Barnwell County License Records
The Barnwell County Probate Court is where couples go to apply for a marriage license in Barnwell County, South Carolina. This small county sits in the southwestern part of the state. The Probate Court is at the Barnwell County Courthouse and takes care of all marriage license requests for the area. Both parties must show up in person to file the application. Staff at the court will guide you through the process. Barnwell County marriage license records go back to 1911, and certified copies are kept on file for anyone who may need one later. If you are planning to marry, the Probate Court is the place to begin.
How to Get a Barnwell County Marriage License
Both people must visit the Barnwell County Probate Court together. You cannot send one person alone. This is a firm rule. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You also need your Social Security card.
At the Probate Court, you will fill out the marriage license application form. Both parties sign it in front of court staff. After you file, South Carolina law requires a 24-hour waiting period. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the court cannot issue the license until one full day has passed from the time it receives your application. This rule has no exceptions.
Once the wait is over, come back to the Probate Court and pick up your license. The Barnwell County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina. You do not have to hold the ceremony in Barnwell County itself.
Barnwell County Marriage License Requirements
State law sets the rules for who may receive a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide sworn consent. The Probate Court will ask for a birth certificate or other age proof for any minor. These rules are found in Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
South Carolina does not require a blood test. There is no residency requirement either. You do not have to live in Barnwell County or even in the state. Out-of-state couples can apply here with no issue. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for your prior spouse.
Same-sex couples may apply on equal terms. The rules are the same for all couples in Barnwell County.
Officiants for Barnwell County Weddings
After you pick up your marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only the following people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina
- A chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by the state
The person who leads the ceremony signs the marriage certificate. They must then return it to the Barnwell County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office. This step is required by law and makes the marriage part of the public record.
Barnwell County Marriage Records and Copies
The Barnwell 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 your ID and provide the names on the record along with the date of the marriage.
The image below is from the Barnwell County government website, showing information about the Probate Court and its role in processing marriage license applications.
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.
Older records may be held at the South Carolina state archives. For genealogy research, start with the Probate Court and then check the state office if you need more help.
Barnwell Marriage License Fees
South Carolina law adds a $20 surcharge to every marriage license fee. This money goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the South Carolina Code. The total cost varies, so call the Barnwell County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before you go.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Call ahead or check the Barnwell County website for the latest payment details.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who complete a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long. A licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy must teach it. Both people take the course together, not on their own. You must finish it within 12 months before you apply for the license.
Bring your proof of completion when you go to the Barnwell County Probate Court. 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. It is a small benefit but worth knowing about before you apply.
State Vital Records for Barnwell County
After the 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 is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. The process keeps a central record of every marriage in South Carolina.
If you are looking into family history in Barnwell County, the state archives may have older records. The Probate Court can also search through their local files on your behalf. Genealogy researchers often find that the court and the state office together cover most of the records they need.
Barnwell County Marriage License Questions
Can you apply online? No. Both people must appear at the Barnwell County Probate Court in person. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the marriage license application.
Can the waiting period be waived? No. The 24-hour rule is set by state law. Apply at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the exact hour the court receives your form.
Does the license work in other states? The license is valid only for ceremonies in South Carolina. But a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized in all 50 states. If you lose your certificate, request a certified copy from the Barnwell County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.
What about Section 20-1-100? This part of the code covers the basic eligibility rules for marriage in South Carolina, including age and relationship restrictions. The Probate Court staff can answer questions about how it applies to your case.