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South Marriage Guide

South Carolina Marriage Laws

General wedding officiant guidance for marriage licenses, ceremony requirements, witnesses, and returning the signed license.

Quick answer: online ordination can help someone prepare to officiate a wedding, but marriage license, minister registration, witness, and filing rules vary by state and sometimes by county.

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Charleston, an iconic place in South Carolina

Image source: Charleston via Wikimedia Commons

License Office

County clerk or local marriage license office

License Validity

Varies by state or issuing county

Waiting Period

Check with the issuing office

Return Deadline

Return deadline varies by state or county

Need to officiate in South Carolina?

Get a digital ordination certificate before reviewing county filing details.

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Detailed South Carolina Wedding Law Notes

These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.

Requirements for the Couple

  • Age: Must be 18 or older; those aged 16-17 require a guardian’s consent.
  • Identification: Photo ID and Social Security Card.
  • Residency: Not required.
  • Prohibited Unions: Marriages closer than first cousins or where one party is already married are not permitted.
  • Cost: Varies by county.
  • Submit a written application listing social security numbers at least 24 hours before receiving the marriage license.
  • No blood tests or proof of divorce are required.
  • Verbal consent from both parties.
  • The officiant’s formal pronouncement of marriage.
  • The officiant must complete the required sections, including their name, title, and religious organization (Ministries of Love).
  • Return two copies to the probate court within 15 days of the ceremony (30 days in Lexington County).
  • Give the remaining copy to the couple for their records.

Process : 4. Perform the Wedding Ceremony The ceremony can be customized to the couple’s preferences, provided the legal requirements are met.

Wedding Ceremony Requirements

Witnesses

Witness requirements vary by state

Ceremony

The couple and officiant should be present unless the state specifically allows another process

Requirements for the Officiant

Ordained ministers should verify any local registration rules before the ceremony

OrdainedPro recommends that every officiant confirm local requirements before the ceremony date, especially if the wedding is in a county or state where the officiant has not performed before.

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South Carolina Wedding Officiant FAQs

How do I become ordained to officiate a wedding in South Carolina?

You can start with a digital ordination certificate, then confirm any South Carolina or local registration steps before performing the ceremony.

Can online ministers officiate weddings in South Carolina?

South Carolina officiant requirements should be verified with the issuing clerk, recorder, probate court, or local marriage office. OrdainedPro provides general guidance, not legal advice.

Where do couples get a marriage license in South Carolina?

Couples should contact the proper South Carolina marriage license office or local county office. On this page, the license office summary is listed as: County clerk or local marriage license office.

When should the signed South Carolina marriage license be returned?

Return deadlines can vary by state or county. This guide lists the current summary as: Return deadline varies by state or county. Always verify the final deadline with the issuing office.

This page is general information and not legal advice. Marriage laws and county filing processes can change. Always verify requirements with the issuing clerk, recorder, probate court, or local marriage office before performing a ceremony.