Chesterfield County License Applications
Chesterfield County issues marriage licenses through its Probate Court, which operates out of the Chesterfield County Courthouse. The court follows South Carolina state law for all marriage license applications and keeps records dating back to 1911. Couples from any state may apply here as long as they meet the basic requirements. The Probate Court staff guides applicants through each step and answers questions about local filing procedures. Chesterfield County sits in the northeastern region of South Carolina near the North Carolina border. If you plan to marry in this part of the state, the Chesterfield County Probate Court is where you begin the process.
Applying for a Marriage License
Visit the Chesterfield County Probate Court in person. Both applicants must be present. The court does not accept applications by mail, phone, or online. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license or passport is fine. You also need your Social Security card.
The clerk will provide an application form. Both people fill it out and sign it at the counter. Once submitted, a mandatory 24-hour waiting period begins. South Carolina law under Section 20-1-220 requires this hold on every application statewide. You may return to the Probate Court after the wait to pick up your marriage license.
Give yourself a time buffer. If your ceremony falls on a weekend, apply by Thursday at the latest. The Probate Court follows standard government hours and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Chesterfield County License Requirements
Age rules are strict. Both applicants must be at least 16. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide signed consent at the Probate Court. The court will also require a birth certificate or other age verification for any minor. Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code spells out these rules.
No blood test is needed. South Carolina dropped that requirement years ago. There is also no residency rule. Out-of-state couples can walk into the Chesterfield County Probate Court and apply just like local residents. The only extra document you might need is proof that a prior marriage ended. Bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse if that applies to your situation.
Marriage License Fees in Chesterfield County
State law adds a $20 surcharge to every marriage license. This money supports the Domestic Violence Fund as required by Section 20-1-375. The base fee set by the county may differ from other counties, so call the Chesterfield County Probate Court for the current total.
Cash is accepted at most Probate Courts. Some also take checks or money orders. Credit card availability varies by office. Check the Chesterfield County website or call ahead to confirm payment options before you make the trip.
Authorized Wedding Officiants
A marriage license alone does not complete the process. Someone must perform the ceremony and sign the certificate. South Carolina law limits who qualifies. Section 20-1-20 lists the following authorized officiants:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian entity
The officiant signs the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They must then return it to the Chesterfield County Probate Court for recording. This step is not optional. The court files the certificate locally and sends a copy to the state vital records office as required under Section 20-1-340.
Chesterfield County Marriage Records
The Probate Court has maintained Chesterfield County marriage records since 1911. That makes it a valuable resource for both recent requests and older searches. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court directly. Have the names on the record and the approximate date of the marriage ready. You will need to show photo ID.
Below is an image from the Chesterfield County Probate Court website showing details relevant to marriage license filings in Chesterfield County.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health also holds copies of marriage records from July 1950 through December 2023. The state charges $12 by mail or $17 for rush service. For records older than what the state office carries, try the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Premarital Preparation Course Credit
Couples who complete a premarital preparation course may qualify for a one-time $50 South Carolina income tax credit. The course must run at least six hours and be led by a licensed counselor or active clergy member. Both people must attend together.
Finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the license. Bring your certificate of completion to the Chesterfield County Probate Court at the time of application. The clerk will note it on your marriage license paperwork. This benefit is described in Section 20-1-230 of the state code.
State Vital Records and Genealogy
Once the Probate Court records a marriage certificate, it sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This creates a statewide record of the marriage that can be searched later. The state office processes requests from individuals, attorneys, and researchers.
For genealogy purposes, Chesterfield County's records going back to 1911 are a strong starting point. The FamilySearch page for Chesterfield County lists available record collections and tips for family history research. You can also visit the Probate Court to search through older files in person.
Lost your original certificate? Request a certified replacement from the Probate Court or from the state vital records office. A small fee applies. Bring valid ID and as much detail about the record as you can.
Questions About Chesterfield County Licenses
Can we apply online? No. South Carolina law requires both applicants to appear in person at the Probate Court. There is no option to file by mail or through a website.
How long is the wait? The 24-hour holding period is set by state statute. It starts when the court receives your signed application. No exceptions are made.
Is a Chesterfield County license valid elsewhere? The license itself covers ceremonies held anywhere in South Carolina. A marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states and most countries. The legal status travels with you once the ceremony is complete.
What if we need the license fast? Apply as early as possible. The 24-hour rule is firm. If your wedding is in two days, apply today. The Probate Court cannot rush the process, but the wait is only one day, so timing is usually manageable with some planning.