SC MARRIAGE LICENSE INFO
Every state has its own marriage licensing requirements, and South Carolina’s 46 counties may have different procedures for obtaining a marriage license. Before applying, be sure to check with the Probate Court in the county where you plan to obtain your license.
We’ve outlined the most important information below to help make the process easier. You can also visit the following Probate Court websites for county-specific instructions.
Find Your South Carolina Probate Court Office
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
If you’re getting married in South Carolina, here are four important things to know before obtaining your marriage license:
1.
Check your county’s application requirements.
Marriage licenses are issued by South Carolina Probate Courts. Many counties offer online applications, and some allow remote processing, while others may require an in-person visit. Contact the Probate Court where you plan to apply to confirm its current procedures.
Marriage licenses are issued by South Carolina Probate Courts. Many counties offer online applications, and some allow remote processing, while others may require an in-person visit. Contact the Probate Court where you plan to apply to confirm its current procedures.
2.
Have the required identification and documentation.
Both applicants will need to provide identification and any additional documentation required by the issuing Probate Court. Requirements for photo IDs, Social Security information, and supporting documents may vary by county.
Both applicants will need to provide identification and any additional documentation required by the issuing Probate Court. Requirements for photo IDs, Social Security information, and supporting documents may vary by county.
3.
Marriage license fees vary by county.
The fee is paid directly to the Probate Court and is not included in your Love & Wisdom ceremony package. Contact the issuing county for its current fee and accepted payment methods.
The fee is paid directly to the Probate Court and is not included in your Love & Wisdom ceremony package. Contact the issuing county for its current fee and accepted payment methods.
4.
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.
South Carolina requires a waiting period of at least 24 hours between submitting the application and issuance of the marriage license. Additional processing time may be necessary. South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire, but we recommend beginning the application process at least two weeks before your wedding.
South Carolina requires a waiting period of at least 24 hours between submitting the application and issuance of the marriage license. Additional processing time may be necessary. South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire, but we recommend beginning the application process at least two weeks before your wedding.
ADDITIONAL SC MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Residency: You do not need to be a South Carolina resident to get married in the state.
- Where to obtain your license: You can obtain your marriage license from any South Carolina county Probate Court, regardless of which county your wedding takes place in, as long as the ceremony is held within South Carolina.
- Marriage license copies: South Carolina marriage licenses typically include three copies. Bring all copies, along with any required identification, to your wedding. Your Officiant will complete the necessary paperwork and explain which copy you should keep.
- Witnesses: South Carolina does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license.
- Returning the license: The completed marriage license paperwork must be returned to the Probate Court that issued it, generally within 15 days of the ceremony. Your Love & Wisdom Officiant will normally handle this for you unless you’ve requested otherwise.
- Previous marriages: If either applicant was previously married, the marriage must have legally ended through divorce or death. The Probate Court may request supporting documentation.
- Age requirements: Both applicants must generally be at least 18 years old to marry in South Carolina.
OBTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
- What is a marriage certificate? A marriage certificate provides official proof of your marriage. It is different from the marriage license paperwork you receive at your ceremony. You can request a certified copy once your completed license has been returned and recorded.
- Where to obtain it: Contact the Probate Court in the South Carolina county where your marriage license was issued to request a certified copy of your marriage record.
- Cost and processing: Fees, processing times, and ordering procedures vary by county. Check with the issuing Probate Court for current instructions.
- Why you may need it: A certified marriage record is commonly needed for legal name changes, updating identification, and other official purposes. You are legally married even if you haven’t ordered a certified copy.
- Use a certified copy: Government agencies generally require an official certified marriage document rather than a photocopy. If you’re changing your name, it’s usually best to update your Social Security record first, followed by your driver’s license and passport, as applicable.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
We’re always happy to help! If you have questions about obtaining your South Carolina marriage license or making sure everything is properly completed after your ceremony, our team is here to guide you.