Northampton County Marriage Records

Northampton County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds, which serves this northeastern North Carolina county. The office has real estate records going back to 1741 and marriage records from 1863. Birth and death records begin in 1914. The Register of Deeds is the official source for marriage licenses, certified copies, and historical vital records in Northampton County. This guide covers how to request records, what to bring, and where to look for older entries not yet available online.

Northampton County Register of Deeds

The Northampton County Register of Deeds serves the county from the area around 357 Ferrell Lane. Contact the office to confirm the exact mailing address and current hours before visiting. The office handles all marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and vital records inquiries for the county. Online access to recent land records is available at northamptonnc.com.

Northampton County was one of the original counties formed in North Carolina. Its real estate records stretch back to 1741, making this one of the longest continuous record series in the state. Marriage records begin in 1863, and birth and death records start in 1914. These deep collections are particularly useful for researchers tracing families in the northeastern Piedmont and coastal plain border region.

Marriage Licenses in Northampton County

Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office to apply for a marriage license in Northampton County. Each party needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under NCGS 51-8, both people must be present at the time of application. The license fee is $60, payable by cash only. Check with the office before your visit to confirm this payment requirement.

No waiting period applies after the license is issued. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance 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.

If either applicant was previously married, they must provide documentation showing how the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate satisfies this requirement under NCGS 51-16.

Northampton County Marriage Record Copies

Certified copies of Northampton County marriage records cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. Bring a valid photo ID when requesting copies in person. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. Under NCGS 130A-93, certified copies are available to parties to the marriage and other qualified applicants.

Mail requests are accepted at the office address. Include a written request with the names, the approximate date of the marriage, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Do not send cash through the mail. 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 holds statewide records and can issue certified copies. For Northampton County marriages before 1962, the county Register of Deeds is the sole official source.

Historical Northampton County Marriage Research

Northampton County's record collections are among the oldest in North Carolina. Real estate records from 1741 and marriage records from 1863 together document more than 280 years of county history. The county sits in the northeastern part of the state, near the Virginia border. Many families with roots in this region moved back and forth across the state line, and researchers may need to check both Virginia and North Carolina records when tracing genealogy here.

For marriages and other vital records before 1863 in the Northampton County area, researchers should check the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. The archives hold marriage bonds and early registers from many eastern counties, including Northampton. Contact the archives through their website or by phone for guidance on what is available.

Online genealogy databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry index many North Carolina marriage records. These tools can help identify a marriage year and the names of both parties before you contact the county office. The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds at ncard.us provides a statewide guide to what county offices hold.

Nearby Counties

These counties are adjacent to Northampton County in northeastern North Carolina.