, both people must be present unless a court order provides otherwise. The license costs $60 and is payable at the Register of Deeds in Carthage.

No waiting period applies after the license is issued. It is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in North Carolina. Under NCGS 51-6, the license must be obtained before the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Register of Deeds for recording. Once recorded, certified copies are available for $10 each.

If either applicant was previously married, bring documentation showing how the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate satisfies this requirement under NCGS 51-16. Call (910) 947-6372 with questions before visiting the office.

Moore County Vital Records Requests

Certified copies of Moore County marriage records are available at the Register of Deeds in Carthage. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. Under NCGS 130A-93, certified copies are issued to qualified applicants including parties to the marriage and their legal representatives.

Mail requests are accepted at 100 Dowd Street, Carthage, NC 28327. Include a written request with the names and marriage date, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check or money order. The office will process your request in the order it is received.

For marriages from 1962 onward, North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov is an alternative source. The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds at ncard.us provides additional guidance on accessing county records statewide.

Historical Marriage Records in Moore County

Moore County was formed in 1784 from Cumberland County. Its marriage records reach back to the late 18th century. These early entries document the families who settled the longleaf pine region of the North Carolina Piedmont. For records predating the county's formation, Cumberland County records and the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh are the appropriate sources.

Researchers working on Moore County genealogy will find the Register of Deeds the primary source for local marriage records. Online genealogy databases often index North Carolina marriage records from across the state. These indexes are useful starting points. Always verify results against the official county document, which can be obtained in Carthage or through the state vital records program for more recent entries.

The county seat of Carthage is a small town with a rich history, and the Register of Deeds office reflects that heritage. Staff can assist with both modern license applications and historical research requests during regular business hours.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Moore County in the North Carolina Sandhills region.