Myrtle Beach Marriage License Application Guide
Myrtle Beach sits in Horry County along the coast of South Carolina. Couples who want to wed in the Myrtle Beach area must get their marriage license from the Horry County Probate Court. This court is in Conway, not in Myrtle Beach. The city of Myrtle Beach does not issue marriage licenses. You will need to plan a trip to the Government and Justice Center in Conway to file your forms. Staff at the Probate Court can walk you through each step. Both people must show up at the same time to apply. The license is good for use at any spot in the state once it is in hand.
Where to Apply in Horry County
The Horry County Probate Court is the sole office that can issue a marriage license for the Myrtle Beach area. It is at the Government and Justice Center, 1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC. The phone is (843) 915-5370. Conway is a short drive west of Myrtle Beach. No other court or city hall in the area can give you a license.
Both parties must go to the court in person. You cannot send one party or apply by mail. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card. If you had a prior marriage, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the past spouse. The court staff will have you fill out a form on site. Both of you will sign it at the desk.
South Carolina law sets a 24-hour wait from the time you file. You cannot pick up the license the same day. Plan to visit at least one full day before you need it. Under Section 20-1-220 of the state code, the form must sit on file for that time.
Myrtle Beach Wedding License Rules
South Carolina has clear rules that apply to all couples. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give signed consent at the court. The court will ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age for a minor.
There is no blood test. There is no rule that says you must live in the state. A couple from out of state can get a license at the Horry County Probate Court with no issue. This is a big draw for the many couples who pick Myrtle Beach for a beach wedding. Just bring your IDs and you can start the process.
The license is valid for use at any place in South Carolina. You are not locked to Horry County. If you apply in Conway but hold your wedding on the beach in Myrtle Beach, that is fine. The state does not limit where the ceremony takes place once the license is in your hands.
Myrtle Beach Area Wedding Sites
The Myrtle Beach area is one of the top spots in the state for weddings. Miles of sand and ocean views make it a draw for both locals and visitors. The City of Myrtle Beach has parks, piers, and public spaces that work well for a ceremony.
The screenshot below is from the City of Myrtle Beach site, which lists local parks and public areas that can serve as wedding spots.
The Visit Myrtle Beach tourism site has a full page on how to get a marriage license in Horry County. It also lists local vendors, venues, and tips for planning a beach wedding. This is a great place to start if you are from out of town and want to learn how the process works.
Beach Weddings in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is just up the coast. It has its own set of rules for beach use. The North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation page covers beach wedding permits and what you need to hold an event on the sand.
The image below is from the North Myrtle Beach site, which provides details on beach wedding permits and local guidelines for ceremonies on the shore.
Keep in mind that North Myrtle Beach city offices do not issue marriage licenses. All licenses for the area come from the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. The beach permit is a separate step from the license itself.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Once you have your Myrtle Beach area marriage license, you need an officiant. South Carolina law limits who may lead a wedding. Under Section 20-1-20, these people can officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by the state
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then send it back to the Horry County Probate Court for recording. The court files the record and sends a copy to the state vital records office.
Fees for Horry County Licenses
The state adds a $20 fee to every marriage license. This goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost will vary, so call the Horry County Probate Court at (843) 915-5370 to get the current total before you drive to Conway.
Most courts take cash. Some accept checks or money orders. Credit card use depends on the office. It is wise to call first so you know what to bring. The 24-hour wait is strict, so plan your visit well in advance of your wedding date.
Marriage Records and Copies
The Horry County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you can ask the court. You will need to show ID and give the names on the record along with the date of the wedding.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you may 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. Older records may be at the state archives.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who take a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long and led by a licensed counselor or a member of the clergy. Both people must take the course at the same time. You must finish it within 12 months before you file for the license.
Bring your proof of completion to the Horry County Probate Court when you apply. The court will note it on your license. This credit is set out in Section 20-1-230 of the state code.
Horry County Marriage License Records
Myrtle Beach is in Horry County, and all marriage license applications go through the Horry County Probate Court. For more on county-level records, fees, and office hours, visit the Horry County marriage license page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Other cities in the area also use the Horry County Probate Court or nearby county courts for marriage licenses. Pick a city below to learn more.