Marriage Information

Marriage Licenses


For new licenses: 

  • Licenses are issued Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments last approximately 30 minutes. Call 704-862-7687 to make appointment.
  • Please complete your application online and submit it before arriving to your appointment.
  • Both applicants must come in person and have proper documentation, including:
    • At least one of the following: a valid state ID, valid driver's license, or a certified copy of their birth certificate (foreign birth certificates must be translated in English and certified)
    • Social security card
    • If a previous marriage ended in divorce or annulment, the applicant must provide a copy of the paperwork signed by judge
    • If a previous marriage ended in death, the applicant must know the month and date of the death
  • Licenses issued in Gaston County can be used anywhere in North Carolina, but must be returned to the county where it was purchased. Some counties may have different requirements for purchasing licenses. 
  • The cost of a marriage license is $60, payable by cash, credit card, or money order.
  • Licenses are valid for 60 days from the date purchased.
  • No one under age 14 years of age can get a marriage license in North Carolina. Ages 14 to 16 need a court order signed by a judge. Ages 16 to 18 must be accompanied by parents with proper ID to give their consent. 

Information regarding how the marriage license fee is distributed, per NC General Statutes:

  • $30 goes to the Department of Administration for the Domestic Violence Fund
  • $5 goes to the NC Department of Public Instruction for the Children's Trust Fund
  • $25 is the Register of Deeds Fee

For copies of already filed licenses: 

  • Certified copies of Marriage licenses for Gaston County marriages are available for $10 payable by cash, credit card, or money order.
  • Licenses for marriages filed in NC outside of Gaston County may be available but are not guaranteed. Call 704-862-7687 to check availability. 
  • Requests can be made by mail, in-person in our office at the Vital Records counter, or through our online request vendor.
  • Fill out the Application for Certified Copy of Vital Records (PDF) and mail to:
    • Gaston County Register of Deeds
      P.O. Box 1578
      Gastonia, NC 28053