Deborah Chan
In South Carolina, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate varies across counties, with different fees, procedures, and locations. The time it takes to receive a marriage certificate after the wedding depends on the county and the method of obtaining it. In Horry County, the officiant is required to return the signed and notarized marriage license copies to the Probate Court within 15 days of the wedding. The couple can then request a certified copy of their marriage license, which serves as legal proof of their marriage. In Charleston County, the processing time for certified copies of marriage records is 5-7 business days, and they can be obtained from the Vital Records Office or the Office of the Probate Judge. It's important to note that the marriage license and marriage certificate are two different documents, with the latter being the legal proof of marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get a marriage license after applying | 24-48 hours |
| Time to get a marriage certificate after the wedding | 15 days |
| Time to get a certified copy of the marriage certificate after the wedding | 5-7 business days |
| Time to get a response to a request for a marriage certificate | 30 days |
| Validity of a South Carolina marriage license | Does not expire |
| Cost of a marriage license for out-of-state residents | $115 |
| Cost of a marriage license for in-state residents | $75 |
| Cost of a marriage license for Horry County residents | $50 |
| Cost of a marriage license in Charleston County | $70 + transaction fee |
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What You'll Learn
Processing time for marriage certificates
The processing time for marriage certificates in South Carolina varies depending on the county and the method of obtaining the certificate. Here is a detailed breakdown of the processing times:
Obtaining a Marriage License
To get married in South Carolina, couples must first obtain a marriage license from a county probate court. The process typically involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and waiting for a period of time before receiving the license. The standard waiting time is 24 to 48 hours after the application is completed and filed. Therefore, couples are advised to start the process at least two weeks before their wedding date. The cost of the marriage license varies depending on residency status: $115 for out-of-state residents, $75 for in-state residents, and $50 for Horry County residents.
Receiving the Marriage Certificate
After the wedding ceremony, the signed and notarized marriage license must be returned to the Probate Court within 15 days. The officiant typically handles this, but couples can also choose to do it themselves. Once the completed marriage license is returned and processed, couples can request a certified original of their marriage certificate. The average processing time for obtaining a marriage certificate is 5 to 7 business days.
Amending Marriage Certificate Information
If there is a need to amend or change any information on the marriage certificate, individuals must visit the Probate Court in the county where the marriage took place. The specific procedures may vary slightly between counties, so it is advisable to contact the respective Probate Court office for detailed instructions.
It is important to note that marriage licenses and marriage certificates are two different documents. The marriage license is what couples receive before the wedding, while the marriage certificate is the legal proof of marriage obtained after the completed license has been processed.
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Where to obtain a marriage certificate
In South Carolina, marriage certificates are issued by the county probate court where the marriage took place. The probate court will also be able to provide certified copies of the marriage license.
If the marriage took place between July 1950 and December 2023, you can obtain a marriage certificate from the Vital Records Office in Columbia, South Carolina, at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For marriages that occurred before July 1950 and after December 2023, you will need to contact the Office of the Probate Judge in the relevant county.
The processing time for obtaining a marriage certificate is typically 5-7 business days. If you have not received a response to your request within 30 days, you can call (803) 898-3630 or email [email protected] for an update.
If you are applying for a certified copy of your marriage license in Charleston County, you can contact the Charleston County Probate Court at the following address:
Charleston County Judicial Building, 100 Broad Street, Fourth Floor, Suite 469, Charleston, SC 29401.
The phone number for the Marriage License Clerk is (843) 958-5183, and the email address is [email protected]. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
It is important to note that a South Carolina marriage license is only valid for marriages performed in person within the state.
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Requirements for a marriage license
To obtain a marriage license in South Carolina, couples must apply at a South Carolina county probate court. There is no residency requirement, but the marriage must be administered within the state. The general age requirement to obtain a marriage license in South Carolina is 18 years, however, under certain circumstances, a 16 or 17-year-old may obtain a marriage license with parental consent.
Both applicants must be present when completing the "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage" and must sign a sworn statement that the information provided is true and correct and that they are legally entitled to enter into a marriage under South Carolina law. A valid photo ID and a document containing the couple's full names, date of marriage, and social security number are also required. Non-US citizens can meet this requirement by presenting a valid passport with a current visa, a US government-issued Resident Alien card, or other suitable identification issued by the US Department of Homeland Security.
There is a $70 fee for the application, which is non-refundable and must be paid by credit card. After the application is filed, there is a 24-hour waiting period before the marriage license is released. Within two business days of submitting the completed application, the couple will receive their marriage license via email, along with instructions on how to finalize it. The marriage license is only valid for marriages performed in person in South Carolina.
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Cost of a marriage license
The cost of a marriage license in South Carolina varies depending on where you live. In Horry County, for example, the fees are as follows: $50 for Horry County residents, $75 for South Carolina residents, and $115 for out-of-state residents. If one of the applicants is a resident of Horry County or South Carolina, the fee is based on that applicant's residency status, regardless of the other applicant's residency. Only one fee is charged per couple, and it must be paid in cash or by money order to the "Horry County Probate Court".
In Charleston County, the cost of a marriage license is $70 by credit card, plus a transaction fee. This fee is non-refundable.
It is important to note that a marriage license must be obtained before the marriage ceremony can be performed in South Carolina. The application process includes signing a sworn statement that the information provided is true and correct, and that both applicants are legally entitled to marry under South Carolina law. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be present when completing the application. Once the requirements are met, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the marriage license can be released. Within two business days of submitting the completed application, the couple will receive their marriage license via email, along with instructions on how to finalize it.
After the wedding ceremony, the marriage license must be filed with the appropriate Probate Court. Certified copies of the marriage license can then be obtained from the Probate Court or the Vital Records Office, depending on the date of the marriage. The average processing time for obtaining certified copies is 5-7 business days, and there may be additional shipping fees if express delivery is requested.
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Who can officiate a wedding
In South Carolina, several types of individuals are authorized to officiate weddings. These include ordained ministers, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina, and South Carolina notaries. To officiate a wedding, the individual must be at least 18 years old and ordained by a recognized body or religious organization. There is no residency requirement for officiants, meaning out-of-state individuals can also perform ceremonies.
While South Carolina law does not require officiants to register with the state or any government office, it is recommended that they keep personal records of their official ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.
To apply for a marriage license in South Carolina, couples must submit a written application to the probate court, including social security numbers or alien identification numbers, and valid photo ID. There is a 24-hour waiting period after the application is filed before the marriage license is released.
The process of becoming a wedding officiant can be daunting, but there are resources available to help, such as online guides and training materials. These resources can provide valuable information on planning, scripting, and performing a wedding ceremony, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
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Frequently asked questions
The Probate Court copy and the South Carolina DHEC copy of the completed marriage license must be returned to the Probate Court for processing within 15 days after the wedding ceremony. The document that provides legal proof of marriage, called the Marriage Certificate, can be requested after the completed Marriage License has been returned and processed.
The fees to obtain a marriage license in South Carolina vary depending on residency. For out-of-state residents, the cost is $115, for in-state residents, $75, and for Horry County residents, $50.
A couple planning to marry in South Carolina must apply for a license at a South Carolina county probate court. There is a probate court office in each of the 46 counties within the state, and you can obtain a license from any of them as long as you are getting married within the state.
There is a 24-48 hour waiting period after the application is completed and filed before the marriage license is issued.
Only ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina, and the chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in the state.
