Abbeville County Marriage License Records
The Abbeville County Probate Court is the local office where couples apply for a marriage license in Abbeville County, South Carolina. This court sits at the Abbeville County Courthouse and handles all license requests for the area. Residents and visitors can file an application at the Probate Court during normal hours. Staff will walk you through the steps and forms. Abbeville County marriage license records date back to 1911. The court also keeps certified copies on file for those who need a copy of their marriage certificate later. If you plan to wed in South Carolina, the Abbeville County Probate Court is a good place to start your search for forms and local rules.
How to Get a Marriage License in Abbeville County
Both people must go to the Abbeville County Probate Court in person. You cannot send one person alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The court staff will give you a form to fill out. Both parties sign the form together at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file the form. This means you cannot pick up the marriage license on the same day you apply. Plan ahead if your wedding date is close. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the written application must be on file for at least one full day before the Probate Court can hand you the license.
Once the wait is done, you can return to the Probate Court to pick up the license. The Abbeville County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina.
Abbeville County Marriage License Requirements
State law sets 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 statement of consent. The Probate Court will need to see 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 Abbeville County 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. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
After you get your Abbeville County marriage license, you still 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 person who leads the ceremony must sign the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Abbeville County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office as well.
Abbeville County Marriage Records and Copies
The Abbeville 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 directly. You will need to show ID and provide the names of the people on the record along with the date of the marriage.
The following screenshot from the South Carolina State House website shows county and legal information relevant to Abbeville County marriage license records.
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.
Fees and Payment for Abbeville Marriage Licenses
South Carolina law adds a $20 fee 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 by county, so call the Abbeville 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 Abbeville County Probate Court page for the latest payment options.
Note: The 24-hour waiting period is strict, so plan to visit the Probate Court at least one day before you need the license in hand.
Premarital Preparation 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, not on their own. You must finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.
When you apply at the Abbeville County Probate Court, bring proof that you completed the course. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is detailed in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Abbeville County Marriages
The image below is from the South Carolina Adoption Services county courthouse directory, which lists contact details for Probate Courts across the state, including Abbeville County.
After a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court then records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This process is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in South Carolina.
If you are doing family history research, you may find older Abbeville County marriage records at the state archives. The Probate Court can also help with searches through their local files.
Common Questions About Abbeville County Marriage Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must appear in person at the Abbeville County Probate Court. There is no online option for the marriage license application in Abbeville County. You also cannot apply by mail or by phone.
Another common question is about the waiting period. The 24-hour rule is set by state law and cannot be waived. This means you should apply at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour and date the court receives your application.
Some couples wonder if their Abbeville County marriage license works in other states. The license itself is only valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized in all 50 states.
Note: If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Abbeville County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.