Marriage records in Wake County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. WakeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Wake County Register of Deeds office directly—in person, by mail, or through the online portal. The registrar's office maintains marriage licenses and certificates issued within the county. The state of North Carolina also provides access to records through the Division of Vital Records (NC Vital Records).
Wake Marriage Records Search
In Wake County, the issuance and maintenance of marriage records are the responsibility of the Wake County Register of Deeds. This office keeps records of all marriage licenses issued in the county, as well as marriage certificates filed after the ceremony. The collection covers records from 1868 to the present.
If you need a record older than 1868, contact the North Carolina State Archives. Modern records can be searched through the registrar's online database. Usually, the names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage are sufficient for the search.
Wake County Register of Deeds
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Wake
The Register of Deeds office charges fees for copies of marriage records according to the rates set by North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 161-10). Below are the basic rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $10.00 |
| Additional copy (in the same order) | $5.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the cost of the copy |
Note: Certified copies are legally valid and suitable for official purposes—name changes, estate processing, immigration cases. In-person request processing time is usually during the visit. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days.
In addition to the county, a certified copy of the marriage certificate can also be ordered through the NC Vital Records Office—the cost is $24.00 for the first copy.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Wake
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate from Wake County.
Online
The state of North Carolina offers online ordering through the partner portal VitalChek on the NC Vital Records website. An additional service fee is charged for online orders. This method is most convenient if you need a certified copy from the state rather than the county.
In Person
Visit the Register of Deeds office at the Wake County Justice Center at:
No appointment is necessary—the office operates on a walk-in basis. Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order.
By Mail
Send a request to the registrar's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A written request with the full names of both spouses and the date of marriage.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A check or money order for $10.00 payable to Wake County Register of Deeds.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail requests are processed within 5–10 business days after receipt. If you are unsure of the exact date of marriage, provide an approximate range of years—the clerk will search within that period. For additional questions, call (919) 856-5460. Another useful resource to start your search is WakeCourt.us.