Marriage records in New Hanover County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. NewHanoverCourt.us can help find public information on marriage records in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly through the New Hanover County Register of Deeds office by visiting in person or sending a request by mail. The state also maintains a centralized registry through NC Vital Records.
New Hanover Marriage Records Search
In the state of North Carolina, marriage records are maintained and issued by the Register of Deeds office of the county where the marriage license was obtained. In New Hanover County, this function is performed by the New Hanover County Register of Deeds. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the county's founding. The registrar keeps the original documents and issues both certified and informational copies.
Besides the local office, marriage records from 1962 onwards are also available through the North Carolina Vital Records Division (NC Vital Records), which operates in partnership with county registrars.
New Hanover County Register of Deeds
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in New Hanover
The cost of obtaining marriage record copies depends on whether you request through the county Register of Deeds office or through NC Vital Records at the state level. Below are the approximate fees according to the rates set by North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 161-10).
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — through Register of Deeds | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy — through NC Vital Records | $24.00 |
| Additional copy — through NC Vital Records (in the same order) | $15.00 |
| Expedited processing through NC Vital Records | Additional ~$11.00 (depends on delivery service) |
Processing time through the county office usually ranges from one to several business days for in-person requests. Requests through NC Vital Records by mail may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in New Hanover
There are several ways to order a marriage certificate registered in New Hanover County.
Online
Certified copies can be ordered through the online portal NC Vital Records. The state uses a third-party service to process online orders. You will need:
- Full name of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- Valid identification
- Payment by credit or debit card
In Person
Visit the New Hanover County Register of Deeds office at 320 Chestnut St, Suite 124, Wilmington. No appointment is necessary — requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Copies are usually issued the same day.
By Mail
Send a written request to the county registrar's address:
Include in your letter:
- A written request specifying the names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to New Hanover County Register of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You can also send a request by mail directly to NC Vital Records in Raleigh if the marriage was registered after 1962. For more information on county court records, visit the New Hanover County page on the NC Judicial Branch website or use the public records request portal.