South Carolina marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in South Carolina
South Carolina issues licenses through the Probate Court (not the clerk) with a 24-hour waiting period (waivable by the Probate Judge for cause); the license does not formally expire. Fees range $45-$95 by county and residency status. Two witnesses are required. In Stone v. Thompson (July 24, 2019) the SC Supreme Court prospectively abolished common-law marriage — pre-2019 common-law marriages remain valid but no new ones can be formed.
South Carolina marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- Probate Court
- License fee
- $45–$95
- Waiting period
- 1 day
- Validity
- No expiration (valid until used)
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 2
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- S.C. Code Ann. §§ 20-1-100 et seq.
Source: saludacounty.sc.gov. Fees vary by county within South Carolina — check with the local clerk before applying.
Just married? Lock in life insurance before rates go up
Newlyweds get the best life insurance rates of their lives. A licensed agent in South Carolina can quote you in under 5 minutes — no health exam required for most policies.
Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.