Berkeley County Marriage Records
Berkeley County issues marriage licenses through its Probate Court in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The court sits at 300-B California Avenue and serves couples from across the county, including residents of Goose Creek and Hanahan. Both people who plan to marry must visit the office in person. Staff at the Berkeley County Probate Court will help you fill out the forms and explain what to bring. Marriage license records in Berkeley County date back decades and are kept on file for public access. If you need a certified copy of a past marriage certificate, the Probate Court can help with that as well.
Berkeley County Marriage License Steps
To get a marriage license in Berkeley County, both people must appear at the Berkeley County Probate Court at the same time. You cannot send just one person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a state driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The clerk will hand you a form to fill out and sign together.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after the form is filed. You cannot pick up the license the same day you apply. This rule comes from Section 20-1-220 of the state code. Plan your visit at least one full day before you need the license in hand. Once the wait ends, return to the Probate Court to collect it.
The license is valid for use at any location in South Carolina.
Marriage License Requirements
State law sets the rules for who may apply. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the Probate Court. The court will ask to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These rules are found in Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test. South Carolina does not require you to live in Berkeley County or in the state. Couples from out of state can apply here as long as they meet the age and ID rules. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree. A death certificate for a prior spouse also works. The court needs this to confirm your current status before it can issue a new license.
Who Can Officiate in Berkeley County
After you receive the license, you still need someone to lead the wedding. South Carolina limits who can perform this role. Under Section 20-1-20, the following people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in South Carolina
- A chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant signs the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They must return the signed form to the Berkeley County Probate Court so the marriage can be recorded. The court then sends a copy to the state vital records office in Columbia.
Berkeley County Marriage Records
The Berkeley County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. You can request a certified copy by visiting the court in person. Bring your photo ID and know the full names on the record and the date of the marriage. The court may charge a small fee for each copy.
The image below is from the Berkeley County Probate Court website, which lists services and contact details for the office in Moncks Corner.
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 charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for rush service. Older records may be found at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Fees and Payment at Berkeley County Probate
South Carolina adds a $20 surcharge to the base marriage license fee. This money goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the state code. The total cost can change, so call the Berkeley County Probate Court at (843) 719-4519 to confirm the current amount before your visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options vary by office. It is a good idea to ask about payment methods when you call. You can also fax questions to the court at (843) 719-4527.
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 last at least six hours. A licensed counselor or active member of the clergy must teach it. Both people take the course together. You must complete it within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.
When you visit the Berkeley County Probate Court, bring proof of completion. The clerk will note it on your marriage license application. This credit is laid out in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It is a small but helpful benefit for couples who want to prepare for married life.
Berkeley County Vital Records and Divorce
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina Judicial Department divorce forms page. This resource is helpful if you need to understand how divorce filings work in the state, which can affect a new marriage license application.
After a wedding, the officiant returns the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This process is required by Section 20-1-340 of state law. It creates a central record of every marriage in the state.
If you are looking into family history in Berkeley County, the Probate Court can help with local record searches. The staff can point you toward the right files and forms.
Common Questions About Berkeley Marriage Licenses
Can you apply online? No. Both people must go to the Berkeley County Probate Court in person. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the marriage license application at this time.
Can the 24-hour wait be skipped? No. The waiting period is set by state law and cannot be waived. Apply at least one business day before your planned ceremony. The clock starts from the hour and date the court receives your signed form.
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 in all 50 states. This is based on the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
What if I lost my certificate? Contact the Berkeley County Probate Court or the state vital records office in Columbia. You will need to provide your ID and the names and date on the record. A certified replacement copy can be issued for a fee.
Goose Creek and Hanahan residents should note that their marriage licenses come through the Berkeley County Probate Court in Moncks Corner. There is no separate office in those cities. Plan for a short drive to the courthouse on California Avenue.