5 Steps to Apply for a Charleston Marriage Licnese | Charleston Wedding Planner
Are you heading to the romantic and charming Charleston to say, "I DO" and unsure of how to make your upcoming nuptials official? Follow the simple 5 steps below from a destination Charleston Wedding Planner to get your Charleston Marriage License.
1. Gather the necessary documents (2 per applicant)
All applicants must upload a valid photo ID. ONE of the following will be accepted by the Charleston Probate Court Marriage License Division:
Valid driver's license
Original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate
Valid state identification card issued by the state Highway Department
Current military identification card
Current passport
United States Citizens must upload proof of their social security number. ONE of the following will be accepted:
Social Security card
Tax Return (page 1) showing your name and your Social Security number
W-2 or Tax Form showing your name and your Social Security number (please redact the financial information)
*Anyone that is not a United States Citizen must submit a copy of your Valid Passport or current VISA, with your Alien Registration Number.
2. Complete the Online Application
Both parties must be present when completing the online application.
A couple may complete the Live Online Virtual E-Application (LOVE) which contains general information such as name, age, address and email address in order to fulfill the "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage". This includes signing a sworn statement that you are legally entitled to entry into marriage under the laws of South Carolina (the reason you both need to be present), and proof of the 2 forms of ID listed above.
3. Submit Payment for the Online Application
A non-refundable payment of $70.00 by credit card is due at the time of submission of the Charleston Marriage License application.
4. Apply in a timely manner
South Carolina law mandates a twenty-four hour waiting period before the Marriage License can be released and the couple may marry, but the license may take up to two business days for the Charleston Probate Court Marriage License Division to process after the application is completed successfully. We recommend applying at least 7 days before your wedding date in order to ensure you have time resubmit if there are any issues.
5. Additional Requirements & FAQ
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
No residency requirements.
Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis and South Carolina notaries are authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in South Carolina.
A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for marriages performed in person in South Carolina.
If you completed a premarital preparation course, provide the certificate of completion when applying for your marriage license.
These requirements are listed on the Charleston Department of Probate's Marriage Licenese Requirement Page, linked here. A complete list of rules for applying for how to apply for your Charleston Marriage License can be found here.
Are you already married, and need a certified copy of your marriage license for proof of marriage (to change your last name, file jointly, etc.)? Click here!
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