Wake County Marriage Records in Raleigh
Wake County marriage records are maintained by the Register of Deeds in Raleigh, North Carolina. Wake County is the most populous county in North Carolina, with Raleigh as the county seat and the state capital. The Register of Deeds office issues marriage licenses, records returned certificates, and provides certified copies to the public. The office operates five service locations across the county and provides an online pre-application portal. This page covers how to search Wake County marriage records, apply for a license, and obtain certified copies from the Raleigh office.
Wake County Quick Facts
Wake County Register of Deeds in Raleigh
The main Wake County Register of Deeds office is at 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601. The office phone is (919) 856-5460. Walk-in service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. No appointment is required. The Register of Deeds handles marriage license applications, certificate recordings, and certified copy requests for all of Wake County.
Wake County operates four additional regional service centers in addition to the main Raleigh location. These centers serve residents in various parts of the county and offer the same marriage license and records services as the main office. All five locations accept walk-in requests during regular hours. Check the Wake County website for the address of the regional center closest to you.
| Office |
Wake County Register of Deeds 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700 Raleigh, NC 27601 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (919) 856-5460 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (walk-in) |
| License Fee | $60 |
| Online Portal | wakerod.permitium.com |
| Office Website | wake.gov/departments-government/register-deeds |
Wake County Marriage License Application
Both applicants must appear in person at any Wake County Register of Deeds location to apply for a marriage license. No appointment is needed. Walk in during the 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM window on any weekday. Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. No county residency is required to apply.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any prior marriages. Under N.C.G.S. 51-8, both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Under N.C.G.S. 51-6, the license is valid for use anywhere in North Carolina for 60 days from the date of issuance. The fee is $60.
Wake County offers an online pre-application at wakerod.permitium.com. Completing this form before your visit reduces time at the counter. Both applicants must still appear in person to sign and receive the license. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed marriage certificate to the Wake County Register of Deeds within 10 days under N.C.G.S. 130A-93.
Requesting Wake County Marriage Record Copies
Certified copies of Wake County marriage records are available at any of the five Register of Deeds locations. Visit in person during walk-in hours and bring the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the ceremony. Staff will locate the record and prepare your certified copy.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Wake County Register of Deeds, 300 S. Salisbury Street, Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601. Include the names of both parties, the approximate marriage year, your return address, and payment for the applicable fee. Call (919) 856-5460 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before mailing your request.
For Wake County marriages from 1962 forward, the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh also provides certified copies. For older records, the Register of Deeds is the primary official source. The NC State Archives holds historical records that may help with genealogical research into earlier periods.
Wake County Marriage History and Genealogy
Wake County was formed in 1771. Marriage records at the Register of Deeds span many generations, with the oldest records held at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Marriage bonds from the colonial and early statehood period predate the modern license system and are held at the State Archives.
Genealogists researching Wake County family history should contact the Register of Deeds at (919) 856-5460. Many records are now digitized and searchable through the online portal. Older records that predate digital systems may require in-person or written requests. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds can provide additional guidance on locating records across counties.
Cities in Wake County
These cities are in Wake County. All marriage licenses and records for residents throughout the county are handled by the Wake County Register of Deeds.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Wake County. Each has its own Register of Deeds with a separate collection of marriage records.