If you’re anything like most of our brides, you’ve got approximately 47 things on your wedding checklist, and you’re not entirely sure if your marriage license is item #3 or item #43. (Spoiler: it’s way more important than you think.)
Here’s the good news: getting your South Carolina marriage license is actually one of the most straightforward parts of wedding planning. The less-good news? There are some timelines and steps you need to know about — and you need to get them right.
Let me walk you through everything, from when to apply all the way through what happens after you say “I do.”
When Should You Get Your Marriage License? The Timeline You Need to Know
Let’s talk about timing, because this is where a lot of couples get confused.
Here’s the basic rule: South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period between when you apply for your marriage license and when it’s actually issued. So if you apply on Monday, you can’t pick it up until Tuesday at the earliest. (Yes, 24 hours matters. No, you can’t get around it.)
When should you actually apply? I’d recommend applying 4-8 weeks before your wedding. Here’s why: it gives you breathing room. Life happens. You might not have time to get to your county Probate Court exactly when you planned, or maybe one of you is out of town for work. Getting it done early means you can check this off your list and move on to more fun things (like, you know, planning your honeymoon).
That said, South Carolina marriage licenses don’t expire, which is amazing news if life happens and your wedding gets pushed back. Unlike some states with strict expiration dates, your license is good to go whenever you’re ready. But here’s the thing: I’d still suggest getting it done sooner rather than later, just so it’s not hanging over your head on your wedding day.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to the Probate Court
There are a few things that will make your application process smooth and stress-free.
Both of you have to be there in person. This is really important. As of August 15, 2025, both the bride and groom (or both parties, for any couple) must appear together in person at your county Probate Court. You can’t send a proxy or have your mom do it for you. So coordinate your schedules and make this a little date if you need to. Make it fun — grab coffee after, celebrate that you’re one step closer!
You’ll need to file a written application that both of you sign, and it needs to be notarized in the office of your county’s Probate Judge. Don’t stress about finding a notary — your Probate Court can handle the notarization right there. That’s what they’re there for.
You’ll need to provide your full names, ages, and places of residence. Pretty straightforward stuff. Just make sure you’re bringing IDs so they can verify everything.
The cost varies by county. South Carolina doesn’t have a statewide fee — it depends on which county you’re getting married in (or where you live if you’re getting married in a different county). Call your county’s Probate Court office ahead of time to ask about the fee. It’s usually not expensive, but you want to know what to expect.
Here’s Something Cool: The Tax Credit
South Carolina has something I love: if you and your partner complete a qualifying premarital preparation course and have your marriage license documented as proof, you can get a $50 nonrefundable state income tax credit.
Is it life-changing? No. But $50 is $50, and you might be taking a premarital counseling or preparation course anyway (honestly, it’s a great idea — not because you need it, but because learning how to navigate marriage from someone who knows what they’re doing is never a bad thing). So if you do, definitely ask your counselor for documentation and make sure your license reflects it.
After You Say “I Do” — What Actually Happens
This is where a lot of brides get a little lost, so let me break down what happens after your ceremony.
- Your officiant will sign your marriage license. The person who officiated your wedding (your pastor, a judge, a friend with an ordination from the internet — whoever) will sign your marriage license during or right after the ceremony. This is when your license officially becomes your Certificate of Marriage. (That’s the fancy way of saying “your marriage is now legal.”)
- You’ll get a copy to take home. The officiant should give you the Bride/Groom/Spouse copy of the marriage license that day or shortly after. This is your copy. Hold onto it — you’re going to need it.
- Your officiant (or you) will return the license to the Probate Court. Here’s the important part: within 15 days of your ceremony, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to your county Probate Court. Usually, your officiant handles this, but you can also do it yourself if you prefer. Just don’t wait around on this one. Get it done promptly so everything is properly recorded.
- The court will mail you a certified copy. After they receive and process your license, the Probate Court will mail you a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate. This is slightly different from the copy your officiant gave you — it has the court’s official seal and signature on it, which makes it official for legal purposes.
What You Need to Do With Your Marriage Certificate
Okay, so you’ve got your certified marriage certificate in hand. What now?
If you’re changing your name, you’ll use this certificate to update your legal documents. Here’s the order that makes the most sense:
1. Social Security Administration (First) Update your Social Security card first. You’ll need your marriage certificate and a valid ID. You can do this in person at your local Social Security office or online through their website. Getting this done first makes everything else easier because a lot of other agencies check your Social Security records.
2. Driver’s License (Second) Head to your local DMV and update your driver’s license. Bring your marriage certificate and current license. Your new license will reflect your married name.
3. Everything Else Once you have your new Social Security card and driver’s license, you can update:
- Bank accounts
- Insurance policies (health, auto, home)
- Your passport
- Employer records
- Voter registration
- Any other accounts or documents that have your name on them
Pro tip: Make a few extra certified copies of your marriage certificate while you’re at the Probate Court. Some institutions will want to see an official copy, and getting certified copies later costs money. (Usually around $10-15 per copy, but why spend that if you don’t have to?)
The One Thing You Don’t Need to Stress About
Here’s what I tell every bride: don’t panic if the logistics feel overwhelming. Yes, there are steps and timelines and paperwork. But you know what? Thousands of couples get married in South Carolina every year, and they all figure it out just fine. Your county Probate Court has helped countless couples through this process, and they’re genuinely there to help you too.
Call them with questions. Visit in person if something is unclear. Be honest if you’re confused. That’s literally their job, and they want you to get this right.
Bottom Line
Get your marriage license 4-8 weeks before your wedding. Both of you go together to your county Probate Court. Wait 24 hours, pick it up, and celebrate that you’re officially ready to get married. After your ceremony, make sure your officiant returns it within 15 days. Then use that certified copy to update your name and legal documents.
And then? You get to be married. To live in that honeymoon phase. To figure out how to merge your lives and build something beautiful together.
That’s the really important part. The paperwork is just the box you check first.
Getting ready for your South Carolina wedding? We’d love to capture every moment of your big day — from the “getting ready” photos to the celebration afterward. Let’s chat about your wedding photography!
More Resources
