Sumter South Carolina Marriage License Process
Sumter is the main city in Sumter County, South Carolina. Couples who live in or plan to wed in Sumter get their marriage license from the Sumter County Probate Court. The court handles all license requests for the county. Both people must go to the court at the same time to fill out the forms. The Probate Court staff will guide you through the steps. There is no way to apply by mail or by phone. The process is quick, but state law does require a one-day wait after you file. Plan your visit well before your wedding so you have the license in hand when you need it.
Where Sumter Couples Apply
The Sumter County Probate Court is the one place to get a marriage license in the Sumter area. The city of Sumter does not issue licenses. The municipal court in Sumter handles local matters but has no role in marriage license filing. You must go to the Probate Court.
Both people need to be there. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or a passport. You will also need your Social Security card. If you had a past marriage, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The court clerk will give you a form. Both of you will sign it at the desk.
After you file, there is a 24-hour wait. This is set by Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. The court cannot hand you the license on the same day you file. Come back the next day or later to pick it up.
Sumter Marriage License Requirements
State law sets the rules for all counties. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or guardian must give signed consent. The Probate Court will want to see proof of age for a minor, such as a birth certificate.
There is no blood test in South Carolina. There is no rule that says you must live in the state. Couples from out of state can apply in Sumter as long as they meet the age and ID rules. This makes it easy for people who plan to marry in the area but live elsewhere.
The license is valid for use at any place in South Carolina. You can apply in Sumter County and hold your ceremony in a different county if you wish. The state does not restrict where the wedding takes place once the license is issued.
Sumter City and County Resources
The City of Sumter website has local info for those who plan to live in or visit the area. While the city does not issue marriage licenses, it can point you to parks, event spaces, and other spots that work well for a wedding or reception.
The image below is from the City of Sumter site, which shows local government services and contact details for Sumter residents.
The Sumter County government site has direct links to the Probate Court and other county offices. Check it for current hours and any updates to the license process before you visit.
Who Can Officiate in Sumter
After you get your marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, 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 Native American Indian group recognized by the state
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Sumter County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office as well.
Sumter Marriage License Fees
The state adds a $20 fee to each marriage license under Section 20-1-375. This goes to the Domestic Violence Fund. The total cost may vary, so call the Sumter County Probate Court to get the full fee before you visit. Most courts take cash. Some also accept checks or money orders. Credit card use depends on the office.
It is smart to call ahead. Ask about the fee, what forms of payment they take, and what hours the court is open. This saves you a wasted trip.
Sumter Marriage Records and Copies
The Sumter County Probate Court keeps marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact 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 can also ask 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 held at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The Probate Court can also help with searches through their own local files.
Premarital Preparation Course Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must run at least six hours. It can be led by a licensed counselor or a member of the clergy. Both people must take it at the same time, not on their own.
You must finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the license. Bring your proof to the Sumter County Probate Court when you file. The court will note it on the license. This credit is set out in Section 20-1-230 of the state code.
Common Questions About Sumter Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must go to the Sumter County Probate Court in person. There is no online form for a marriage license in Sumter. You also cannot apply by phone or by fax.
Some wonder if the license works in other states. The license itself is only valid for a ceremony held in South Carolina. But a marriage done under a valid state license is recognized in all 50 states. If you move out of South Carolina after your wedding, your marriage still stands.
If you lost your marriage certificate, you can ask the Sumter County Probate Court for a new certified copy. The state vital records office in Columbia can also help if the marriage took place within their date range.
Sumter County Marriage License Records
Sumter is in Sumter County, and all marriage license applications go through the Sumter County Probate Court. For more on county records, fees, and office hours, visit the Sumter County marriage license page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for marriage licenses at their own county Probate Court. Pick a city below to learn about the process in that area.