How and Where to Get your SC Marriage License!

Couples are required to be physically present to apply for a marriage license at the Beaufort County Probate Court. An application cannot be taken by mail or by telephone, or fax, by one party only or by proxy. THERE IS A TWENTY-FOUR (24)-HOUR WAITING PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION UNTIL THE ISSUANCE OF THE LICENSE.

Update on marriage license procedures:

Due to COVID, Beaufort County Probate Court is issuing marriage licenses by appointment only. You will need to contact them in advance to set your appointment to apply for the license as well as pick it up 24 hours. Scroll down for other county court information and options.

Contact Information:

• Beaufort Probate Office: 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort -(843)255-5850

• Hilton Head Island Satellite Probate Office: County Government Center South, 539 William Hilton Parkway - (843)255-5866

Offices hours for Probate Court (with respect to marriage licenses) are:

• In Beaufort, Monday through Friday (holidays excepted), 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

• At the satellite office, on Hilton Head Island, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only.

Other SC County Courts:

Each county is different on procedures/cost. It does not matter which county you get the marriage license in. These 2 courts are more destination friendly.

Charleston County Probate Court: offer a virtual process they call "LOVE". You pay the fee, and then set up a virtual video call where they watch you sign the application, and view your documentation. 24 hours later, they email the marriage license to you. The process can take 7-10 days depending on the amount of people applying and ahead of you scheduling the virtual call.

Richland County Court: has more of an online process. You apply online, supplying the documentation they request, and pay the fee. They will process the application and mail you the marriage license the next day.

Marriage License Fee for Beaufort County:

Category I: If either or both applicants reside in Beaufort County...$50.00;

Category II: If neither applicant resides in Beaufort County, but at least one resides in South Carolina...$75.00;

Category III: If both applicants reside outside of South Carolina...$95.00.

All fees must be paid by cash in exact amount. Note: Active-duty military personnel are deemed to reside in the County/State where the installation/facility to which they are assigned/attached is located.

Additional Marriage License Information

Both parties (prospective applicants) are required to be physically present to apply for a marriage license. An application may not be taken by mail, telephone, or fax, by one party only, or by proxy. Office hours for taking marriage license applications: at the main office in Beaufort, Monday through Friday (holidays excepted), 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; at the satellite office on Hilton Head Island, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only. THERE IS A TWENTY-FOUR (24)-HOUR WAITING PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION UNTIL THE ISSUANCE OF THE LICENSE.Blood tests and physical examinations are not required. 

Applicants must furnish valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or visa. Applicants are required to provide their Social Security numbers, or their alien identification numbers if they are resident aliens who do not have Social Security numbers.  

Parental consent is required for an applicant between the ages of 16 and 18. A marriage license will not be issued if either applicant is under the age of 16. Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by consenting parent and must furnish (in addition to government-issued ID described above) a certified copy of a birth certificate or a hospital or baptismal certificate (issued and dated within one year after birth). 

The ceremony may be performed by members of the clergy, by a chief or spiritual leader of a recognized Native American Indian entity, and by Officers authorized to administer oaths in this State, e.g., South Carolina and Federal Court Judges and South Carolina Notaries Public. Witnesses are not required. The ceremony must take place in South Carolina, but not necessarily within County where the license was issued.

Certified copies of recorded marriage licenses may be requested by mail, addressed to Beaufort County Probate Court, P. O. Box 1083, Beaufort, SC 29901, or in person at the Beaufort or Hilton Head Island offices of the Probate Court. The names of the applicants and the date of the marriage are required. Requests by mail must include payment of $5 per copy by certified bank check or money order. Self-addressed stamped envelope must also be enclosed. Personal checks not accepted.)