In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Drivers License and Social Security number.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of South Carolina.
If previously married: No proof of divorce is required.
Application Requirement: Both parties to a marriage should appear in person 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 both the bride and the groom. It is a sworn statement that must be signed by both the bride and the groom and notarized in the office of the Probate Judge.
Fees: $15 - Cash Only.
Waiting Period: There is a 24-hour waiting period after the application is filed before the license can be picked up and the marriage can take place. If you want to get married on a weekend, make sure you apply for a marriage license by Thursday so you can pick up your license by Friday.
Blood Tests: No blood test or physical exam is required.
Under 18: If you are under the age of 18, parental consent can be granted for boys who are at least 16 years old and for girls who are at least 14 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.
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;
• Valid South Carolina identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety;
• Current military identification card;
• Current passport.
Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.
Common Law Marriage: No.
Cousin Marriage: Yes. First cousin.
Same Sex Marriage: No.
Officiants: Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage.
Valid: There is no
expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license.
The license can only be used within the State of South
Carolina.
Please Note: State
and county marriage license requirements often change. The
above information is for guidance only and should not be
regarded as legal advice.
Charleston County
Charleston, SC
843.740.5890
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