South Carolina Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

License fee

$50–$115 (S.C. Code 20-1-230, 20-1-375)

Counties set the price. Greenville County charges $50 for county residents, $75 for other SC residents and $115 for out-of-state couples (an older Greenville requirements sheet listed $45/$75/$95).

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Premarital course discount

No discount

South Carolina does not lower the license fee for a premarital course. Instead, couples who finish a 6-hour qualifying course get a one-time $50 state income tax credit.

Source: scstatehouse.gov

Waiting period

24 hours (1 day)

The application must be on file at least 24 hours before the license is issued. No waiver provision was found in the statute.

Source: scstatehouse.gov

How long the license is valid

Does not expire

A South Carolina license has no expiration date, but it is only valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina.

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

Applicants 18 and older marry on their own. Ages 16 and 17 need a sworn consent affidavit from a parent, relative or guardian; under 16 cannot marry.

Source: scstatehouse.gov

What to bring

Greenville County asks for government photo ID plus Social Security cards or documents showing each applicant's Social Security number. State law requires birth-date proof for applicants under 25.

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

In Greenville County neither applicant has to appear; both sign the application, which is filed online, and the license can be mailed. Other counties may differ.

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Greenville County takes full online applications with ID uploads and mails the license if you choose. Other counties set their own process.

Official online application

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Who can officiate

Clergy, rabbis and officials who can administer oaths (including notaries) may officiate. The statute's "only" list leaves no room for self-uniting ceremonies.

Source: scstatehouse.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can get a South Carolina license (Greenville charges them $115), but the wedding must take place in South Carolina.

Source: greenvillecountysc.gov

Who issues the license

County probate judge (clerk of court in Darlington and Georgetown counties)

County probate courts issue licenses, except in Darlington and Georgetown counties, where the clerk of court does.

Source: scstatehouse.gov