Dorchester County Marriage Licenses
The Dorchester County Probate Court handles all marriage license applications in Dorchester County, South Carolina. The Honorable Mary L. Blunt serves as Probate Judge. The office is at 5200 E Jim Bilton Blvd in St George, SC 29477. You can reach the court by phone at (843) 832-0136 or by fax at (843) 832-0222. Dorchester County marriage license records date back to 1911. Both local residents and out-of-state visitors may apply at this court. Staff will guide you through the forms and steps. Visit the Dorchester County website to check office hours before your trip.
How to Get a Dorchester County Marriage License
Both people must appear at the Dorchester County Probate Court together. One person cannot file alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The clerk will hand you a form. Both parties fill it out and sign it at the counter.
After you turn in the form, a 24-hour wait begins. State law requires this pause before the court can hand you the license. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the signed application must remain on file for at least one full day. You cannot skip or shorten this period. Plan your visit so the wait does not bump into your ceremony date.
Return to the Probate Court after 24 hours to pick up your Dorchester County marriage license. It is valid for any ceremony held in South Carolina.
Dorchester County Marriage License Requirements
South Carolina sets clear rules on who may get a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or guardian must appear at the Probate Court and sign a sworn consent form. The court will need a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor applicant. These rules come from the state code.
No blood test is needed. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Dorchester County or even in South Carolina. Couples from Charleston, Summerville, or any other city or state can apply. If either person was married before, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. This lets the clerk confirm both parties are free to marry.
Bring all documents on your first visit. Missing papers may delay your application.
Approved Wedding Officiants
Once you hold a valid Dorchester County marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. State law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only the following people may officiate a wedding in South Carolina:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to administer oaths in the state
- Chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by South Carolina
The officiant signs the marriage certificate at the ceremony. They must then file it with the Dorchester County Probate Court. The court records the certificate and sends a copy to the state.
Dorchester County Marriage Records
The Probate Court keeps Dorchester County marriage records from 1911 to the present. Need a certified copy? Contact the court at (843) 832-0136. You will have to show ID. Give the staff the names on the record and the date of the marriage so they can find it fast.
The image below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, which also processes marriage certificate requests at the state level.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you may also request a copy from the state Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state office charges a fee for mail searches and a higher amount for rush orders. Older records may be available through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Fees for a Dorchester Marriage License
The base cost of a marriage license in South Carolina varies by county. On top of that, state law adds a $20 surcharge that funds the Domestic Violence Fund. Call the Dorchester County Probate Court at (843) 832-0136 to confirm the total fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Check the Dorchester County website or call ahead for the latest payment details. Keep in mind that the 24-hour waiting period is firm, so factor in two trips when you budget your time.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours. It has to be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people attend together. You must finish it within 12 months before you apply for the license.
When you visit the Dorchester County Probate Court, bring your proof of course completion. The clerk notes it on the license. This tax credit is detailed in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It can help offset some of the costs tied to getting married.
State Vital Records for Dorchester County
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Dorchester County Probate Court. The court records it locally and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This step is required by Section 20-1-340. It creates a central state file for every marriage.
Below is a screenshot from the South Carolina Judicial Department website, which provides court contact details across the state, including Dorchester County.
Researchers looking for family records can try the state archives for older Dorchester County marriage files. The Probate Court can also search its own local records on your behalf.
Questions About Dorchester County Marriage Licenses
Can I apply online? No. Both people must visit the Dorchester County Probate Court in person. Mail and phone applications are not accepted.
Is the 24-hour wait required? Yes. State law sets this rule and the court cannot waive it. The timer starts from the hour the court logs your form. You should apply at least one business day before your planned ceremony.
Does the license work outside South Carolina? The license is only good for a ceremony held in the state. However, a marriage performed here under a valid license is generally recognized in all 50 states and most countries. This is a common concern for couples who travel soon after the wedding.
What if my certificate is lost? You can get a new certified copy from the Dorchester County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.