Marriage License Division

Live Online Virtual E-Application (LOVE)

Before You Apply: You must complete the application, payment (non-refundable), and be able to print, sign, and upload documents into the application in order to apply.
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How to Apply Online

The Charleston County Probate Court can assist couples who are getting married in South Carolina.

  1. APPLY using the Marriage Licenses Application. Please include the email address for each party. Please apply only once. All applicants must upload a valid photo ID and a document containing your social security number. You will need to sign the sworn statement that the information on the Application for License and Certificate of Marriage is true and correct and that you are legally entitled to enter into a marriage under the laws of South Carolina before you submit the application.
  2. Make Payments to complete the application process - The cost is seventy dollars ($70) by credit card plus a transaction fee and is non-refundable. As mandated by South Carolina law, there is a twenty-four hour waiting period after the application is filed before the Marriage License is released.

TWO business days following the completed application submission, you will receive by email your Marriage License for you to print and use along with an instruction sheet. Please review the Marriage License application and if there are any errors, please immediately email your clerk.

An Ordained minister, Jewish Rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina or a South Carolina Notary can perform wedding ceremonies in South Carolina. After your wedding ceremony, you will be responsible for returning the signed copies labeled PROBATE JUDGE and PROBATE JUDGE/DHEC COPY to the Probate Court via mail or the drop box is available at our office door from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

All applicants must upload of one of the forms of identification listed below:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate
  • Valid S.C. identification card issued by the S.C. Highway Department
  • Current military identification card
  • A current passport

All applicants must upload one form of proof showing your social security number:

  • 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, the Court must receive a copy of your Valid Passport or current VISA, with your Alien Registration Number.

For further questions, please call Portia Geathers at (843) 958-5183, Regina LeBlanc at (843) 277-5674 or Judge Irv Condon at (843) 817-2039.

Certified Copy Requests

Certified Copy requests are ordered ONLINE.
  • The cost is $5.00 per copy paid by credit card plus a transaction fee.
  • Orders are processed the next business day and mailed to the parties.
  • Please provide both full names and the date of marriage.

Certified copies of marriage licenses that were issued prior to 1999 you will need to contact, SC DHEC Vital Records Office at www.SCDHEC.gov | Marriage Certificates or call (803) 898-3630.

What is a certified copy?

  • You must have applied for your marriage license in Charleston County Probate Court to request a certified copy from Charleston County.
  • A certified copy of your marriage license is a copy of the Probate Court’s license on record with a raised seal.
  • It may be necessary to show a certified copy to the appropriate entities for legal name change or for other legitimation purposes.
  • A certified copy does not expire.
  • You cannot obtain a certified copy of your marriage license until after your ceremony has been performed and your license has been filed with the Charleston County Probate Court.
Online Request: Certified Copy of Marriage License

Requirements for a Marriage License in South Carolina

To fulfill the "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage" process the couple must complete the Live Online Virtual E-Application (LOVE) which contains general information such as name, age, address and email address and make a non-refundable payment of $70.00 by credit card. A signed statement by each Applicant and proof of social security number/alien identification number are required. Please see below for further explanation on the necessary steps:

  1. All applicants must upload a valid photo ID. ONE of the following will be accepted:
    • 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
  2. 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.
  3. You will sign a sworn statement that the information on the "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage" is true and correct and that you are legally entitled to enter into a marriage under the laws of South Carolina. For this reason, both Applicant A and Applicant B must be present when completing the "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage".
  4. Once requirements are completed, South Carolina law mandates a twenty-four hour waiting period before the Marriage License can be released and the couple may marry. Within TWO business days following the fulfilled "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage", your Marriage License will be emailed to the email address listed on your "Application for License and Certificate of Marriage". Instructions on how to finalize the Marriage License will be included.
  5. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  6. No residency requirements.
  7. Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis and South Carolina notaries are authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in South Carolina.
  8. A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for marriages performed in person in South Carolina.
  9. If you completed a premarital preparation course, please provide the certificate of completion when applying for your marriage license.