How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina
South Carolina marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$35-$70; Probate Court)
- Waiting period
- 24 hours (license effective 24 hrs after application; waivable)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
This row is flagged for re-verification on publish (county-set fee and/or a statute section still being pinned).
In South Carolina, couples seeking a marriage license must apply at the Probate Court in the county where they wish to marry. The license fee varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $35 to $70, and is set by the individual county's Probate Court. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number; no state residency requirement applies. The state's marriage statute permits marriage for individuals age 18 and older without consent, while those aged 16 to 17 may marry with parental consent. Individuals under 16 are not permitted to marry in the state.
A 24-hour waiting period applies after application, during which the license becomes effective; this waiting period may be waivable under certain circumstances. Two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, are required to be present at the marriage ceremony. The license carries no statutory expiration date, though couples are advised to use it promptly and to confirm current validity rules with their county Probate Court. Because fees and procedural requirements are set at the county level and subject to change, couples should verify the exact fee, current rules, and any available options by consulting their county's Probate Court directly or visiting the county clerk's official page before applying.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$35-$70; Probate Court) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 24 hours (license effective 24 hrs after application; waivable) |
| License validity | no statutory expiration (use promptly; confirm with county) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) |
| Online option | no statewide online option; apply at the Probate Court |
| Where to apply | Probate Court (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full South Carolina requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record South Carolina marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.