Marriage License Records in Aiken County
Aiken County couples who plan to marry in South Carolina begin the process at the local Probate Court. The Aiken County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for the area. It sits in the county seat and serves both locals and visitors from out of state. Staff at the court walk each couple through the forms and steps. Aiken County marriage license records go back to 1911. The court also stores certified copies of marriage certificates for those who need them later. This page covers what you need to know before you visit, from ID rules to the state waiting period and how to get copies of your record.
Aiken County Marriage License Application Steps
Both people must go to the Aiken County Probate Court together. You cannot send one person on their own. The court is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. When you arrive, staff will hand you a form to fill out. Both parties sign the form at the counter.
State law sets a 24-hour waiting period after you file. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the Probate Court cannot hand you the license until at least one full day has passed since your written application was filed. Plan ahead. If your wedding date is soon, apply at least one business day before you need the license.
After the wait ends, return to the court to pick up the license. Your Aiken County marriage license is valid for use at any location in South Carolina.
What to Bring for Your Marriage License
The Probate Court requires specific documents from each person. Bring these items when you visit the Aiken County office:
- A valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- Your Social Security card
- A final divorce decree, if you were married before
- A death certificate for a prior spouse, if that applies
- Proof of age for anyone under 18
There is no blood test rule. South Carolina does not require one. You also do not need to live in Aiken County or in the state. Out-of-state couples can apply here as long as they meet the basic age and ID rules.
Aiken County Marriage License Age Rules
Both people must be at least 16 years old. This is a firm line. Any marriage where one person is under 16 is void from the start under state law. There are no exceptions to this rule.
If one or both people are between 16 and 18, a parent or legal guardian must give written consent. The guardian signs a sworn statement at the Probate Court. The court will also need to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for the minor. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 and Section 20-1-260 of the South Carolina Code. In place of a birth certificate, the court may accept a military ID, passport, or selective service card.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Aiken County
Once you hold your Aiken County marriage license, you still need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law is clear about who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, the following people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers who can give oaths in South Carolina
- A chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
No one else may perform a legal wedding in the state. The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return it to the Aiken County Probate Court so the marriage can be recorded.
Payment Options at the Aiken County Court
The Aiken County Probate Court accepts cash and credit card payments for the marriage license fee. South Carolina law adds an extra $20 to each license fee. That amount goes to the state Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost may vary, so call the court to confirm the current amount before your visit.
Plan to pay when you file your application. The fee is due at that time. You cannot delay payment and pick up the license later without paying first.
Aiken County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
The Aiken County Probate Court keeps marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to show ID and give the names on the record along with the date of the marriage.
The following image is from the Aiken County government website, which provides details about Probate Court services including marriage license applications.
Certified copies are only available after the officiant returns the signed certificate to the court and the marriage has been recorded in the local files.
State Vital Records for Aiken County
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This step is required by Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage that takes place in the state.
For marriages between July 1950 and 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. Expedited service through VitalChek costs more. Only people named on the certificate, their adult children, or a current or former spouse can order copies this way.
Older records may be found at the South Carolina Courts system or the state archives. The Aiken County Probate Court can also help search their local files for older marriage records.
Premarital Course Tax Credit in South Carolina
Couples who complete a premarital preparation course may earn a one-time $50 state income tax credit. The course must last at least six hours. It can be led by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together. You must finish it within 12 months before you apply for the license.
When you visit the Aiken County Probate Court, bring proof that you finished 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.
Common Questions About Aiken County Marriage Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must appear in person at the Aiken County Probate Court. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the marriage license application.
The 24-hour waiting period is set by state law. It cannot be waived. The clock starts from the hour and date the court receives your signed application. Make sure you apply at least one full business day before your planned ceremony.
Some couples wonder if the 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 recognized in all 50 states. If you lose your certificate, you can get a new certified copy from the Aiken County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.