Family Law

Information About Marriage Licenses in South Carolina

By Ben Stevens

To get married in the State of South Carolina, you need to obtain a marriage license. The following requirements apply to both residents and non-residents:

• The bride and groom must appear together at the office of a South Carolina county probate judge and file a written application. This application asks for the full name, social security number, age, and place of residence of the bride and the groom. It is a sworn statement that must be signed by the bride and the groom and then notarized in the office of the probate judge.
• Some probate judges require both the bride and groom to show their social security cards.
• There is a waiting period after the application is filed before the license can be picked up and the marriage can take place. This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county probate judge at least a week before you plan to get married.
• If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent. But you must provide proof of your age (or simply identification if you're over age 25) by presenting one of the following:
  • Valid driver's license
  • Original birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Current military identification card
  • Current passport
• If you are under the age of 18, parental consent can be granted for boys and girls who are at least 16 years old. All minor applicants must file an original birth certificate or a certified copy of their birth certificate, which becomes a part of their permanent application record. The parent or legal guardian of a minor applicant must appear at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a form consenting to the marriage.
• No blood test or physical exam is required.
• South Carolina residency is not required.
• No proof of divorce is required.
• The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county.

Additional Information

• A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for marriages performed in South Carolina.
• There is no expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license.
• South Carolina laws concerning marriage and marriage licenses

Source: "South Carolina – How to Apply for a Marriage License", published as part of SCIway.net's "Guide to Planning Your South Carolina Wedding"

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on July 09, 2009 (boomark / email).