Jasper County Marriage Records
The Jasper County Probate Court in Ridgeland is the local office where couples apply for a marriage license in Jasper County, South Carolina. This court handles all marriage license requests for the county. Staff at the Probate Court can walk you through each step of the process. Jasper County marriage license records go back to 1911. The court also maintains certified copies of marriage certificates for those who need them later. Whether you live in Ridgeland, Hardeeville, or anywhere else in the county, the Probate Court in Ridgeland is where you begin your application.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must visit the Jasper County Probate Court in person to apply. The mailing address is PO Box 1028, Ridgeland, SC 29936. You cannot send only one person. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card. Court staff will hand you a form, and both parties must sign it together at the office.
South Carolina law sets a 24-hour waiting period after you file the application. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the written application must sit on file for at least one full day. You cannot pick up the license the same day you apply. Once the wait is over, return to the Probate Court to collect your Jasper County marriage license. It is valid at any location in South Carolina.
Call the Probate Court at 843-726-7718 if you have questions before your visit.
Jasper County Marriage License Rules
State law governs 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 give sworn consent. The Probate Court will need a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor applicant. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
South Carolina does not require a blood test. There is no residency rule either. You do not have to live in Jasper County or in the state to apply. Out-of-state couples are welcome as long as they meet the age and ID rules. If either person was married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. The court will not accept photocopies of key papers like a divorce decree.
Jasper County Probate Court Overview
The Jasper County Probate Court has broad authority over several types of cases. Beyond issuing marriage licenses, the court handles estates of deceased persons, guardianship of incapacitated adults, conservatorships of the estates of minors and incapacitated persons, minor settlements of $25,000 and less, and involuntary commitments of mentally ill or chemically challenged persons. This wide scope means the Probate Court touches many parts of daily life in the county.
The image below is from the McDougall Law Firm page on Jasper County courts, which describes the court system and Probate Court services in the area.
Jasper County also has Municipal Courts in Hardeeville and Ridgeland. Those courts handle different matters and do not issue marriage licenses. For any marriage-related filing, the Probate Court is the only option.
Marriage License Ceremony Officials
Once you have your Jasper County marriage license, you need someone to lead the ceremony. South Carolina law is specific about who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only these individuals may officiate a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return the signed document to the Jasper County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the state vital records office.
Jasper County Marriage Records
The Jasper County Probate Court maintains marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court directly. You will need to show ID and provide the names on the record along with the date of the marriage. The court staff will search their files for you.
The screenshot below is from the Jasper County Government website, which lists contact details and services for the Probate Court.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you may 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.
Fees for Jasper County Marriage Licenses
South Carolina law adds a $20 surcharge to the base marriage license fee. This amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost can vary, so call the Jasper County Probate Court at 843-726-7718 to confirm the current fee before your visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Call ahead or check the court website for the latest payment details.
Premarital Preparation Course Credit
South Carolina provides a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who complete a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long and can be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take the course together within 12 months before they apply for the marriage license.
Bring proof of completion when you apply at the Jasper County Probate Court. The court will note it on your license. This credit is outlined in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Jasper County
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Jasper County Probate Court. The court records it and forwards a 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.
If you are doing genealogy or family history research, you may find older Jasper County marriage records at the state archives. The Probate Court can also help with searches through their local files. Records from before 1911 may be harder to locate, but the state archives staff can often point you in the right direction.
Jasper County Marriage License Questions
Can you apply online? No. Both parties must appear in person at the Jasper County Probate Court. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the marriage license application at this time.
What about the waiting period? The 24-hour rule is set by state law and cannot be waived. Apply at least one business day before your planned ceremony. The clock starts from the hour the court receives your application.
Does the license work in other states? The Jasper County marriage license is only valid for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized across all 50 states. If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the Probate Court or from the state vital records office in Columbia.