Calhoun County Marriage Licenses
The Calhoun County Probate Court handles all marriage license applications in this part of South Carolina. Couples who want to marry must visit the Probate Court in person to file their forms and show the required documents. Calhoun County is a small, rural county in the central part of the state. The court keeps marriage license records dating back to 1911. Staff can help you find older records or get a certified copy of a past marriage certificate. Whether you live in Calhoun County or plan to travel here for your wedding, the Probate Court is your first stop for a marriage license.
Applying for a Calhoun County Marriage License
Both people must appear at the Calhoun County Probate Court together. You cannot send one person on their own. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card. The court clerk will give you a form. Both of you must fill it out and sign it at the office.
A 24-hour waiting period applies after you submit the form. This is a state rule under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. You must come back to the Probate Court after one full day has passed to pick up the license. Plan your trip with this wait in mind, especially if your wedding date is soon.
The license can be used anywhere in South Carolina. It is not limited to Calhoun County.
Calhoun County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 16. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come to the Probate Court and sign a sworn consent form. The court will ask for a birth certificate or other age proof for minors. These rules are set by Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
South Carolina has no blood test rule. There is no residency rule either. You do not have to live in Calhoun County or even in the state to apply. Out-of-state couples are welcome. Just bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If either person was married before, bring a final divorce decree or the death certificate of a prior spouse. The court needs this before it can issue a new license.
Who May Perform the Ceremony
Once you have your Calhoun County marriage license, you need an officiant. State law is strict about who qualifies. Under Section 20-1-20, these people may lead a wedding ceremony in South Carolina:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in the state
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Calhoun County Probate Court. The court records the marriage and sends a copy to the state vital records office.
Calhoun County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Calhoun County go back to 1911. The Probate Court keeps these files and can issue certified copies on request. To get a copy, visit the court with your ID. You will need to give the names on the record and the date of the marriage. A small fee applies for each certified copy.
The image below is from the South Carolina Code of Laws website. It shows the state statutes that govern marriage licenses, including the rules that apply in Calhoun County.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you may also get a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The state office charges a $12 search fee by mail. Rush service costs $17. Older records may be on file at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History in Columbia.
Fees and Payment for Calhoun Marriage Licenses
The state adds a $20 charge to the base license fee. This goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost may vary, so contact the Calhoun County Probate Court before you go to confirm the exact amount. Most courts accept cash and money orders. Some take checks. Credit card options depend on the office.
Call ahead to check. This saves you a trip if you need a specific form of payment.
Premarital Preparation Course Credit
South Carolina offers a $50 state income tax credit for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long and led by a licensed counselor or active clergy member. Both people take it together. You have to finish it within 12 months before you file for the marriage license.
Bring your course completion proof to the Calhoun County Probate Court when you apply. The clerk will note it on your application. This credit is detailed in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code. It is a one-time benefit, so you can only claim it once.
State Vital Records for Calhoun County
After a wedding in Calhoun County, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it locally and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required by Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health vital records page. It shows how the state processes marriage certificate requests.
If you are doing genealogy research in Calhoun County, the Probate Court is a strong place to start. Records from 1911 onward are on file. Staff can guide you through the search process and help you find the right documents.
Common Questions About Calhoun County Marriages
Can I apply online? No. Both people must visit the Calhoun County Probate Court in person. There is no way to apply by mail, phone, or through a website at this time.
Is the waiting period firm? Yes. The 24-hour rule is a state law requirement. No judge or clerk can waive it. Apply at least one full day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour and date of your filing.
Will my license work outside Calhoun County? Yes. The license is valid for any ceremony held within South Carolina. A marriage performed here is also recognized in all other states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
What if I need a copy of my certificate? Contact the Calhoun County Probate Court or the state vital records office. Bring your ID and the names and date on the record. The court will issue a certified copy for a small fee.
Calhoun County borders several other counties. If the Probate Court hours do not work for your schedule, you may apply in a nearby county instead. The license will still be valid for a ceremony anywhere in South Carolina.