South Carolina Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In South Carolina, couples must obtain a marriage license from the county probate court before marrying. The license fee varies by county, ranging approximately from $35 to $70, and applicants should confirm the exact amount with their specific county clerk's office, as fees are set at the county level rather than statewide. The application process includes a 24-hour waiting period, meaning the license becomes effective 24 hours after application, though this waiting period may be waivable in some circumstances.

Once issued, a South Carolina marriage license has no statutory expiration date under state law; however, couples should use the license promptly and confirm the county's expectations regarding validity with the probate court issuing it. The marriage ceremony requires two witnesses to be present. Applicants should verify all current requirements, fees, and procedures directly with their county probate court office before applying.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full South Carolina license guide → · Compare fee models by state →