Non-residents: no effective wait. $25 fee. Probate court issues licenses. 1-year validity.
South Carolina Marriage License — State Rules
South Carolina's $25 fee is one of the lowest for a coastal wedding destination in the country. The 24-hour waiting period applies only to SC residents — non-residents marry immediately. Horry County (Myrtle Beach) and Charleston County are major destination wedding markets.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Probate Court |
| Waiting period | 24 hrs for residents; none for non-residents |
| License validity | 1 year |
| Fee range | $25–$50 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | None required |
| Residency required? | No — South Carolina has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — South Carolina does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Probate Court
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $25–$50. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
South Carolina County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $25
Fee: $25
Fee: $25
County-by-county guides for all South Carolina counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina
No. South Carolina has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a South Carolina marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in South Carolina.
The waiting period in South Carolina is 24 hrs for residents; none for non-residents. This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A South Carolina marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within South Carolina. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.