Goose Creek Marriage License Filing Guide
Goose Creek is in Berkeley County, South Carolina. All Goose Creek residents apply for a marriage license at the Berkeley County Probate Court in Moncks Corner. There is no Probate Court in the city of Goose Creek itself. The drive to Moncks Corner is short. The court staff will walk you through each step. South Carolina law sets the same rules for all counties, so the forms, wait time, and ID rules are the same no matter where you apply. This guide covers what you need, where to go, and how to plan your visit so there are no surprises on your big day.
Where Goose Creek Residents Apply
Goose Creek falls in Berkeley County. The Berkeley County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for the area. The office is at 300-B California Ave, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. You can call them at (843) 719-4519 to check hours or ask about fees before you make the trip.
Moncks Corner is the county seat. The drive from Goose Creek takes about 20 minutes north on US-52. Plan to arrive early. The court can get busy, and both people must be there at the same time. You cannot drop off forms or send one person on their own.
The City of Goose Creek does not issue marriage licenses. The city handles local permits and codes, but all vital records like marriage licenses go through the county Probate Court in Moncks Corner.
Goose Creek Marriage License Steps
Both people must visit the Berkeley County Probate Court in person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You also need your Social Security card. The clerk will give you an application form. Both of you fill it out and sign it at the counter.
The image below shows the Berkeley County Probate Court page, which serves all Goose Creek marriage license applicants.
After you file, a 24-hour wait period kicks in. State law requires this under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. You must come back the next day or later to pick up the license. The clock starts from the hour and date the court gets your form. Plan ahead if your wedding is soon.
Requirements for a Marriage License
South Carolina has 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 guardian must sign a sworn consent form. The Probate Court will need a birth certificate or other age proof for any minor. These rules are in Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Goose Creek or in South Carolina. Couples from out of state can apply at the Berkeley County Probate Court as long as they meet the age and ID rules. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
Goose Creek Marriage License Fees
The total cost of a marriage license at the Berkeley County Probate Court includes a base fee set by the county plus a $20 state surcharge. That extra $20 goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of state law. Call (843) 719-4519 to confirm the full amount before you visit.
Most courts take cash. Some also accept checks or money orders. Credit card options vary. It is best to call the Berkeley County Probate Court and ask what forms of payment they accept. Bring exact change if you plan to pay in cash. This avoids delays at the window.
Who Can Officiate the Wedding
Your Goose Creek marriage license is just the first step. You still need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, the following 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 officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return it to the Berkeley County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office. This keeps a central record of the marriage.
Marriage Records in Goose Creek
Need a copy of a past marriage certificate? Contact the Berkeley County Probate Court. You will need to show ID and provide the names on the record along with the date of the marriage. The court can print a certified copy for a fee.
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health vital records page, which provides state-level marriage certificate services.
For marriages 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. Older records may be held at the state archives. The Berkeley County Probate Court can also help with searches through their local files.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who finish a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long. It can be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together. You must complete it within 12 months before you apply for the license.
Bring proof of the course when you visit the Berkeley County Probate Court. The clerk will note it on your marriage license. This credit is set out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Common Questions for Goose Creek Couples
Can you apply online? No. Both people must appear in person at the Berkeley County Probate Court. There is no online, mail, or phone option for marriage license forms in South Carolina.
How long is the license good for? Once issued, the marriage license does not expire under South Carolina law. However, it is best to use it within a short time frame. The license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in the state.
What if you lost your marriage certificate? You can get a new certified copy from the Berkeley County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia. Bring your ID and the names and date of the marriage. A small fee applies for each copy.
Berkeley County Marriage License Records
Goose Creek is in Berkeley County. For full details on the Berkeley County Probate Court, fees, office hours, and related records, visit the county page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities apply for a marriage license at their own county Probate Court. Pick a city below to learn more.