Marriage Licenses

To the full extent permitted by the Constitution, the Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over all subject matter related to the issuance of marriage licenses; including recording and indexing of marriage; and issuing certified copies of the license.

It is unlawful for any persons to contract matrimony, i.e. marry, within this State without first obtaining a marriage license from the Probate Court.

The Probate Court may issue a marriage license upon: (a) the filing of the marriage application, (b) the lapse of at least twenty-four hours thereafter, (c) the payment of the fee, (d) and the filing of a statement, under oath or affirmation, to the effect that the persons seeking the contract of matrimony are legally entitled to marry, together with the full names of the persons, their ages and places of residence.

Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis and officers authorized to administer oaths in this State are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this State.

Marriage Licenses issued in Fairfield County are only valid in South Carolina.

Driver’s License or Photo Identification and Social Security Cards are REQUIRED to apply for a marriage license.

Marriage Licenses are public record and are open to the public during regular business hours from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.