Chester County Marriage Records
The Chester County Probate Court manages marriage license applications for couples who plan to marry in Chester County, South Carolina. This court operates out of the Chester County Courthouse and serves as the sole local office for marriage license filings. Both residents and visitors may apply during regular business hours. The Probate Court staff can walk you through the forms and answer questions about the process. Chester County is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit and sits in the northern part of the state. If you are looking for a marriage license in this area, the Probate Court is your starting point for all forms and local filing rules.
Chester County Marriage License Steps
Both applicants must visit the Chester County Probate Court together. One person cannot apply alone. You will each need a valid photo ID. A state driver's license or passport works. Bring your Social Security card as well. The court clerk will hand you an application form to fill out and sign on the spot.
South Carolina law includes a mandatory wait. Under Section 20-1-220, the Probate Court must hold the signed application for at least 24 hours before it can issue the license. This wait cannot be skipped. Plan your trip so you can come back the next day or later to pick up the completed license. The Chester County marriage license is valid statewide once issued.
Keep your wedding date in mind. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, you should apply no later than Friday of the prior week to give yourself a buffer. The Probate Court is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Who May Apply in Chester County
State law sets clear age limits. Both people must be at least 16 years old. Anyone under 18 needs written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The Probate Court will ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor applicant. These rules fall under Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Chester County or in South Carolina to get a marriage license here. Couples from out of state are welcome to apply as long as they meet the standard age and ID requirements. South Carolina also does not require a blood test or medical exam before issuing a license.
If either person was married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse will satisfy this requirement. The clerk will review these documents at the time of your application.
Chester County Marriage License Fees
Every marriage license in South Carolina includes a $20 surcharge that goes to the Domestic Violence Fund. This amount is required by Section 20-1-375 of state law. The base license fee varies from county to county, so contact the Chester County Probate Court for the exact total before your visit.
Most Probate Courts accept cash. Some offices also take money orders or personal checks. Credit card acceptance depends on the individual court. It is a good idea to call ahead or check the Chester County government website to confirm which payment methods are available.
Officiants and the Ceremony
Getting the license is only one part. You still need someone authorized to perform the wedding. South Carolina limits who can officiate. Under Section 20-1-20, the following individuals may lead a marriage ceremony:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer oaths in the state
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian entity
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Chester County Probate Court. The court records the certificate and sends a copy to the state vital records office. This step is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. Without it, the marriage may not be on file with the state.
Chester County Marriage Records
The Chester County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, reach out to the court. You will need to provide the full names on the record and the approximate date of the marriage. A valid photo ID is required to request a copy.
The image below is from the Chester County Probate Court website, which provides filing details for marriage license applications in Chester County.
For marriages that took place between July 1950 and December 2023, you can also get 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 processing. Older records may be held at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Premarital Course Tax Benefit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who take a qualifying premarital preparation course before they wed. The course must last at least six hours. It can be taught by a licensed counselor or a member of the clergy. Both people must attend together.
You need to finish the course within 12 months before filing your marriage license application. Bring your proof of completion to the Chester County Probate Court when you apply. The clerk will note it on the license. This credit is outlined in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Vital Records and State Filing
After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court then sends a certified copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This creates a central state record of the marriage. The process is required by law and helps keep public records complete across the state.
Family researchers often look for Chester County marriage records at both the local Probate Court and the state archives. The FamilySearch Chester County page is another helpful resource for genealogy work. It lists available record collections and tips for tracing family lines through Chester County court files.
If you lost your original certificate, do not worry. You can request a replacement from the Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia. There is a small fee for each certified copy.
Common Questions About Chester County Licenses
Can I apply online? No. Both applicants must appear in person at the Chester County Probate Court. The state does not allow online, mail, or phone applications for a marriage license at this time.
Is there a waiting period? Yes. The 24-hour hold is set by state law and applies to all counties. The clock starts from the time the Probate Court receives your signed application. You may not pick up the license until the wait is over.
Does my Chester County marriage license work in other states? The license is valid only for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in every state. Once you are married, the legal status carries across all state lines.
What if I lost my certificate? Contact the Chester County Probate Court or the state vital records office. Either can issue a certified copy for a fee. You will need to show ID and provide enough detail for the staff to find the record.