Wilson County Marriage Records

Wilson County marriage records are held by the Register of Deeds in Wilson, North Carolina. The office keeps marriage records from 1855 and birth and death records from 1913. Wilson County was formed in the mid-nineteenth century, and its records document more than 170 years of family history in the tobacco-growing region of eastern North Carolina. This page covers how to find Wilson County marriage records, apply for a license, and request certified copies from the Register of Deeds office on East Nash Street.

Wilson County Register of Deeds

The Wilson County Register of Deeds is located at 115 E. Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27893. The phone number is (252) 406-4444. Staff handle marriage licenses, vital records, and certified copy requests. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Department information is available at wilsoncountync.gov.

Wilson County was formed in 1855 from Edgecombe, Johnston, Nash, and Wayne counties. It was named for Louis D. Wilson, a state senator who died during the Mexican-American War. The city of Wilson serves as the county seat and has historically been a major tobacco market. Marriage records at the Register of Deeds date from 1855, the year the county was created. More than 170 years of family history in eastern North Carolina is documented in the county's vital records collection.

Wilson County Marriage License Application

Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in Wilson County. Go to the Register of Deeds office at 115 E. Nash Street. Each person must present valid government-issued photo identification. You also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any prior marriages.

Under N.C.G.S. 51-16, if either applicant was previously married, documentation showing how that marriage ended is required. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is acceptable. The license fee is $60, paid at the time of application. Under N.C.G.S. 51-6, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in North Carolina.

After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license and returns it to the Wilson County Register of Deeds for recording. The office creates the official marriage certificate. Certified copies may be ordered once the record is filed with the county.

Wilson County Marriage Records Certified Copies

Certified copies of Wilson County marriage records are available from the Register of Deeds at 115 E. Nash Street in Wilson. Visit in person during business hours and bring valid photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. Staff will locate the record and provide copies during your visit.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Wilson County Register of Deeds, 115 E. Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27893. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, a return address, and a money order for the appropriate fee. Do not mail cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the office can return your documents.

Under N.C.G.S. 130A-93, certified vital records copies are issued only to the parties to the marriage and certain qualified individuals. Call (252) 406-4444 to confirm eligibility before submitting a request if you are unsure.

Search Wilson County Marriage Records Online

The Wilson County Register of Deeds website at wilsoncountync.gov provides information about available records and access options. Check the site for current details about online searching tools and what records can be accessed remotely. The website is a good starting point before calling or visiting the office in person.

North Carolina Vital Records in Raleigh maintains statewide marriage records from 1962 to the present. Visit vitalrecords.nc.gov for instructions on ordering state-level records. For Wilson County marriages from 1855 through 1961, the Register of Deeds in Wilson is the right source. Third-party genealogy sites such as FamilySearch may have indexes for older records, but certified copies must come from official sources.

Historical Marriage Records in Wilson County

Wilson County was established in 1855, and its marriage records date from that year. More than 170 years of family history in eastern North Carolina is documented at the Register of Deeds office. Older records may exist in original paper form and may take additional time to locate and retrieve.

The North Carolina State Archives at archives.ncdcr.gov holds historical records from many counties, including early Wilson County materials. Researchers working on families from the mid-nineteenth century should check both the county office and the state archives. The archives staff can help identify what Wilson County records are available in their collection.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wilson County. Check the county where the marriage license was issued or the ceremony took place if you need to confirm which office holds the record.