Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Horry County?
Marriage licenses in Horry County are issued by the Horry County Probate Court at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. A Myrtle Beach satellite office may also be available — call to confirm. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Horry County encompasses Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway. The Myrtle Beach area sees tens of thousands of destination weddings annually, and the non-resident waiting period waiver makes it particularly accessible for couples from out of state.
The $25 Fee
At $25.00, Horry County offers one of the lowest marriage license fees in the Southeast. South Carolina fees are set under SC Code §20-1-230. Certified copies cost $12.00 each from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
South Carolina law (SC Code §20-1-250) imposes a 24-hour waiting period for South Carolina residents. The waiting period is automatically waived for non-South Carolina residents — no court order required. Simply indicate your out-of-state address on the application. This makes Horry County immediately accessible for the vast majority of destination wedding couples.
Horry County processes more destination wedding licenses than almost any other South Carolina county. At $25 with no effective wait for out-of-state couples and a 1-year validity window, it's one of the most accessible license jurisdictions in the country. Beach ceremonies require a separate permit from the city or South Carolina DHEC — the marriage license is just the first step.
License Validity — 1 year
Your Horry County marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in South Carolina. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Horry County issuing office within the timeframe required by South Carolina law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $12 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As non-South Carolina residents, the waiting period is automatically waived. You can apply in the morning and have your ceremony the same afternoon.
Yes. Getting married on the beach in Myrtle Beach requires a separate ceremony permit from the City of Myrtle Beach in addition to the marriage license. Contact the City of Myrtle Beach at (843) 918-1000 for current permit fees and procedures.
South Carolina issues marriage licenses through probate courts, not county clerks. The Horry County Probate Court in Conway is the correct office. The county clerk handles different matters.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Horry County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Probate Court
The County Probate Court handles marriage license applications for Horry County. South Carolina's 1-year validity and low fee make it an excellent choice for destination weddings. The non-resident waiting period waiver is automatic.
South Carolina's 24-hour waiting period applies only to South Carolina residents. Non-residents receive the license and can marry immediately. The $25 fee is one of the lowest for a major coastal wedding destination.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Horry County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Probate Court. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $25 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: 24 hours (residents only) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in South Carolina: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in South Carolina within the 1 year validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by South Carolina law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Probate Court or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in South Carolina. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.