Lexington Marriage License Application Process
Lexington is a growing town in Lexington County, South Carolina. Couples who plan to wed in Lexington apply for a marriage license at the Lexington County Probate Court. The court handles all license requests for the town and the rest of the county. Lexington County marriage records date back to 1911, so the court holds more than a century of local history. The Town of Lexington sits just west of Columbia along the shore of Lake Murray. Staff at the Probate Court can walk you through each form and step. A 24-hour wait is part of the process before you can pick up the license.
How to Get a Lexington Marriage License
Both people must go to the Lexington County Probate Court in person. You cannot send one party alone or file by mail. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The court clerk will give you an application form. Both parties sign the form at the office while staff watch.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file the form. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the written application must sit on file for at least one full day before the Probate Court can hand you the license. This means you cannot pick up your Lexington marriage license on the same day you apply. Plan ahead if your wedding date is soon.
Once the wait ends, go back to the Probate Court. The clerk will check the file and give you the license. It is valid for use at any spot in South Carolina, not just in Lexington or Lexington County.
Lexington Marriage License Requirements
State law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license in Lexington. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a sworn statement of consent at the Probate Court. The court will need a birth certificate or other proof of age for any 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 Lexington or even in the state to apply. Out-of-state couples can get a license here 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. The clerk will ask for this at the time of filing.
Lexington Marriage License Image
The screenshot below is from the Town of Lexington website, which lists local services and town information for residents looking into the marriage license process.
The Town of Lexington site is a helpful starting point for civic information, though the Probate Court at the county level is the office that issues licenses.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
After you get your Lexington 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 Lexington County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office in Columbia. This step is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law.
Fees for Lexington Marriage Licenses
South Carolina law adds a $20 charge on top of the base marriage license fee. This extra amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost varies, so call the Lexington County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. It is best to call ahead or check the Lexington County website for the latest payment details. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who complete a qualifying 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 within 12 months before they apply for the marriage license.
When you apply at the Lexington County Probate Court, bring proof that you completed the course. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is laid out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It is a small savings that many couples miss simply because they do not know about it.
Lexington Marriage Records
The Lexington County Probate Court keeps marriage records from 1911 to the present day. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to show ID and provide the names of the people on the record along with the date of the marriage. The court can also help with searches through their local files for family history purposes.
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. Both the county court and the state office require valid ID before they release any records.
The South Carolina Judicial Department website lists court locations and contact details for all counties, including Lexington County. It is a good backup resource if you need phone numbers or office hours.
Common Questions About Lexington Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must show up in person at the Lexington County Probate Court. There is no online option for the marriage license application. You also cannot apply by mail or by phone.
The 24-hour wait is set by state law. It cannot be waived for any reason. Start the process at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour and date the court receives your application.
Your Lexington marriage license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in South Carolina. It does not limit you to the town or the county. A marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states. If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Lexington County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.
Lexington County Records
Lexington is in Lexington County. The county Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for every city and town in the county, including West Columbia, Cayce, and Irmo. For a full guide to fees, forms, and rules at the county level, visit the Lexington County marriage license page.