Marriage records in Durham County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. DurhamCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Durham County. You can also request records directly from the Durham County Register of Deeds, visit the office in person, or submit a request by mail. The North Carolina Vital Records office at the state level is another resource for obtaining marriage certificates for events recorded anywhere in the state.
Durham Marriage Records Search
The Durham County Register of Deeds is the official custodian of marriage records in Durham County. Under North Carolina law, the Register of Deeds issues marriage licenses and records marriage certificates once they are returned by the officiant after the ceremony. The office maintains marriage licenses and certificates for marriages that occurred in Durham County, including historical records dating back many decades.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Durham County
- Marriage certificates filed after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records on file with the county
You can search the office's online public records database for recorded documents, though availability of older vital records online may vary. For records not found online, contact the office directly.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Durham
Fees for marriage record copies from the Durham County Register of Deeds are set by North Carolina General Statute § 161-10. The following table reflects standard county fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $10.00 |
| Search fee (included in copy fee) | Included |
Fees are payable by cash, check, or money order made out to the Durham County Register of Deeds. If ordering through the North Carolina Vital Records office at the state level, fees and accepted payment methods may differ. Processing at the county office is typically same-day for in-person requests when the record is on file.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Durham
There are three main ways to order a Durham County marriage certificate:
Online
The Durham County Register of Deeds participates in the North Carolina NCDAVE system for vital events. Certified copies of marriage certificates may be ordered online through the North Carolina Vital Records office at vitalrecords.nc.gov. Online orders through the state typically involve additional processing fees charged by the vendor and may take several business days to arrive by mail.
In Person
Visit the Durham County Register of Deeds office to request a certified copy at the counter. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Copies are usually available the same day if the record is on file in Durham County.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Register of Deeds office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for $10.00 per copy, payable to the Durham County Register of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Allow one to two weeks for mail requests to be processed and returned. If the record is not on file in Durham County, the office will notify you. For marriages that occurred in other North Carolina counties, contact the Register of Deeds in the county where the license was issued, or request a copy from the North Carolina Vital Records office, which maintains statewide marriage records from 1962 forward.