Transylvania County Marriage Records
Transylvania County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Brevard, North Carolina. The Register is the official custodian of vital records, marriage licenses, real estate documents, and DD214 military discharge forms for the county. You can search deeds and indexes online through the Transylvania Deeds portal at no cost. Marriage licenses may also be ordered online through NCVITALS. This page explains how to find Transylvania County marriage records, apply for a license, and request certified copies.
Transylvania County Quick Facts
Transylvania County Register of Deeds
The Transylvania County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of real estate records, vital records, marriage licenses, and DD214 military discharge documents. The office is open for marriage license applications from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The main office information and services are available at transylvaniacounty.org. Staff can assist with searches, copy requests, and questions about the records held by the office.
Transylvania County was formed in 1861 from Henderson and Jackson counties. It was named for the Transylvania Company, which purchased land in the region before the Revolutionary War. Brevard serves as the county seat and is known for its waterfalls and access to the Pisgah National Forest. The Register of Deeds holds marriage records covering the county's history from its formation to the present day.
| Office | Transylvania County Register of Deeds Brevard, NC |
|---|---|
| License Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | transylvaniacounty.org/departments/register-of-deeds |
| Certified Copy | $10 per copy |
| Uncertified Copy | $0.25 per page |
| Deeds Online | Free through the Transylvania Deeds portal |
Marriage License in Transylvania County
Couples applying for a marriage license in Transylvania County must visit the Register of Deeds office before 4:00 PM on a business day. Both applicants are expected to appear together. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. You will also need to provide your date of birth and information about any prior marriages.
Under N.C.G.S. 51-16, if either party was previously married, you must show how that marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate is acceptable. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina under N.C.G.S. 51-6. After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license and returns it to the Register of Deeds for recording.
Marriage licenses may also be ordered online through the NCVITALS system. The state fee is $10 with an additional $1 processing fee. Visit transylvaniacounty.org/vital-records for links and instructions about online ordering options for Transylvania County.
Transylvania County Marriage Records Copies
Certified copies of Transylvania County marriage records cost $10 each. Uncertified plain paper copies are $0.25 per page. Most legal uses require a certified copy. You can request copies in person at the Register of Deeds office during business hours. Bring valid photo ID and the names of both parties along with the approximate marriage year.
Mail requests are also accepted. Address your request to the Transylvania County Register of Deeds in Brevard, NC. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the marriage, a return address, and a money order for the correct amount. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the office to return your copies.
North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. 130A-93 limits who may receive certified copies of vital records. Parties to the marriage and certain qualified persons may obtain certified copies. Call the Register of Deeds office if you have questions about your eligibility.
Search Transylvania County Records Online
Deeds and other real property documents for Transylvania County are available for free through the Transylvania Deeds portal. This lets you search and view documents without visiting the office. The portal is useful for property research and for confirming whether certain records exist in the system.
For vital records including marriage records, the NCVITALS online system allows orders at the state level. The state office at vitalrecords.nc.gov covers marriages from 1962 to the present for all North Carolina counties. For older Transylvania County marriages, contact the Register of Deeds directly. Out-of-county birth certificates from 1971 to the present are available through the Register of Deeds for a $14 search fee plus $10 per certified copy.
Historical Marriage Records in Transylvania County
Transylvania County was established in 1861, and the Register of Deeds holds records from that era forward. Researchers working on family history in western North Carolina will find marriage records here covering more than 160 years. Older records in original paper form may require additional time for staff to retrieve and review.
The North Carolina State Archives holds historical records from many counties. Researchers looking for very early Transylvania County materials should check both the county office and the archives at archives.ncdcr.gov. Genealogy platforms such as FamilySearch have indexed some county records and can help with initial research, but certified copies must come from the county or state office.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Transylvania County. Check the county where the marriage ceremony took place if you are not sure which office holds the record you need.