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The South Carolina Marriage License, for a Charleston Wedding

What a couple needs to get a South Carolina marriage license before a Charleston wedding: where to apply, the 24-hour wait, and what to bring.

Where you apply

To marry in Charleston, couples apply in person for a South Carolina marriage license at the Charleston County Probate Court downtown, and either partner's home county in South Carolina can issue a license valid statewide.

The 24-hour wait

South Carolina imposes a 24-hour waiting period between application and issuance, so apply at least a day before the ceremony. Once issued, the license does not expire and there is no residency requirement, which makes Charleston friendly to destination couples.

What to bring, and to double-check

Both applicants generally appear together with valid government-issued photo ID, and depending on circumstances you may need a Social Security number, proof of age, or divorce decrees. Fees, hours and required documents change, so confirm current details with the Charleston County Probate Court before you travel.