Marriage

The Richland County Probate Court issues marriage licenses.

24-Hour Waiting Period by Law

South Carolina Law requires a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period after the application is received. Once that period has elapsed, your Marriage License will be mailed to the address provided. The parent or legal guardian of a minor must appear in person at the same time as both applicants after the 24-hour waiting period.

Application Information

You can apply for a marriage license or request a certified copy of a Richland County marriage license online.

• All transactions are online only.
• Payment is made by either debit/credit card only.

Apply for Marriage License or Request Certified Copy

For your convenience, the Marriage License Division will have your license returned to you by mail once the twenty-four (24) hour waiting period is up. However, if the online application is not completed correctly, an email will be sent to party A, for any additional information/documentation.

Application Documents

You will need a Social Security Card AND one of the following:

• Department of Transportation Issued ID
• a driver's license
• a military ID
• a passport

Fee

• $45.24 for marriage license

Richland County License Valid Anywhere in South Carolina

• You can apply in any County in South Carolina to use anywhere in South Carolina.
• You can only use a South Carolina marriage license to marry in South Carolina. (Apply for the license in the state you will marry.)
• Residency is not required.
• You must be over the age of 18 to marry without parental consent in South Carolina.
• A blood test is not required in South Carolina.

License Expiration

• You have six months from the time the marriage license is issued to have the ceremony performed.
• Once six months have passed, you will need to re-apply.
• If the license is signed after the six months, the marriage is valid.

Do Not Apply

• if you were legally married and have not dissolved that marriage with a final divorce order signed by a judge and clocked in with the Clerk of Court, or
• if you have identified yourself in a common-law marriage and have not dissolved that that marriage with a final divorce order signed by a judge and clocked in with the Clerk of Court.

Applicants Under 18

• Minor applicants must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a license.
• Additional documents and in-person parental/guardian consent requirements apply.

Marriage Ceremony Officiants

Only Ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish Rabbis and Officers authorized to administer oaths in the state are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this state. Please refer to South Carolina Code of Laws Section 20-1-20.

Premarital Counseling Tax Credit

A one-time $50 tax credit is available for premarital counseling. The certification must be signed by the counselor and submitted at the time of making the application.

• Immediately after you have successfully submitted the online application, email the completed Certification of Completion of Premarital Preparation Course form(PDF, 9KB) to license.marriage@richlandcountysc.gov.