How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina

A Calm, Clear Guide for Couples Planning a South Carolina Wedding

If you are planning a wedding in South Carolina and feeling a little unsure about the legal side of things, you are not alone.

The beautiful parts of wedding planning tend to get all the attention, but before the vows, flowers, and celebration comes one very important task: making sure your marriage is legally recognized. In South Carolina, that means applying for a marriage license, allowing time for the state’s required waiting period, and making sure your ceremony is performed by someone legally authorized to officiate.

This page is meant to make that process feel simple and approachable so you can check off the practical pieces and get back to planning the parts of the day you are most excited about.

If you are still deciding what kind of celebration fits you best or need to get married quickly, you may also want to explore our elopement packages in South Carolina and micro wedding packages in South Carolina for more intimate ways to say “I do.”

Where to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina

Where South Carolina marriage licenses are issued.

Marriage licenses in South Carolina are generally issued by the Probate Court in each county. In Darlington and Georgetown counties, the clerk of court issues the license instead. The good news is that your license does not have to come from the same county where you are getting married. Once issued, it is valid anywhere in South Carolina.

That means if your wedding is taking place in one county but another county’s application process is more convenient, you may still be able to apply there.

How the SC Marriage License Application Process Works

Your marriage license starts with a written application.

South Carolina requires a written application for a marriage license, and it must be signed by both parties. Some counties now offer online or partially online application options, while others still require an in-person process. Because the county procedure can vary, it is always wise to check the Probate Court website for the county where you plan to apply before making the trip.

Most couples should be prepared with:

A valid government-issued photo ID
Social Security numbers, or alien identification numbers if applicable
Any age-related documentation the court may request

If your celebration is intentionally small and simple, this is also where couples often realize an elopement in South Carolina may be the perfect fit — fewer moving parts, but still the same legal requirements.

South Carolina’s Waiting Period

Same day marriages are not allowed in South Carolina.

South Carolina has a required 24-hour waiting period between the time your application is filed and the time the marriage license can be issued. In other words, there is no same-day marriage license for a standard South Carolina marriage.

Because of that, it is always best to handle this part a little early rather than cutting it close. Many couples prefer to apply a few weeks before the wedding so the legal side is already squared away and off their minds.

What Happens After You Receive the License

Understanding the steps once you receive your South Carolina marriage license.

Once the marriage license is issued, it is typically given to one of the parties and then provided to the officiant for the ceremony. South Carolina law provides for the license to be issued in triplicate, and after the ceremony the officiant completes the paperwork and returns the required copies to the issuing office within 15 days. The court then records the marriage and forwards the required copy to the state’s vital records office.

This part matters: the ceremony may be over, but the paperwork still needs to be completed and returned properly.

If you plan to change your name after marriage, you will typically use a certified copy of your recorded marriage certificate afterward.

Age Requirements for Marriage in South Carolina

An outline of South Carolina's age requirements for a marriage license.

In South Carolina:

If you are 18 or older, you may marry without parental consent.
If either person is 16 or 17, the court requires parental, relative, or guardian consent in the form the law describes.
If either person is under 16, a marriage license cannot be issued under current South Carolina law.

South Carolina also requires proof of age in certain cases, and the court may request documentary evidence depending on the applicant’s age.

Who Can Legally Officiate a Wedding in South Carolina?

Different qualified individuals can officate weddings.

South Carolina allows weddings to be officiated by:

Ministers of the Gospel
Jewish rabbis
Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina
The chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs

That “officers authorized to administer oaths” language is one reason notaries are commonly used as officiants in South Carolina.

If you are looking for a more fully guided experience with more moving pieces already handled for you, you may also want to explore our all-inclusive wedding packages in South Carolina.

A Few Other South Carolina Marriage Rules to Know

Helpful info to be aware of for your South Carolina marriage license.

There are a few additional points couples should keep in mind:

A valid marriage in South Carolina requires the proper license and ceremony steps.
If either person is already married to someone else, that prior marriage must be legally ended first; bigamous marriages are void under South Carolina law.
South Carolina allows marriage between first cousins, though it prohibits marriage between closer blood relatives listed in the statute.
South Carolina’s Supreme Court ended the creation of new common-law marriages in the state in 2019.

Quick Marriage License Checklist for South Carolina Couples

Things to organize ahead of applying for your South Carolina marriage license.

Before your wedding day, make sure you have:

Applied for your license through a South Carolina Probate Court
Allowed at least 24 hours before expecting the license to be issued
Confirmed the county’s process and what documents you need
Chosen an officiant legally authorized to marry you in South Carolina
Made a plan for the signed license to be returned after the ceremony

If you are planning something smaller, more flexible, or more budget-conscious, our micro wedding packages and South Carolina elopement packages are both beautiful options to explore.

Our Best Advice

Obtaining your South Carolina marriage license is easier than you think.

Take care of the legal side a little earlier than you think you need to.

Once your marriage license is handled, everything else tends to feel lighter. You can enjoy the rest of the planning process with more peace of mind, knowing the most important practical detail is already in place.

And if you are still deciding between a full wedding day, an intimate gathering, or something more simple and meaningful, our planning pages can help guide you toward the celebration style that fits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a SC Marriage Licen

How do you get a marriage license in South Carolina?

To get a marriage license in South Carolina, both parties must apply through a South Carolina Probate Court. Some counties allow online applications, while others require you to apply in person. It is always best to check with the county directly before applying.

Do you have to get your marriage license in the same county where you are getting married?

No. In South Carolina, you may obtain your marriage license from any county Probate Court, and it is valid statewide.

Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time you apply for the marriage license and the time it can be issued.

What do you need to apply for a marriage license in South Carolina?

Most couples should plan to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide their Social Security numbers. Some counties may have additional requirements, so it is wise to confirm details in advance.

Do you need a blood test to get married in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license.

Who can officiate a wedding in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, weddings may be officiated by authorized ministers, rabbis, certain officers authorized to administer oaths, and other individuals recognized under state law. This is why notaries are often used to officiate weddings in South Carolina.

Do you need witnesses to get married in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony to be legally valid.

Can you get married in South Carolina at 16 or 17?

In some cases, yes. Couples ages 16 or 17 may need parental or guardian consent, depending on the situation and the court’s requirements. Those under 16 cannot legally marry in South Carolina.

How long before the wedding should you apply for your marriage license?

It is usually best to apply at least a few days to a few weeks before your wedding to allow for the waiting period and avoid last-minute stress.

What happens after the wedding ceremony?

After the ceremony, the officiant completes the marriage license and returns it to the issuing court so the marriage can be officially recorded.

Getting a Marriage License in South Carolina

Château Amelia is a wedding venue in Upstate South Carolina, located near Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Greenwood. If you are planning a wedding, micro wedding, or elopement in South Carolina, understanding how to get your marriage license is an important part of the process. From the 24-hour waiting period to officiant requirements and county Probate Court procedures, this guide is designed to help couples feel more confident about the legal steps before the wedding day. Whether you are planning a full estate celebration or a simpler ceremony, Château Amelia is here to help make the planning process feel clear, calm, and beautifully supported.

intimate South Carolina Wedding Venue — WITH LODGING