Clarendon County Marriage Filings
The Clarendon County Probate Court handles marriage license applications for couples who wish to wed in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Located in the town of Manning, the Probate Court is the only office in the county where you can file for a marriage license. Staff members assist applicants with the required forms and explain each step in the process. Clarendon County is in the central part of the state, surrounded by rural farmland and small towns. Whether you live here or are visiting from out of state, the Probate Court welcomes all eligible applicants during normal business hours.
Getting a Clarendon County Marriage License
Go to the Clarendon County Probate Court with your partner. Both of you must be there. The court will not accept an application from just one person. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card.
Fill out the application form at the counter. Both parties sign it. Then the waiting period starts. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the Probate Court must hold the application for a full 24 hours before issuing the license. Come back after the wait to collect your Clarendon County marriage license.
Clarendon County Marriage License Eligibility
Age matters. Both applicants must be 16 or older. Minors between 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the Probate Court. The court will ask to see a birth certificate or similar proof of age for anyone under 18. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
South Carolina does not require a blood test. It dropped that rule long ago. There is no residency requirement either. Couples from other states or countries can apply in Clarendon County with no extra steps. The same ID and age rules apply to everyone.
Previously married? Bring documentation. A final divorce decree works if you are divorced. A death certificate for a former spouse works if you are widowed. The Probate Court needs to confirm that any prior marriage has legally ended before it can issue a new license.
Fees for Clarendon County Licenses
South Carolina adds a $20 fee to all marriage licenses. This surcharge funds the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The base license fee is set by the county. Call the Clarendon County Probate Court for the current total amount.
Cash is the safest payment option at most Probate Courts. Some offices accept checks or money orders. Credit card availability is not guaranteed. Confirm with the court before you visit so you bring the right form of payment.
Who Can Officiate the Wedding
Your Clarendon County marriage license gives you permission to marry, but someone must lead the ceremony. Not just anyone qualifies. South Carolina restricts who may officiate under Section 20-1-20. The law allows these individuals to perform a marriage:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers who may administer oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian entity
- Notaries public who have been authorized by the Governor
The person who leads the ceremony signs the marriage certificate. They are then responsible for returning the signed certificate to the Clarendon County Probate Court. The court records it and forwards a copy to the state. Failure to return the certificate can delay the official recording of your marriage.
Clarendon County Marriage Records
The Probate Court maintains local marriage records. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court. Provide the names on the record and the date of the marriage. Bring a valid photo ID when you go to pick up the copy.
The following image is from the Clarendon County Probate Court website, showing information relevant to marriage license applications in Clarendon County.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health holds copies of marriage records from July 1950 through December 2023. Mail requests cost $12, and expedited service is $17. For records outside that range, contact the Probate Court or the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Premarital Course and Tax Credit
A $50 state income tax credit is available to couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours. A licensed counselor or active clergy member must teach it. Both partners attend together, not separately.
Complete the course within 12 months before you apply for the license. When you visit the Clarendon County Probate Court, bring proof that you finished the course. The clerk will record it on your application. Section 20-1-230 of the state code describes this credit in detail. It is a small benefit, but it helps offset the cost of the course and the license fee.
State Filing and Vital Records
After the Probate Court records your marriage certificate, it sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required by Section 20-1-340 of state law. The state office in Columbia maintains a central database of all marriages performed in South Carolina.
Researchers and family members can request records from both the local court and the state office. The FamilySearch page for Clarendon County lists collections that may help with genealogy work. The Probate Court also allows in-person searches of older files for those tracing family history in the area.
Clarendon County License Questions
Can I apply for a marriage license online in Clarendon County? No. Both parties must appear at the Probate Court in person. Online applications are not available anywhere in South Carolina at this time.
Is the 24-hour wait required? Yes. State law mandates it. The Probate Court cannot issue the license on the same day you apply. Plan to make two trips: one to file the application and one to pick up the license.
Can we use the license outside South Carolina? The license is valid for ceremonies in South Carolina only. Once you are married, though, the marriage is recognized in all 50 states and most foreign countries. The legal bond is not limited to one state.
What if I was born outside the United States? You can still apply. Bring your passport and Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, talk to the Probate Court about what alternative documents they will accept. The court handles these situations regularly and can guide you through the process.
How do I replace a lost certificate? Contact the Clarendon County Probate Court or the state vital records office. Either one can issue a certified copy. You will need ID and enough information to locate the record in the system.