How to Get Married in South Carolina: A Guide to Marriage Laws & Licensing

May 14

There’s something incredibly sacred about saying “I do” in South Carolina — whether it’s under a canopy of live oaks, on the steps of a historic courthouse, or in the golden quiet of your family’s backyard. If you’re dreaming up your day here in the Palmetto State, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your marriage legal — without the stress, without the confusion. Just truth, clarity, and a whole lot of love.

This isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about protecting your promise.

Can We Get Married in South Carolina If We Don’t Live There?

Yes! South Carolina welcomes couples from all over — there are no residency requirements to get legally married here. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Charleston or eloping in the Blue Ridge foothills, you can apply for your marriage license in any South Carolina county as long as your ceremony takes place within state lines.

Legal Marriage Requirements in South Carolina

Here’s what the state requires to make it official:

You must be 18 or older to get married without parental consent.
If you’re 16 or 17, you can still apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, along with a certified copy of your birth certificate.
No one under 16 can legally marry in South Carolina — no exceptions.

Same-sex marriage is fully legal here, and all love is recognized and honored under the law.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in South Carolina

The marriage license process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you’ll want to plan for:

Step 1: Fill Out an Application

Most counties allow you to apply online, while some may require you to appear in person at the Probate Court. You can apply in any county, even if you’re getting married in another one.

Step 2: Show Proper ID

Both parties need to provide:

A valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
A Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Marriage license fees vary by county:

Greenville County: $45 (residents), $75 (SC residents), $95 (out-of-state couples)
Charleston County: $70 flat fee
Spartanburg County: $45

Fees are non-refundable and typically must be paid by card or money order — check your specific county’s website to confirm.

The 24-Hour Waiting Period

One thing to note: South Carolina has a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between when you apply and when your license is issued. So if you're planning a Friday elopement, don’t wait until Thursday morning to apply!

This applies even if you apply online — the clock starts once the Probate Court processes your application.

Who Can Officiate Your Ceremony in South Carolina?

South Carolina is actually pretty flexible when it comes to officiants. You can be legally married by:

An ordained minister or pastor
A rabbi or religious official
A judge or magistrate
A notary public (yes, really!)

If you’re planning something non-traditional — like having a friend officiate — they’ll need to be ordained (online ordinations are accepted) and comfortable with signing and returning the legal documents.

After the Ceremony: What to Do With Your License

Once your ceremony is over, your officiant will fill out and sign the marriage license. It then needs to be returned to the same Probate Court that issued it — either in person or by mail, depending on the county’s policy.

Once it’s processed, you can order certified copies (usually $5–10 each) for things like changing your name or updating legal documents.

Other Things to Know:

No blood tests are required in South Carolina.
Your license never expires, but you do have to get married within the state.
To change your last name, you’ll need a certified copy of your license to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, etc.

A Few Helpful County Links:

Each county has its own process and online portals. Here are some of the most common:

Greenville County Marriage License Info
Charleston County Application Portal
Spartanburg County Marriage Requirements
Richland County Probate Court

Let’s Make It Official (and Beautiful)

I know that paperwork isn’t the most romantic part of planning a wedding. But this is the framework that makes your vows stick — the legal side of the sacred. So I hope this helps you feel confident, prepared, and free to focus on what really matters: being fully present on the day you promise forever.

And when you're ready to capture it all — the real, raw, heart-filled kind of love — I’ll be there.

Love, Tanner