Marriage records in Beaufort County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. BeaufortNCCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the Beaufort County Register of Deeds directly, visit the office in person at the courthouse in Washington, NC, or submit a request by mail. The North Carolina Vital Records office maintains statewide marriage records from 1962 forward and offers an additional point of access.
Beaufort County Marriage Records Search
In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records. The Beaufort County Register of Deeds, located in the county seat of Washington, serves as the custodial office for all marriage licenses issued within the county. The collection includes marriage licenses, marriage certificates returned after the ceremony, and historical marriage bonds and records dating back to the county's early history.
For older or historical marriage records, the North Carolina State Archives holds Beaufort County marriage and vital statistics materials, which can be useful for genealogical research. Statewide marriage records from October 1962 to the present are also on file with the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Beaufort County
Fees for marriage record copies in North Carolina are set by state statute (N.C.G.S. § 161-10). The following schedule applies at the Beaufort County Register of Deeds:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same record, same order) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (if no record is found) | $10.00 |
Fees are established under North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 161. Payment methods accepted at the Register of Deeds typically include cash, money order, and certified check. Contact the office to confirm whether personal checks or credit cards are accepted. Processing for in-person requests is usually completed the same day, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Beaufort County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Beaufort County:
Online
The North Carolina Vital Records office accepts online orders for marriage certificates for marriages recorded statewide from October 1962 forward. Orders can be placed through the NC Vital Records website using their approved vendor portal. Additional processing and shipping fees apply when ordering online. The county Register of Deeds does not currently offer direct online ordering for marriage records.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours at the Beaufort County Register of Deeds:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Certified copies are typically issued while you wait.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Beaufort County Register of Deeds at the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $10.00 payable to the Beaufort County Register of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You may also request a marriage certificate by mail from the NC Vital Records office for marriages recorded from 1962 onward. Their mailing address is:
The state office charges $24.00 for a certified copy by mail. Allow four to six weeks for processing through the state office. For faster results, contact the Beaufort County Courthouse directly or visit BeaufortNCCourt.us for additional guidance on locating marriage record information.