Greenwood County Marriage License Records
The Greenwood County Probate Court issues marriage licenses for couples who plan to wed in South Carolina. The court is located at the Greenwood County Courthouse. Its mailing address is PO Box 1210, Greenwood, SC 29648. You can reach the office by phone at 864-942-8575. Staff handle all marriage license applications and keep local records on file. Greenwood County marriage license records date back to 1911. The Probate Court also manages estates and other court matters for the county.
How to Apply in Greenwood County
Both people must go to the Greenwood County Probate Court in person. You cannot send one person alone. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works. You also need your Social Security card. The court staff will give you an application form. Both parties sign it together at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file the application. You cannot pick up the Greenwood County marriage license on the same day you apply. This rule comes from Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. Plan ahead if your wedding date is close. Apply at least one full business day before you need the license.
After the wait, return to the Probate Court to pick up the license. It is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina. It is not valid outside the state.
Greenwood County Marriage License Requirements
State law sets clear rules for who can apply. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a sworn affidavit of consent. The Probate Court will need a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These requirements are in Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
There is no blood test required. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Greenwood County. Out-of-state couples can apply here. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The Greenwood County Probate Court staff can answer questions about what documents you need.
Greenwood County Marriage License Fees
South Carolina adds a $20 fee to every marriage license. This amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the state code. The total cost varies by county. Call the Greenwood County Probate Court at 864-942-8575 to confirm the current fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some take money orders or personal checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Ask about payment methods when you call. This saves time on your visit to the Greenwood County courthouse.
Officiants for Greenwood County Weddings
After you get your Greenwood County marriage license, you need an officiant. South Carolina law limits who can perform a ceremony. Under Section 20-1-20, the following people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. They then return it to the Greenwood County Probate Court within 15 days. The court records the marriage and sends one copy to SC DHEC for state records.
Greenwood County Marriage Records and Copies
The Greenwood County Probate Court keeps marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court. Bring your ID. Provide the names on the record and the marriage date. Staff can search through the local files for you.
The following screenshot is from the Greenwood County government website, which provides information about the Probate Court and its services including marriage license applications.
For marriages that took place 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 $12 by mail or $17 for expedited service. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171.
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 last at least six hours. It must be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people take the course together. You must finish it within 12 months before you apply for the Greenwood County marriage license.
Bring proof of completion to the Probate Court. The court will note it on the license. This credit is described in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code. It applies to your state tax return for the year of the marriage.
State Vital Records for Greenwood County
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Greenwood County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This process is required under Section 20-1-340 of state law. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
If you are doing family history research, older Greenwood County marriage records may also be available through the South Carolina Judicial Department or state archives. The local Probate Court can help with searches through their files going back to 1911. Walk-in requests and mail requests are both accepted at the Greenwood County Courthouse.
Greenwood County License Questions
Many couples ask if they can apply online. At this time, both people must appear in person at the Greenwood County Probate Court. There is no online application option. You also cannot apply by mail or phone. Both applicants must be present together.
Another common question is about the waiting period. The 24-hour rule is set by state law. It cannot be waived. The clock starts from the hour the court receives your application. Plan to visit at least one business day before your wedding date.
Some couples wonder if their Greenwood County marriage license works elsewhere. The license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in South Carolina. It is not valid outside the state. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized across all 50 states once it is properly recorded.
If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Greenwood County Probate Court. You can also order one from the state vital records office in Columbia.