State guide
South Carolina
South Carolina marriage licenses are usually issued by the probate judge, with Darlington and Georgetown using the clerk of court instead.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- probate judge; clerk of court in Darlington and Georgetown counties
- Waiting period
- 24 hours
- Witnesses
- not required
- License fee
- county-set and varies; published examples range from $45 to $120, and state law adds a $20 fee to the marriage-license fee
Official resources in South Carolina
South Carolina Code of Laws - Title 20, Chapter 1 (Marriage)
Primary state-law source for who may perform ceremonies and the 24-hour application waiting rule.
South Carolina Code of Laws - Probate judge powers
Confirms probate judges issue marriage licenses in their counties.
Richland County Probate Court - Marriage
Current county marriage page with timing and usage information.
Horry County Probate Court - Marriage License
Current county page with fees, witness rule, officiant guidance, and expiration FAQ.
Greenville County Probate Court - Marriage License
Current county application page showing the 24-hour wait and county-specific fee structure.
Key facts for South Carolina
- State law requires a written application at least 24 hours before the license can be issued.
- South Carolina authorizes ministers, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths, and certain recognized Native American spiritual leaders to perform ceremonies.
- Horry County says witnesses are not required to sign a South Carolina marriage license.
- Published county fees vary widely: Greenville lists $45 for county residents, $75 for SC residents, and $95 for nonresidents; Horry lists $55, $80, and $120.
- Official county pages conflict on license duration: Horry says the license does not expire, while Richland says couples have 6 months to use it.
- Darlington and Georgetown are the exceptions where the clerk of court issues marriage licenses instead of the probate judge.
Courthouse ceremonies in South Carolina
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston County | County materials show a Probate Court fee for performance of a marriage ceremony by the probate judge. |
| Spartanburg County | County fee schedule lists a Probate Court wedding ceremony fee, including courthouse and after-hours rates. |
What to do next
- Ask the issuing probate court directly how long it considers the license usable before you schedule a far-future ceremony, because official county pages conflict.
- If your officiant will be a South Carolina notary, confirm they will return the signed license promptly after the ceremony.
- Compare county fees before applying; South Carolina lets nonresidents marry there, but pricing varies by county and residency status.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
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