Marriage records in Pender County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. PenderCourt.us can help you find public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, official documents are kept at the Pender County Register of Deeds office, where they can be obtained in person, by mail, or through state online portals. Below is a practical guide to searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage certificates.
Pender Marriage Records Search
In North Carolina, the Pender County Register of Deeds office issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records. The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in the county
- Returned and registered marriage certificates
- Historical marriage records stored in the county since its founding
Official records are maintained directly at the Register of Deeds office. An online tool is available on the county's website for searching property records and vital records. The state of North Carolina also supports a centralized database of vital records through the NC Vital Records Office, where records from 1962 can be found.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Pender
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S. § 161-10). Here is the current table:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (first copy) | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $10.00 |
| Record search (if no copy is needed) | Included in the copy cost |
Payment is accepted at the Register of Deeds office. When ordering by mail, a money order or cashier's check payable to Pender County Register of Deeds is usually required. The processing time for in-person requests is typically the same day. Mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Pender
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in Pender County.
Online
The state of North Carolina allows ordering vital records certificates through the NC Vital Records portal. The Pender County Register of Deeds page contains a direct link to online ordering of birth, death, and marriage certificates. Note: Online orders are processed by a third-party service provider, so an additional service fee is charged.
In Person
Visit the Register of Deeds office in the Pender County Courthouse building at 300 E. Fremont St., Burgaw. No appointment is necessary — service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail
Send a request to the office address:
Include in the envelope:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A money order or cashier's check for $10.00 for each copy
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
If you are unsure of the exact date or spelling of names, call the office at (910) 259-1225 before sending — a clerk will help clarify search details. For general inquiries about public records in the county, the public records request page is also available on the Pender County website.