Orange County Marriage Records

Orange County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Orange County was created in 1752 and has marriage bonds on record from 1779. The Register of Deeds handles marriage license applications on a walk-in basis and stores all vital records for marriages performed in the county. This guide explains the license process, fees, what to bring, and how to find older records held at the county office and the North Carolina State Archives.

Orange County Register of Deeds Office

The Register of Deeds is located at Gateway Center Building, 228 S. Churton Street, Suite 300, in Hillsborough, NC 27278. The phone number is (919) 245-2700. No appointments are needed for marriage license applications. The office accepts license applications from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Staff handle all marriage licenses, vital records requests, and public inquiries during these hours.

Orange County is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a diverse population across Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and other communities. All marriages performed in the county are recorded at the Register of Deeds in Hillsborough. The office serves residents from all parts of the county regardless of which town they live in.

Orange County Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must appear together at the Register of Deeds in Hillsborough. No appointment is needed. Each party needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Under NCGS 51-8, both people must be present at the time of application unless a court order provides otherwise. The license costs $60 and is available between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Payment options in Orange County include cash, debit card, credit card (with a 2.5% fee, minimum $2), money order, and certified check. Personal checks are not accepted. Confirm payment availability when you call ahead at (919) 245-2700.

One important rule in Orange County: the license must be returned to the Orange County Register of Deeds after the ceremony. This is true even if the ceremony takes place in another county. Under NCGS 51-6, the officiant is responsible for completing and returning the license to the issuing county. Failing to return the license to Orange County will delay recording and prevent certified copies from being issued.

If either applicant was previously married, they must provide documentation showing how the prior marriage ended under NCGS 51-16.

Orange County Marriage License FAQ

The Orange County marriage license FAQ page answers common questions about the application process, payment options, ID requirements, and what to do if either party was previously married. Review this page before your visit to avoid surprises at the counter.

Common questions the office receives include:

• What forms of payment are accepted for the marriage license fee?
• Does the ceremony have to take place in Orange County?
• Where do we return the license after the ceremony?
• How long after the ceremony can we get a certified copy?
• What ID is acceptable for applicants who are not U.S. citizens?

The FAQ page is updated when policies change. Check it before your visit to confirm the current requirements.

Historical Orange County Marriage Records

Orange County has a long marriage records history. The North Carolina State Archives guide for Orange County describes what historical materials are available from the county. The state archives hold marriage certificates from 1860 to 1861 and 1865 to 1867. Marriage bonds from 1779 to 1868 are indexed and available for research. These early documents cover the Revolutionary War era through the Civil War period.

Orange County was created in 1752 from Bladen and Granville counties. Its early records reflect the founding families of the North Carolina Piedmont, including many who were associated with the University of North Carolina and the colonial-era settlements at Hillsborough. Researchers working on Piedmont genealogy will find Orange County records essential for tracing family lines before and after the Civil War.

For marriages from 1962 onward, North Carolina Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov holds statewide records. For older entries specific to Orange County, contact the Register of Deeds in Hillsborough or visit the state archives in Raleigh. Online genealogy databases also index many Orange County marriage records and are a useful first step before requesting official documents.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County in the North Carolina Piedmont.