To the full extent permitted by the Constitution, the Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over all subject matter related to the issuance of marriage licenses; record, index, and dispose of copies of marriage certificates; and issue certified copies of the license and certificates.
It is unlawful for any persons to contract matrimony, i.e. marry, within this State without first obtaining a marriage license from the Probate Court.
The Probate Court may issue a marriage license upon: (a) the filing of the marriage application, (b) the lapse of at least twenty-four hours thereafter, (c) the payment of the fee, (d) and the filing of a statement, under oath or affirmation, to the effect that the persons seeking the contract of matrimony are legally entitled to marry, together with the full names of the persons, their ages and places of residence.
Only ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in this State, and the chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs pursuant to Section 1-31-40 are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this State.
Marriage Licenses are public record and are open to the public during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Fees
| |
Marriage License (includes Criminal Domestic Fund) |
County Residents: |
$ |
50.00 |
| |
State Residents: |
$ |
75.00 |
| |
Out of State & All Others: |
$ |
100.00 |
| |
| Ceremony |
$ |
50.00 |
| Certified Copy |
$ |
5.00 |
| Marriage Record Correction |
$ |
6.75 |
Application
Instruction Letter for Submitting Marriage Application via Mail
Marriage License Application Form:
Adobe PDF Format
Word Format
