Marriage records in Chatham County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. ChathamNCCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the Chatham County Register of Deeds, which issues marriage licenses and maintains filed certificates. In-person visits to the office, mail requests, and the North Carolina Vital Records office are additional ways to access these documents. The Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court may also assist with certain marriage-related court records.
Chatham County Marriage Records Search
In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and recording marriage certificates once they are returned by the officiant. The Chatham County Register of Deeds maintains marriage records for all marriages licensed in the county. This collection includes marriage licenses issued, marriage certificates filed after the ceremony, and historical marriage records dating back through the county's history.
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records also holds statewide marriage records for marriages that occurred from 1962 to the present. If you need a record from before 1962, the county Register of Deeds is typically the only local source.
You can search for marriage records by visiting the office during business hours. Staff can look up records by the names of either spouse and the approximate date of the marriage. For court-related records, contact the Clerk of Superior Court separately.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chatham County
Fees for marriage record copies in Chatham County are set by North Carolina General Statute § 161-10. Below is a summary of standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same record, same order) | $10.00 |
| Marriage license application | $60.00 |
These fees are based on the North Carolina statutory fee schedule for Registers of Deeds. Payment methods accepted typically include cash, check, or money order payable to the Chatham County Register of Deeds. Confirm accepted payment types before visiting or mailing a request.
If you order through the North Carolina Division of Vital Records instead, the state charges $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. State-level orders may take several weeks to process.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chatham County
There are three main ways to get a copy of a Chatham County marriage certificate:
Online
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records accepts online orders for marriage certificates (1962–present) through its NC Vital Records portal. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. Online orders are processed through a third-party vendor and include additional service fees beyond the state copy fee.
In Person
Visit the Chatham County Register of Deeds at the address listed above during regular business hours. Walk-ins are accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You can typically receive a certified copy the same day.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Chatham County Register of Deeds:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $10.00 per copy, payable to the Chatham County Register of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail to:
Allow one to two weeks for processing and return mail delivery. You can also request public court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch if you need marriage-related court documents. For general questions about the Chatham County Courthouse, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly.