Beaufort County Marriage License Info
The Beaufort County Probate Court issues marriage licenses for couples in Beaufort County, South Carolina. This coastal county includes towns like Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island. The Probate Court sits in the Beaufort County Government complex and serves the entire county. Both people must come to the office in person with valid ID and their Social Security cards. Staff will walk you through the forms and explain the process. Beaufort County marriage license records date back to 1911, and certified copies remain on file for anyone who needs them. The Probate Court is your first stop when planning to wed in this part of the state.
Beaufort County Marriage License Steps
Both people must go to the Beaufort County Probate Court in person. You cannot send one party alone. Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. Both forms of identification are required for each person.
At the office, both parties fill out the marriage license application and sign it together. South Carolina law then requires a 24-hour waiting period. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the Probate Court cannot give you the license until one full day has passed since the application was filed. This rule applies to every county in the state.
Once the waiting period ends, return to the Probate Court to pick up the license. Your Beaufort County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina.
Requirements for a Beaufort Marriage License
State law sets the basic rules. Both people must be at least 16. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give sworn consent, and the court will need a birth certificate or other proof of age.
There is no blood test in South Carolina. There is no residency rule either. You do not have to live in Beaufort County or in the state. Couples from out of state can apply with no extra steps. 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 are laid out in Section 20-1-100 of the state code.
Beaufort County Probate Court Jurisdiction
The Probate Court in Beaufort County does more than issue marriage licenses. According to the McDougall Law Firm, the Probate Court has jurisdiction over a range of matters. These include estates of deceased persons, guardianship of incapacitated adults, and conservatorships of the estates of minors and incapacitated persons. The court also handles minor settlements of $25,000 and less. It oversees involuntary commitments for people with mental illness or substance challenges.
The image below is from the Beaufort County Probate Court website, which shows details about the court and its services for marriage license applicants.
Municipal courts in Beaufort County include the Beaufort City Municipal Court, the Bluffton City Municipal Court, and the Hardeeville City Municipal Court. These courts handle local matters but do not issue marriage licenses. Only the Probate Court has that authority in Beaufort County.
Who Can Officiate the Ceremony
Once you have the license, someone must perform the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, the following people may officiate a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer 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 return it to the Beaufort County Probate Court so it can be recorded. The court files a copy with the state vital records office as well.
Beaufort County Marriage Records
The Probate Court in Beaufort County has kept marriage records since 1911. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court directly. Show your ID and provide the names on the record and the date of the marriage.
The screenshot below is from the McDougall Law Firm website, which describes the Beaufort County court system and the Probate Court's role in handling marriage licenses and other legal matters.
For marriages 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 available through the state archives.
Fees for Beaufort County Marriage Licenses
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 by county, so call the Beaufort County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card availability depends on the office. Call ahead or check the Beaufort County Probate Court page for the most current payment options. The 24-hour waiting period is strict, so plan to apply at least one day before you need the license.
Beaufort County Premarital Course Credit
South Carolina provides a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who finish a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours. A licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy must teach it. Both people take the course together.
You must complete the course within 12 months before you file the marriage license application. Bring proof of completion when you visit the Beaufort County Probate Court. The court will note it on your license. This credit is set out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Beaufort County
After the ceremony, the officiant returns 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 ensures a central record of every marriage in the state is maintained.
Family history researchers may find older Beaufort County marriage records at the state archives. The Probate Court can also help with searches through their local files. Beaufort County has a rich history, and many genealogy projects pass through its records.
Keep in mind that the Probate Court office typically operates Monday through Friday. Hours may change on holidays. Call ahead to confirm.
Common Questions About Beaufort Marriage Licenses
Can you apply online? No. Both people must appear at the Beaufort County Probate Court in person. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the application.
Can the 24-hour wait be waived? No. It is set by state law and applies to all counties. Apply at least one business day before your ceremony. The clock starts when the court receives your application.
Does the license work in other states? The license itself is valid only for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized across all 50 states. If you lose your marriage certificate, request a certified copy from the Beaufort County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.