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South Carolina marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What South Carolina's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

South Carolina marriage license at a glance

Fee: $50 for Greenville County residents, $75 for other South Carolina residents, $115 for out-of-state residents. Waiting period: 24 hours between filing the application and issuance of the license. How long it is valid: South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire.

South Carolina counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Greenville County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

South Carolina marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $50 for Greenville County residents, $75 for other South Carolina residents, $115 for out-of-state residents. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 24 hours between filing the application and issuance of the license. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: A license issued anywhere in South Carolina works for ceremonies anywhere in the state, but not out of state. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths, and certain recognized Native American leaders. (Source: scstatehouse.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Applicants must be 18; those 16 or 17 must schedule an appointment with the Probate Court. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Government photo ID for both applicants and Social Security cards or other documents verifying Social Security numbers. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Greenville County Probate Court, Suite N-T100, Greenville County Square, 301 University Ridge, Greenville. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. The county accepts applications in person or online. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request copies of an issued license through the Probate Court's online Marriage License Search. (Source: greenvillecountysc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in South Carolina?

$50 for Greenville County residents, $75 for other South Carolina residents, $115 for out-of-state residents. South Carolina counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Greenville County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in South Carolina?

24 hours between filing the application and issuance of the license.

How long is a South Carolina marriage license valid?

South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire.

Who can officiate a wedding in South Carolina?

Ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths, and certain recognized Native American leaders.

How do you get a certified copy of a South Carolina marriage certificate?

Request copies of an issued license through the Probate Court's online Marriage License Search.

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