Allendale County Marriage License Filing
Couples who want to marry in South Carolina can apply for a marriage license at the Allendale County Probate Court. This court handles all license applications for Allendale County. It sits in the town of Allendale and serves the full county. The Probate Court staff will guide you through each step of the process. Allendale County marriage license records go back to 1911. The court keeps certified copies on file for those who need them at a later date. Whether you live in the area or plan a wedding here, the Probate Court is where you start. Bring your documents and allow time for the state waiting period before your ceremony.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both people must visit the Allendale County Probate Court in person to file an application. You cannot send just one person. The court staff will ask for a valid photo ID from each of you. A driver's license or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card or another form of proof that shows your number.
After you fill out the application, the court places it on file. South Carolina law then requires a 24-hour waiting period before the license can be issued. This rule is set by Section 20-1-220 of the state code. You will need to come back the next day or later to pick up your license. Plan ahead so this wait does not conflict with your wedding date.
The Allendale County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in the state. You are not limited to holding your ceremony in Allendale County. Any location in South Carolina will honor the license once it is in hand.
Allendale County Marriage License Requirements
South Carolina sets clear rules for who may get a marriage license. Both parties must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a sworn consent form at the Probate Court. The court will ask for a birth certificate or other age proof for any minor. These age rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
There is no blood test needed. South Carolina also has no residency rule. You do not have to live in Allendale County or even in the state to apply for a license here. Out-of-state couples are welcome as long as they meet the basic ID and age rules.
If you were married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse will work. The Probate Court must see this before it can process your new application.
Allendale County Marriage Records
The Allendale County Probate Court maintains marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to give the names on the record and the date of the marriage. A valid ID is also needed to request a copy.
The screenshot below is from the Allendale County government website, which provides details about the Probate Court and its services for marriage license applicants.
For marriages recorded from July 1950 through December 2023, you may also request a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state office charges a search fee by mail and offers expedited service for an added cost. Older records may be found through the state archives or by working with the Probate Court directly.
Who May Officiate the Ceremony
Once you hold your Allendale County marriage license, you still need an officiant. South Carolina law limits who can lead a wedding. Under Section 20-1-20, these people are allowed to perform a marriage ceremony:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers who can give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return the signed document to the Allendale County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the state vital records office. This step is required under Section 20-1-340 of the state code.
Fees and Payment at the Probate Court
Every marriage license in South Carolina includes a $20 surcharge that goes to the Domestic Violence Fund. This fee is required under Section 20-1-375 of the state code. The total cost of a license may vary, so call the Allendale County Probate Court to confirm the full amount before your visit.
Cash is accepted at most courts. Ask the office about checks or money orders if you prefer those options. It is a good idea to call ahead or check the county website for updated payment details.
Allendale County Marriage License Waiting Period
The 24-hour waiting period is one of the most common points of confusion for couples. This rule is strict. The clock starts at the time the court receives your signed application. You cannot get the license on the same day you apply. If you apply on a Monday morning, you can pick up the license on Tuesday morning at the earliest.
Plan your timeline around this rule. If your wedding is on a Saturday, apply no later than Friday of the week before to give yourself a buffer. Court hours and holidays can shorten the window, so do not wait until the last minute.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who finish a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must run 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 within 12 months before they apply for the marriage license.
Bring your course completion proof when you visit the Allendale County Probate Court. The court notes it on the license. This credit is described in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Allendale County
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records the marriage and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
If you are doing family history research, the South Carolina Judicial Department website lists court contact details for each county, including Allendale. The Probate Court can help you search through their local files as well. Statewide marriage registration began in July 1950, but county-level records in Allendale go back to 1911.
Common Questions About Allendale Marriage Licenses
Can you apply online? No. Both people must appear in person at the Probate Court. There is no online or mail-in option for marriage license applications in Allendale County.
Does the license work 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 across all 50 states. If you plan to wed out of state, you will need a license from that state instead.
What if you lost your certificate? Contact the Allendale County Probate Court or the state vital records office to request a certified replacement copy. You will need to show ID and provide the names and date on the original record.
How long is the license valid? Once issued, the license does not have a set expiration date under current South Carolina law. Still, it is best to use it within a reasonable time after it is issued.