04/20/2019
To get married in the state of South Carolina, you need to obtain a marriage license. South Carolina does issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples. The following requirements apply to both residents and non-residents:
Both parties must appear together 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 or alien identification number, age, and place of residence of each person. It is a sworn statement that must be signed by both parties and then notarized in the office of the probate judge.
Some probate judges require both applicants to show their social security cards.
There is a waiting period after the application is filed before the license can be picked up and the marriage can take place. This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county probate judge at least a week before you plan to get married.
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 or state-issued identification card
– Original birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate
– Current military identification card
– Current passport; plus current visa attached if not a US citizen
If you are under the age of 18, parental consent can be granted for boys and girls who are at least 16 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.
No blood test or physical exam is required.
South Carolina residency is not required.
A South Carolina license can be used in any county in the state.
If recently divorced, legal proof of the divorce may be needed. This varies by county so please contact the appropriate county probate judge to confirm that county's requirement.
The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county.
