To get married in the state of South Carolina, you need to obtain a marriage license. The following requirements apply to both residents and non-residents:

Who must apply?

Both the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be must apply together at the county courthouse office of the Probate Judge.  If you plan on getting your license at the Charleston County Courthouse, they are located at the Charleston County Judicial Center at 100 Broad Street, 4th Floor, suite 469, Charleston, SC  29401.  The telephone number is 843.958.5183.

Is there a residency requirement?

No, you do not have to be a resident of South Carolina, or of the United States for that matter.  However, Myrtle Beach will not issue a marriage license to a foreign national.  A foreign national  CAN apply in Charleston County. 

What is required to apply?

A valid, non-temporary driver's license and social security number (card) will be sufficient.

What is the cost of a marriage license?

The marriage license fee varies to some degree according to the county. In Charleston County, the cost is $70.00, and MUST BE PAID IN CASH!  NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS!!!

Do I have to get married in the same county where I get the license? Does the license expire after a certain period?

A license issued in the State of South Carolina is valid statewide and has no expiration date.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes, there is a mandatory 1 day waiting period.  If you wish to get married on Saturday, you MUST apply no later than Thursday of the same week.  As soon as you have the license, you can get married. 

Is there an age limit?

You must be 18 years of age or older to marry without parental consent.  If you are not 18, special rules apply. 

Is a blood test required?

No.

If I have been divorced or widowed, do I need anything special to apply?

If previously married, you may be asked for the date of your divorce or the date of the spouse's death.  This may vary according to the county.

How do I change my name?

Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).  If requested, the Probate Judge's Office will provide a form to obtain a certified copy of your license.  This allows you to put the original copy of the license in a safe place and to use the certified copy for name changes, etc.

Are proxy marriages legal?

No.

Are cousin marriages allowed?

Yes, cousin marriages are allowed.

Are same-sex marriages allowed?

No.