South Carolina Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in South Carolina: $40 to $120, varies by county probate court (Colleton and Williamsburg counties $40; Charleston County $70; Horry County $55 resident to $120 out-of-state) license fee, 24 hours waiting period, No expiration validity, minimum age 18, None required by South Carolina law witnesses required. Apply at the Probate Court.
South Carolina Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in South Carolina?
A marriage license in South Carolina costs $40 to $120, varies by county probate court (Colleton and Williamsburg counties $40; Charleston County $70; Horry County $55 resident to $120 out-of-state). This is the standard fee charged by the Probate Court when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, South Carolina's fee is in line with the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. South Carolina does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Probate Court
Both applicants must appear in person at the Probate Court in any South Carolina county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $40 to $120, varies by county probate court (Colleton and Williamsburg counties $40; Charleston County $70; Horry County $55 resident to $120 out-of-state) fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 24 hours
South Carolina has a mandatory 24 hours waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for No expiration from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in South Carolina: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina, including judges, magistrates, and notaries public. The chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized in South Carolina.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Probate Court (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by South Carolina law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in South Carolina
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some South Carolina counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Probate Court.
Out-of-state couples
South Carolina has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Probate Court with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in South Carolina following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in South Carolina on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important South Carolina Notes
Who Can Officiate in South Carolina
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina, including judges, magistrates, and notaries public. The chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized in South Carolina.
Good to Know
South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire. Witnesses are not required by state law, though some county application forms include an optional witness line. South Carolina abolished common law marriage prospectively via Stone v. Thompson, 428 S.C. 79 (S.C. Supreme Court, July 24, 2019), but still recognizes common law marriages validly formed before that date. Notaries public and Native American spiritual leaders can legally officiate alongside clergy and judges.
South Carolina Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, South Carolina drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Probate Court
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $40 to $120, varies by county probate court (Colleton and Williamsburg counties $40; Charleston County $70; Horry County $55 resident to $120 out-of-state) - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- None required by South Carolina law for the ceremony, each at least 18
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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South Carolina Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A South Carolina marriage license costs $40 to $120, varies by county probate court (Colleton and Williamsburg counties $40; Charleston County $70; Horry County $55 resident to $120 out-of-state). The fee is paid at the Probate Court when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. South Carolina requires a 24 hours waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire. Witnesses are not required by state law, though some county application forms include an optional witness line. South Carolina abolished common law marriage prospectively via Stone v. Thompson, 428 S.C. 79 (S.C. Supreme Court, July 24, 2019), but still recognizes common law marriages validly formed before that date. Notaries public and Native American spiritual leaders can legally officiate alongside clergy and judges.
A South Carolina marriage license is valid for No expiration from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
South Carolina accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Probate Court.
Yes. South Carolina requires None required by South Carolina law for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. South Carolina does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Probate Court as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes South Carolina a popular destination wedding state.
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