Socastee Marriage License Filing Steps
Socastee is an unincorporated community in Horry County, South Carolina. Because Socastee has no town hall or local court of its own, couples who want to wed here apply for a marriage license at the Horry County Probate Court. The court is at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway, SC 29526. You can reach staff by phone at (843) 915-5370. Socastee sits south of Myrtle Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway. The drive from Socastee to the Probate Court in Conway takes about 25 minutes. A 24-hour wait is required by state law before the court can hand you the license.
How to Apply From Socastee
Both people must go to the Horry County Probate Court in Conway in person. The court does not allow one party to file alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The clerk will give you an application form, and both parties sign it at the counter.
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. You cannot pick up the marriage license on the same day you apply. Plan your trip to Conway at least one business day before your wedding date. The clock starts from the hour and date the court logs your form.
After the wait, return to the Probate Court at 1301 Second Avenue. The clerk will check the file and hand you the license. It is valid for use at any location in South Carolina.
Socastee Marriage License Requirements
State law sets clear rules. 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. The Probate 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 or residency rule in South Carolina. You do not have to live in Socastee, Horry County, or even in the state to apply for a license here. Out-of-state couples are welcome. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The clerk will ask for this when you file.
Socastee is a popular spot for beach weddings.
Horry County Probate Court Details
The Horry County Government oversees the Probate Court that serves all of the county, including Socastee. The court is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. It is closed on state holidays. Call (843) 915-5370 before you visit to confirm hours and ask about any changes to the process.
The image below is from the Horry County Court records page, which lists services and contact details for the Probate Court that Socastee residents use for marriage license filings.
Parking at the courthouse in Conway is free. Bring your photo ID because staff may check it at the door. The Probate Court sits on the main floor of the building, so you should not have trouble finding it once you arrive.
Who Can Officiate the Wedding
After you get your Socastee 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:
- 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 signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Horry County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the state vital records office in Columbia. This step is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. Many couples in the Socastee area choose to hold their ceremony near the coast or along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Fees and Payment in Horry County
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 Horry County Probate Court at (843) 915-5370 to confirm the current fee before you make the drive from Socastee to Conway.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Ask the clerk when you call so you know what to bring. 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 and 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.
When you apply at the Horry County Probate Court, bring proof that you completed the course. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is set out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The Visit Myrtle Beach website also lists area resources and event planners that can point you to local course options near Socastee.
Socastee Area Marriage Records
The Horry County Probate Court keeps marriage records for the entire county, including Socastee. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court at (843) 915-5370. You will need to show ID and provide the names on the record and the date of the marriage.
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 Horry County. It is a useful backup resource for phone numbers and office hours if the county site is down.
Common Questions for Socastee Residents
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must show up in person at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. 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. Start the process at least one business day before your planned wedding.
Your marriage license from Horry County is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in South Carolina. It does not limit you to Socastee or Horry County. A marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states. If you lost your certificate, request a new copy from the Horry County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.
Horry County Records
Socastee is an unincorporated part of Horry County. The county Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for every community in the county, including Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Carolina Forest. For a full guide to fees, forms, and rules at the county level, visit the Horry County marriage license page.