Planning to apply for a marriage license in South Carolina? This guide walks you through the essential steps, requirements, and local procedures so you can move forward with confidence.
Below you will find a quick reference table, detailed sections on documentation, residency, fees, and ceremonies, plus an FAQ to clear up common uncertainties before you head to the county probate court.
| County | License Fee (USD) | Validity Period | Waiting Period | Online预约 Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 70 | 90 days from issue | None | Yes, via county portal |
| Greenville | 60 | 120 days from issue | None | No, walk-in or mail only |
| Richland | 65 | 90 days from issue | None | Yes, by phone or online |
| Spartanburg | 60 | 120 days from issue | None | No, in person only |
Document Checklist for Apply for Marriage License SC
Proof of Identity and Age
Both applicants must present a state issued driver’s license, DMV ID, or passport showing current name and date of birth.
Social Security Number Verification
Bring your Social Security card, W2, or 1099. The probate office needs the SSN or proof of ineligibility for verification purposes.
Proof of Residency or In-State Presence
If applying in the county where you reside, a current utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your address helps streamline the process, though in many counties immediate applicants are seen without proof of residency.
Name Change Documentation (if applicable)
For anyone with a prior marriage or court order, bring the certified divorce decree, death certificate of a former spouse, or court name change order.
Eligibility and Age Requirements in Apply for Marriage License SC
To apply for a marriage license SC, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either party is under 18, a court order may allow marriage with parental and judicial consent, and additional documentation is required. For applicants age 16 or 17, specific conditions apply, including parental presence or notarized consent forms.
You do not need to be a South Carolina resident to marry in the state, but you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place or where one applicant resides. The license is valid statewide, and no blood test is required for a civil ceremony in modern South Carolina law.
Courts recognize both same sex and opposite sex marriages equally. The probate judge or deputy clerk issues the license after confirming identity, age, and legal capacity to marry, then records the license once the ceremony is complete.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing for Apply for Marriage License SC
Fee Structure and Accepted Payment
Marriage license fees range from about 60 to 70 dollars depending on the county, payable by cash, check, major credit card, or money order. Some counties cap fees at a specific amount and may offer slight variations for active duty military or senior applicants.
Turnaround Time and Expedited Service
Most licenses are issued immediately after both applicants appear in person, provided documents are valid and information matches. If issues arise with documentation, delays can occur, so arriving at least 30 minutes before the office closing time helps avoid a second trip.
License Validity and Renewal Policies
Once issued, the license is typically valid for 90 or 120 days, depending on the county. After expiration, you must apply for a new license, and there is no renewal option for an already expired document.
Wedding Ceremony Rules and solemnization apply for marriage license sc
Authorized Officiants and Civil Ceremonies
In South Carolina, any ordained minister of any religious denomination, rabbi, priest, or notary public can solemnize a marriage. Judges, magistrates, and most county probate judges are also authorized to perform civil ceremonies for applicants who choose a courthouse wedding.
Venue and Witness Requirements
The ceremony must take place in South Carolina, and while witnesses are not always mandatory, many couples choose to have at least one adult witness sign the license in front of the officiant. Some counties recommend two witnesses to avoid additional notarization steps.
Record Filing and Legal Recognition
After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license, signs it, and returns it to the probate office within a specified timeframe. Once recorded, the marriage certificate is available for order by the couple or eligible family members for legal, name change, or immigration purposes.
Key Steps to Secure Your Marriage License and Ceremony
- Gather valid photo ID, proof of age, and Social Security documentation for both applicants
- Check the specific fee, validity period, and online预约 options for your county probate office
- Verify that your officiant is authorized and understand witness requirements in your county
- Plan to appear together at the probate office, complete the application, and pay the fee in accepted form
- Schedule the ceremony within the validity window and ensure the signed license is filed promptly afterward
FAQ
Reader questions
Can we apply for a marriage license SC on the same day as the wedding?
Yes, most counties allow you to apply for marriage license sc and marry the same day, as long as you appear in person, meet all requirements, and the office is open with enough time to process the license before the ceremony.
Do we need witnesses or a blood test to apply for marriage license SC?
South Carolina does not require a blood test for marriage. Witnesses are not always mandatory, but having one adult witness present can simplify the process, especially for signing the license after the ceremony.
What happens if our marriage license expires before the ceremony?
If the license expires, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. The previous license cannot be extended or renewed, and the ceremony must occur after the new license is issued.
Can a couple marry in South Carolina if one party is stationed in the military here?
Yes, active duty military members can apply for marriage license sc in the county where they are stationed, and the usual in person requirements apply, often with flexibility for deployment schedules and additional documentation from military authorities.