Onslow County Marriage Records

Onslow County marriage records are maintained by the Register of Deeds in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The office holds marriage records going back to 1741, one of the longest records series in the state. The Register of Deeds handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and all public inquiries about vital records in Onslow County. This guide covers what you need to apply for a license, how to request a certified copy, and how to access the county's historical marriage data.

Onslow County Register of Deeds Office

The Register of Deeds is located at 234 NW Corridor Boulevard in Jacksonville, NC 28540. The phone number is (910) 455-3430. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff handle marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and general inquiries about records held in Onslow County. The online records portal is at onslowrecords.us.

Onslow County is home to Camp Lejeune and a large military population. The county sees a consistent volume of marriage license applications given the active-duty and veteran community here. Jacksonville serves as the county seat. All marriages performed within Onslow County are recorded at the Register of Deeds office on NW Corridor Boulevard.

Onslow County Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in Onslow 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. No waiting period applies once 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 returns the signed license to the Onslow County Register of Deeds. Once recorded, certified copies are available to the parties. If either applicant was previously married, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate as required under NCGS 51-16.

Payment options for the license fee include cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and local checks. Credit and debit card payments carry a 3% processing fee. Confirm accepted payments when you call ahead.

Onslow County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of Onslow County marriage records cost $10 each. To request a copy, bring a valid photo ID to the Register of Deeds office. You must have your ID with you and fill out a request form. The office needs the names of both parties and the date of the marriage to locate the record.

Under NCGS 130A-93, certified copies are available to qualified applicants. Payment can be made by cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or local check. A 3% card processing fee applies to credit and debit card payments. For mail requests, send a written request, a copy of your ID, the names and approximate date, and a check or money order to the office address in Jacksonville.

The online portal at onslowrecords.us provides access to indexed records. Check the portal for recent records before sending a mail request or visiting in person. For statewide records from 1962 onward, North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov is an alternative source.

Historical Onslow County Marriage Records

Onslow County marriage records begin in 1741, placing this office among the oldest record repositories in North Carolina. The county was formed in 1734 and named for Arthur Onslow, a British statesman. Its early marriage records document the coastal communities that developed along the White Oak and New rivers during the colonial and revolutionary periods. These records are valuable for researchers tracing ancestors in this part of the state.

For records from the earliest years of the collection, the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh also holds materials relevant to Onslow County. Contact the archives at archives.ncdcr.gov for guidance on colonial-era records and early marriage bonds.

Third-party genealogy platforms may index some Onslow County marriage records and can help narrow down an approximate year or date. Always confirm results with the official record at the Register of Deeds in Jacksonville for legal and research purposes.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Onslow County along the North Carolina coast.