Conway Marriage License Records
Conway is the county seat of Horry County, South Carolina. The Horry County Government and Justice Center sits in Conway and is home to the Probate Court where couples apply for a marriage license. The court is at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. You can reach them by phone at (843) 915-5370. Staff at the court will walk you through each step of the process. Both people must show up in person with a valid photo ID and proof of their Social Security number. Conway is a central spot for all Horry County marriage license work, serving Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and the rest of the county.
How to Apply in Conway
Go to the Horry County Probate Court at the Government and Justice Center, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. Both people must be there. You cannot send one person alone or apply by mail.
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You also need your Social Security card or a W-2 form that shows your full number. The court staff will hand you a form. Both of you fill it out and sign it at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file. You cannot pick up the license on the same day you apply. Under Section 20-1-220 of the state code, the court must hold your form for one full day. Plan ahead if your wedding date is close. Come back the next day to get your license in hand.
If you have questions before your visit, call the Probate Court at (843) 915-5370. Staff can tell you what to bring and how long the visit will take.
Conway Marriage License Rules
State law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. 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 statement of consent. The court will need to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for a minor. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test rule in South Carolina. You do not have to live in Conway or in the state to apply. Out-of-state couples can get a license at the Horry County Probate Court as long as they meet the basic age and ID rules. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
After you get your Conway marriage license, you still need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law under Section 20-1-20 limits who can do this. Only these people may officiate 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 person who leads the ceremony must sign the marriage certificate. 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.
Conway Marriage License Fees
The state adds a $20 fee on top of the base marriage license cost. This extra amount 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 current fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. It is best to call ahead or check the Horry County government site for the latest payment options. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
South Carolina also offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must last at least six hours. It can be led by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together within 12 months before they apply for the license. Bring proof of the course to the Probate Court when you file your form.
Marriage Records in Conway
The Horry County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file for the entire county. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. You will need to show ID and give the names on the record along with the date of the marriage. The fee for a certified copy is $5.
The screenshot below is from the City of Conway website, which lists local services and government contact details for Conway residents.
You can also request copies by mail. Send your request to the Horry County Probate Court at PO Box 288, Conway, SC 29528. Include a completed request form, the $5 fee, and a copy of your photo ID. The court will mail the certified copy back to you.
State Vital Records for Conway
After a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This process is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
For marriages that took place from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also request a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state office charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for expedited service.
The South Carolina Judicial Department oversees all Probate Courts in the state. Their site has links to court forms and general rules that apply to Conway and the rest of Horry County. If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a new certified copy from the Horry County Probate Court or from the state vital records office. Both offices require a valid photo ID and the names and date on the record.
Common Questions About Conway
Many couples ask if they can apply at Conway city hall. The answer is no. All marriage license work for Conway goes through the Horry County Probate Court at the Government and Justice Center. There is no online option for the form at this time. Both people must show up in person.
The 24-hour wait is set by state law. It cannot be waived. Start the process at least one day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour the court gets your form.
Your Conway marriage license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in South Carolina. It does not limit you to Conway or Horry County. A marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states.
Couples from Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach also come to the Conway court for their license. The Probate Court in Conway is the only office in Horry County that issues marriage licenses.
Horry County Records
Conway is the county seat of Horry County. The county Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for every city and town in the county. For a full guide to fees, forms, and rules at the county level, visit the Horry County marriage license page.