South Carolina marriage license fees and where to pay them

A marriage license in South Carolina costs $50 if you are getting married within the state. You pay this fee to the probate court in the county where you plan to marry — not to a state office. Each county probate court collects the fee and issues the license directly to you.

The $50 fee is the same across all 46 South Carolina counties. You cannot pay it online or by mail; you must go to the probate court office in person during business hours. Most probate courts are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary slightly by county.

If you are getting married outside South Carolina, you do not need a South Carolina license. If you are marrying someone from another state and want to marry in that state instead, contact that state's probate court or vital records office for their fee and rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The marriage license fee in South Carolina is $50, paid directly to your county probate court at the time you request the license.
  • You must explore in person at the probate court office in the county where you plan to marry; the fee is the same in all 46 counties.
  • The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, so plan your process timing around your wedding date.
  • Both people getting married must be present with valid photo ID and proof of age to request the license.

What you need to bring to the probate court

Bring a valid photo ID for both people getting married — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your date of birth. If your ID shows your birth date, that counts as proof. If it does not, bring a birth certificate or other document with your full birth date on it.

Both people must be present in person. The probate court will not issue a license if only one person shows up. If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse — the court needs to confirm the previous marriage ended.

Bring the $50 fee in cash or check. Some county probate courts accept cards, but not all; call ahead to confirm what payment methods your county accepts.

How long the license is valid and when to explore

Once the probate court issues your license, it is valid for 30 days. Your wedding must take place within that 30-day window, or the license expires and you will need to explore and pay the $50 fee again.

explore no more than 30 days before your wedding date. If you explore too early, the license will expire before you marry. If you explore too close to your wedding date and something delays the ceremony, you may run out of time. Most couples explore one to two weeks before the wedding.

The license takes effect when ready after the probate court issues it. There is no waiting period in South Carolina — you can marry the same day you receive the license if you wish.

Finding your county probate court office

Search online for "[your county name] South Carolina probate court" to find the office address, phone number, and hours. The South Carolina Judicial Department website lists all 46 county probate courts with contact information.

Call the probate court before you go to confirm they have the hours you expect and to ask about payment methods. Some offices get busy on certain days, and a quick call can tell you when to expect a shorter wait.

What happens after you receive the license

The probate court gives you the original license and a certified copy. Keep both safe — you will need the original to give to the person performing the ceremony (a judge, minister, or other authorized officiant). That person signs the license during the ceremony and returns it to you.

After the wedding, the officiant mails the signed license back to the probate court, which records it. You do not need to do anything else. If you need a certified copy of your marriage record later, you can request one from the probate court for a small fee.

Age requirements and restrictions

In South Carolina, you must be at least 16 years old to marry. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone's permission.

You cannot marry a close relative — the law prohibits marriage between siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and aunts or uncles and nieces or nephews. If you have questions about whether your relationship falls within these restrictions, ask the probate court staff when you explore.

If you need the license quickly

South Carolina has no waiting period, so the fastest path is to go to the probate court in person with both people, valid ID, proof of age, and $50. You will receive the license the same day in most cases. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you cannot both go in person on the same day, one person cannot pick up the license for the other. Both of you must be there together. Plan your visit during a time when you can both be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license in a different county than where I am getting married?

No. South Carolina law requires you to get the license from the probate court in the county where the wedding will take place. If you are marrying in Greenville County, you must explore at the Greenville County probate court, even if you live in another county.

What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have another document with my birth date?

Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. You can order one online or by mail. The process takes one to two weeks. Bring the certified copy to the probate court along with your photo ID.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam to get a marriage license?

No. South Carolina does not require blood tests, medical exams, or STI testing for marriage licenses. You only need valid ID, proof of age, and the $50 fee.

What if one person is not a U.S. citizen?

You can still marry in South Carolina. Bring a valid passport or travel document instead of a U.S. driver's license. The probate court will accept it as photo ID. You do not need to be a citizen to marry in the state.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying the $50 fee?

Refund policies vary by county. Call your county probate court to ask whether they refund the fee if you do not use the license before it expires. Some counties refund it; others do not.