Fairfield County Marriage Records
The Fairfield County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Couples who want to wed in the county must file their forms at this court. The office sits in the town of Winnsboro, which is the county seat. Staff at the court can help with forms, questions, and next steps. Fairfield County marriage license records go back to 1911. The court stores these records and can issue certified copies when asked. Whether you plan to marry in Fairfield County or need a copy of an old record, this office is the place to start.
How to Apply in Fairfield County
Both people must go to the Fairfield County Probate Court together. You cannot send just one person. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card.
At the office, staff will give you an application form. Both parties must sign it. South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file the form. This means you cannot pick up your marriage license the same day you apply. Plan ahead if your wedding is soon.
Once the wait is done, return to the court to collect the license. The Fairfield County marriage license is good for use at any location in South Carolina.
Fairfield County Marriage License Rules
State law sets the rules for who can get a license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a sworn statement of consent. The court will need proof of age for any minor, such as a birth certificate. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test rule. There is no residency rule, either. You do not need to live in Fairfield County or even in the state to apply. Out-of-state couples can get a license here. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
Who May Officiate a Wedding
After you get your Fairfield County marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only certain people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers who can give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The person who leads the ceremony signs the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Fairfield County Probate Court for recording.
Fairfield County Marriage Records
The Probate Court keeps records from 1911 to the present day. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to show ID and give the names on the record along with the date of the event.
The image below is from the Fairfield County government website, which provides information about Probate Court services for Fairfield County residents.
The court staff can help you search through local files if you are looking for older records. Call ahead to confirm hours and any fees for copies.
Fees and Payment Details
South Carolina law adds a $20 fee on top of the base marriage license cost. This extra amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost can vary, so call the Fairfield County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before your visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. It is best to call ahead or check the Fairfield County website for the latest payment details.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who complete a premarital preparation course. The course must last at least six hours. A licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy can teach it. Both people must take the course together. You must finish within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.
When you file at the Fairfield County Probate Court, bring proof of course completion. The court notes it on your license. This credit is outlined in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Fairfield Marriages
After a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This step is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It creates a central record of every marriage in the state.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also request 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 service. You will need to provide a photo ID along with names and the date of the marriage.
If you are doing family history research, older Fairfield County records may also be at the state archives. The Probate Court can help with searches through their local files as well.
Common Questions About Fairfield Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must appear in person at the Fairfield County Probate Court. There is no online option. You cannot apply by mail or phone.
The 24-hour waiting period is set by state law. It cannot be waived. Apply at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour the court gets your form.
Some couples wonder if their Fairfield County marriage license works in other states. The license is only valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage done under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized in all 50 states.
If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Fairfield County Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.