Bamberg County Marriage Records
Bamberg County is a small rural county in the southern part of South Carolina. The Bamberg County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for this area. Couples who want to marry in Bamberg County or anywhere else in the state can file their application at this court. The office is at the Bamberg County Courthouse. Staff at the Probate Court will help you with the forms and walk you through what to expect. Bamberg County marriage license records go back to 1911, and the court keeps certified copies for those who need them later. Whether you live here or are just passing through, the Probate Court is where your search for a marriage license starts.
Bamberg County Marriage License Steps
Both people must go to the Bamberg County Probate Court together. You cannot send one person on behalf of the other. Bring a valid photo ID with you. A driver's license or passport will work. You will also need your Social Security card.
At the office, both parties fill out the marriage license application. You sign the form in front of court staff. South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait once the form is on 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. Plan your visit so you have time before your wedding date.
After the wait is done, return to the Probate Court to pick up your license. Your Bamberg County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in the state.
Who Can Apply in Bamberg County
South Carolina sets clear rules on who may get a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give sworn consent. The Probate Court will ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor.
There is no blood test. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Bamberg County or in South Carolina at all. Couples from any state can apply here. Just bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. These rules come from Section 20-1-100 of the state code.
Bamberg County Marriage License Ceremony Rules
Getting the license is only the first step. You still need someone to perform the ceremony. South Carolina law is strict about who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only certain people may officiate a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to give oaths in South Carolina
- A 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 it to the Bamberg County Probate Court so it can be recorded. The court files a copy with the state vital records office as well.
Bamberg County Marriage Records
The Probate Court in Bamberg County has kept marriage records since 1911. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to show ID. Give the staff the names on the record and the date of the marriage so they can look it up.
The screenshot below is from the Bamberg County government website, which provides details about the Probate Court and its services for marriage license applicants.
For marriages that took place 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 $12 search fee by mail or $17 for expedited service. Older records may be held at the state archives.
Fees for a Bamberg Marriage License
State law adds a $20 surcharge to every marriage license fee. This extra amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the South Carolina Code. The total cost can vary, so call the Bamberg County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before your visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some take money orders or checks as well. Credit card options depend on the office. It is best to call ahead or check the Bamberg County website for the latest payment details. Keep in mind that the 24-hour waiting period is strict, so plan to visit the court at least one day before you need the license in hand.
Bamberg County Premarital Course Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who finish a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must last at least six hours. It can be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together.
You have to finish the course within 12 months before you file the marriage license application. When you apply at the Bamberg County Probate Court, bring your proof of completion. The court will note it on your license. This credit is laid out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Records for Bamberg County
After a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
If you are doing family history research, the state archives may have older Bamberg County marriage records. The Probate Court can also search through their own local files for you. Many genealogy researchers start at the court and then check the state office if they need more help.
Common Questions About Bamberg Marriage Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must go to the Bamberg County Probate Court in person. There is no online option. You also cannot apply by mail or phone.
The 24-hour waiting period is set by state law and cannot be waived. Apply at least one business day before your wedding. The clock starts from the hour the court gets your application.
Some couples wonder if their Bamberg County marriage license works in other states. The license is valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina only. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states. If you lost your certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.