Conway SC Marriage License Office
The Horry County Probate Court in Conway serves as the local office where couples obtain a marriage license in Horry County, South Carolina. Located at the Government and Justice Center on Second Avenue, this court processes all marriage license applications for the county. Horry County marriage license records date back to 1911. The Probate Court also keeps certified copies of marriage certificates on file. Staff at the Marriage License Division can help walk you through the steps and forms. Residents of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and other parts of Horry County all use this same office to apply for their license.
Horry County Marriage License Application
Both parties must appear in person at the Horry County Probate Court to apply for a marriage license. The court is at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. You cannot send just one person. Each applicant should bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. The court staff will provide you with a form to fill out, and both parties must sign it at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour waiting period after the application is filed. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the written application must be on file for at least one full day before the Probate Court can issue the license. Plan ahead if your wedding date is close. Once the wait ends, you can return to the court to pick up your Horry County marriage license. The license is valid for use at any location in South Carolina.
If you have questions before your visit, you can reach the Marriage License Division by phone at (843) 915-5370 or by fax at (843) 915-6370. You may also email them at hcg.ProbateCourt@horrycountysc.gov.
Requirements for a Marriage License
State law sets the rules for who may get a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or guardian must provide a sworn statement of consent. The Probate Court will ask to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These rules are found in Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test needed. South Carolina also has no residency rule for marriage licenses. You do not have to live in Horry County or even in the state. Out-of-state couples can apply here as long as they meet the basic age and ID rules. If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. This helps the court confirm you are free to marry again.
Horry County Probate Court Services
The Horry County Probate Court handles more than just marriage licenses. The court has broad authority over several types of cases in the county. Beyond issuing certified marriage licenses and keeping records of marriage certificates, the Probate Court also manages estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship matters, and involuntary commitments. Each of these areas falls under the court's statutory oversight.
The screenshot below is from the Horry County Probate Court records page, which lists the types of cases and services available at the court.
If you need help with any court matter in Horry County, the Probate Court staff can direct you to the right forms and offices. The mailing address for all written requests is PO Box 288, Conway, SC 29528.
Horry County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate from the Horry County Probate Court is $5. To get a copy, complete the certified marriage certificate request form and mail it along with your payment to the Horry County Probate Court at PO Box 288, Conway, SC 29528. State law also adds a $20 surcharge to the base marriage license fee, which goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. Call the court at (843) 915-5370 to confirm the current total before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options vary by office. It is wise to call ahead.
Who Can Officiate the Wedding
After you receive your Horry County marriage license, you still need someone to perform the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only these people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by the state
The person who leads the ceremony must sign the marriage certificate. They then return the signed certificate to the Horry County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office as required by law.
Horry County Marriage Records Search
Horry County marriage records go back to 1911. If you need a record from that period forward, the Probate Court is the place to start. You can search for records using the Horry County Probate Court Public Inquiry Tool, which is available online. This tool lets you look up case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
The image below is from the South Carolina Court Records page for Horry County, which describes how to obtain marriage records from the Probate Court.
For records you cannot find online, contact the court directly. Provide the names on the record and the approximate date of the marriage. The staff will search their files and let you know if a record is on file. Older records may also be available through the South Carolina state archives.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who take a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must last at least six hours. It can be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together. You must finish it within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.
When you apply at the Horry County Probate Court, bring proof of course completion. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is described in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It can help offset some of the costs of getting married.
Myrtle Beach Area Wedding Information
Horry County is home to Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular wedding spots in the Southeast. Couples who plan to marry in the Myrtle Beach area must still get their license from the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. The court is about a 20-minute drive west of Myrtle Beach along US-501.
The screenshot below is from the Visit Myrtle Beach website, which provides details on how to get a marriage license for a Horry County wedding.
Beach weddings are common in the area. Many couples plan a ceremony on the Grand Strand and pick up their license from the Probate Court a day or two before the event. Keep in mind that the 24-hour waiting period still applies, so do not wait until the last minute.
State Vital Records for Horry County
After a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court then records it and sends one 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.
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 a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for expedited service. If you are doing family history research, the state archives may have older records as well.
Lost your certificate? Request a new certified copy from the Horry County Probate Court or from the state vital records office.
Common Questions About Horry Marriage Licenses
Many couples ask if they can apply online. Right now, both people must appear in person at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the marriage license application.
Another common question is about the waiting period. The 24-hour rule is set by state law and cannot be waived. Plan to apply at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts from the hour the court receives your application.
Some couples wonder if their Horry County marriage license works in other states. The license itself is only valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized in all 50 states.
If you need to reach the court, call (843) 915-5370. The mailing address is PO Box 288, Conway, SC 29528. You can also email hcg.ProbateCourt@horrycountysc.gov for general questions about the process.