Summerville SC Wedding Guide

Marriage Licenses may be applied for at the Probate Court between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Both parties must be present to apply for a Marriage License. If you are over the age of eighteen (18) you must bring one form of picture identification that clearly shows the name and date of birth. State Drivers License or ID, military ID, or passports are the best forms of identification used. The Drivers License does NOT have to be a South Carolina Drivers License.

The first form of identification you both are required to bring is your Social Security Card. If you do not have your social security card you must at least know your Social Security Number to fill out forms. Those without a Social (foreign nationals or otherwise) should bring their passport/visa.

The second form of identification may be one of the following:

Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate
Driver's License
Military Identification
Highway Department Identification
Passport

If you are under the age of eighteen (18) you must bring a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate, which will be kept on file and a parent or guardian must accompany the minor and give consent. Persons who are applying and have been divorced need to bring a copy of the divorce papers with them. Applicants are required to pay a $40.00 fee, CASH ONLY. There is a 24-hour waiting period before you can receive your marriage license. You do not have to be a resident of this state to apply for a marriage license.

JUDGE OF PROBATE
MARRIAGE LICENSE DIVISION
SAINT GEORGE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29477
(843) 832-0105

Requirements and Other Information

Blood Test - A blood test is not required.
Residency - South Carolina residency is not required.
Covenant Marriage option - No.
Proxy Marriages - No.
Cousin Marriages - Yes.
Common Law Marriages - if you want to have a common law marriage in South Carolina you can.
Same Sex Marriage - No.

Under the Age of 18 - If you are under 18 you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate and a notarized statement of parental consent. The parent of guardian of the minor must also appear at the same time as the minor to show their identification and to sign the legal consent form. The legal age for a female is 14 and is 16 for a male.

Officiants - Officiants must be ministers of the Gospel, accepted Jewish Rabbis or officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina, (Notary Public) or the chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

Marriage license in Dorchester County does not have an expiration date however the time period of expiration varies from county to county. Contact the county probate office to obtain this information.

To request a certified copy of a Dorchester County marriage license by U.S. mail, send a request with your name, address and phone number, bride's maiden name, groom's name, date of marriage, marriage license number, (if known) and number of copies requested. Send a money order made payable to Probate Court in the amount of $5.00 for the first copy and .25 for each additional copy to:

JUDGE OF PROBATE
MARRIAGE LICENSE DIVISION
101 RIDGE STREET
SAINT GEORGE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29477
(843) 832-0105

If request is made in person, cash or money order is accepted.

The Ceremony

The Ceremony must be performed in South Carolina.

The Officiant must witness the Bride and Groom sign the Marriage License and then sign the license and apply the expiration date for his/her tenure as an officer authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina. After printing his/her name and address, Officiant will make sure all three copies of the marriage license are signed with the names and addresses of all parties.

Filing the Marriage License

Officiant is responsible for filing two copies of the marriage license with the County Probate Office in the country where the license was obtained, either my hand or by U.S. mail within 15 days after the ceremony/signing. The couple will retain the copy that reads "Bride and Groom:" at the bottom.

For additional information you should contact the Marriage License Division at (843) 563-5785 (St. George) or (843) 851-5785 Summerville)

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