Carolina Forest Marriage License
Carolina Forest is an unincorporated community in Horry County, South Carolina. It sits near the coast, just west of Myrtle Beach. Because it is not a city or town, Carolina Forest does not have its own court or license office. Couples who live in Carolina Forest apply for a marriage license at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. The court is at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. You can call (843) 915-5370 for details. This page covers the full process, from the forms you need to the rules the state sets for who can wed in South Carolina.
How to Apply from Carolina Forest
Both people must go to the Horry County Probate Court in person. The court is in Conway, about a 20 minute drive from Carolina Forest. You cannot send one person alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security number.
The staff will give you a form. Fill it out and sign it at the desk. South Carolina law under Section 20-1-220 requires a 24-hour wait once you turn in the form. You cannot pick up the license on the same day. Plan at least one full day before your wedding date.
After the wait period ends, go back to the court in Conway. Staff will check your ID once more and hand you the license. Your Carolina Forest marriage license is valid for any ceremony held in South Carolina.
Carolina Forest Marriage License Rules
State law sets clear rules. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a sworn consent form. The court will ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These rules come from the South Carolina Code of Laws.
There is no blood test. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Carolina Forest or in Horry County to apply. Many couples from out of state come to the Myrtle Beach area for a beach wedding. They can get a license at the Horry County Probate Court with no extra steps. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
Wedding Officiants in South Carolina
After you get your marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law under Section 20-1-20 limits who can officiate. Only these people may lead a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant signs the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return it to the Horry County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office in Columbia.
Carolina Forest License Fees
South Carolina adds a $20 charge to all marriage license fees. This goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the state code. The total cost can vary, so call the Horry County Probate Court at (843) 915-5370 to confirm the fee. Ask about payment options as well. Most courts take cash. Some take checks or credit cards.
The state also offers a one-time $50 income tax credit for couples who take a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours. A licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy must teach it. Both people take the course within 12 months before they apply. Bring proof to the Probate Court when you file. This credit is in Section 20-1-230 of the state code.
Carolina Forest Marriage Records
The Horry County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need a valid photo ID and the names and date on the record.
The image below is from the Visit Myrtle Beach website, which lists wedding and marriage resources for the Myrtle Beach and Carolina Forest area.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also get a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for expedited service. Keep your original certificate in a safe place to avoid the need for a replacement.
State Records for Carolina Forest
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Horry County Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
The screenshot below is from the Horry County Government website, which lists departments and services for residents of Carolina Forest and the rest of Horry County.
If you are doing family history research, the South Carolina Judicial Department website lists court contact details for every county. The Horry County Probate Court can also search their local files for past records.
Common Questions for Carolina Forest
Can you apply online? No. Both people must go to the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. There is no online form for the marriage license. You also cannot apply by mail or by phone.
Is there a wait? Yes. State law requires a 24-hour hold. It cannot be waived. Start the process at least one business day before your wedding. The clock starts from the hour the court gets your form.
Does the license work outside the county? Yes. Your license is valid for any ceremony held in South Carolina. It is not limited to Horry County or to Carolina Forest. A marriage under a valid South Carolina license is recognized across all 50 states.
What if you lost your certificate? Request a new certified copy from the Horry County Probate Court or from the state vital records office. Both offices need a valid photo ID and the names and date on the record.
Horry County Records
Carolina Forest is in Horry County. The county Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for every community in the county. This includes Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, Conway, and all other towns in Horry County. For a full guide to fees, forms, and county-level rules, visit the Horry County marriage license page.