Marriage records in Rutherford County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. RutherfordNCCourt.us helps find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the original documents are maintained by the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office, which can be contacted in person, by mail, or through online search tools on the county's official website. The state of North Carolina also provides centralized access through NC Vital Records.
Rutherford Marriage Records Search
In North Carolina, marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds of the county where the couple applies. The Rutherford County Register of Deeds office maintains all issued marriage licenses, returned signed marriage certificates, and historical records, some dating back to the 18th century. The collection includes both original licenses and registered certificates after the ceremony.
The office offers an online index search where information can be found by last name. This is a free tool for preliminary searches—it will show the presence of a record, but to obtain an official copy, you need to contact the office.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Rutherford
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the General Statutes of North Carolina (N.C.G.S. § 161-10). Below are the current fees for the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first) | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $5.00 |
| Record search (if exact date is unknown) | Included in the copy cost |
Payment is typically accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to Rutherford County Register of Deeds. Confirm acceptable payment methods directly with the office. Processing time for in-person requests is usually the same day. Mail requests may take one to two weeks.
Certified copies can also be ordered at the state level through NC Vital Records, but note that state-level records are only available from 1962 onwards, and fees and processing times differ.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Rutherford
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
NC Vital Records offers online certificate ordering through its portal. Note: marriage records registered before 1962 are only available at the county Register of Deeds office. Costs through the state portal differ from county fees and may include additional service charges.
In Person
Visit the Register of Deeds office at 289 N Main St, Rutherfordton. Bring valid photo identification. A copy is usually issued the same day.
By Mail
Send a request to the office address with the following documents:
- A written request stating the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
- A copy of your photo identification.
- A money order or check for $10.00 payable to Rutherford County Register of Deeds.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
If you need information about court records related to marriage or divorce, contact the Rutherford County Clerk of Court or use the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal to search for court information by county.