Camden SC Marriage License Records
The Kershaw County Probate Court in Camden is the local office that issues marriage licenses in Kershaw County, South Carolina. Located at 1121 Broad Street, Room 302, the court handles all marriage license applications for the county. Kershaw County marriage license records date back to 1911. The Probate Court also keeps certified copies of marriage certificates on file for those who need them at a later date. Court staff can guide you through the steps and required forms. If you plan to wed in Kershaw County, this office is where you start the process.
Kershaw County Marriage License Process
Both people must go to the Kershaw County Probate Court in person. The office is at 1121 Broad St., Room 302, Camden, SC 29020. You cannot send one person alone. 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 give you a form, and both parties sign it together at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait 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 hand you the license. Plan ahead if your wedding is soon. After the wait ends, return to collect your Kershaw County marriage license. The license is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina.
Call the Probate Court at 803-425-1500 with any questions before your visit.
Marriage License Requirements
State law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a sworn statement of consent. The Probate Court will need to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the South Carolina Code.
There is no blood test requirement. South Carolina has no residency rule for marriage licenses. You do not have to live in Kershaw County or in the state to apply here. Out-of-state couples can get a license as long as they meet the basic age and ID requirements.
If you were married before, bring your final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. This helps the court verify you are legally free to marry again.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
After you get your Kershaw County marriage license, you need an authorized person to lead the wedding 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 performs the ceremony must sign the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Kershaw County Probate Court for recording. The court forwards a copy to the state vital records office.
Kershaw County Marriage Records
The Kershaw County Probate Court maintains marriage records from 1911 to the present day. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the court directly at 803-425-1500. You will need to show ID and provide the names of the people on the record along with the date of the marriage.
The image below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health vital records page, which explains how to request marriage certificates at the state level.
For marriages that took place from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also request a copy from the state Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state office charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for expedited service.
Fees and Payment in Kershaw County
South Carolina law adds a $20 surcharge to the base marriage license fee. This extra amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost can vary by county, so call the Kershaw County Probate Court at 803-425-1500 to confirm the current fee before you visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Call ahead to check what payment forms the Kershaw County Probate Court accepts. The 24-hour waiting period is strict, so plan to visit at least one day before you need the license in hand.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who complete a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long and taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take it together, not on their own. You must finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the marriage license.
When you apply at the Kershaw County Probate Court, bring proof of completion. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is detailed in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It is a small benefit that can help with the cost of getting married.
State Vital Records for Kershaw County
After a wedding ceremony takes place, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Kershaw County Probate Court. The court records the document 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 creates a central record of every marriage in the state.
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina Code of Laws website, which contains the statutes that govern the marriage license process across all counties.
If you are doing family history research, you may find older Kershaw County marriage records at the state archives in Columbia. The Probate Court can also help with searches through their local files. Records from before 1911 may be harder to find, but the state archives staff can often assist with older documents.
Kershaw County Marriage License Questions
Can you apply for a marriage license online? No. Both parties must appear in person at the Kershaw County Probate Court in Camden. There is no online, mail, or phone option at this time.
What about the waiting period? The 24-hour rule is set by state law and cannot be waived by any court. Apply at least one business day before your planned wedding. The clock starts the moment the court receives your signed application.
Does the Kershaw County marriage license work in other states? The license 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 lost your marriage certificate, you can request a new certified copy from the Probate Court at 1121 Broad St., Room 302, Camden, SC 29020, or from the state vital records office in Columbia.
Camden and Kershaw County Information
Camden is the county seat of Kershaw County and one of the oldest inland towns in South Carolina. The Kershaw County Government offices are located along Broad Street in downtown Camden. The Probate Court sits in Room 302 of the main county building, making it easy to find when you visit for your marriage license.
Kershaw County borders several other counties in the Midlands region of the state. If you live near a county line, you may choose to apply in whichever county is more convenient. The license is valid statewide regardless of where you obtain it. Couples from Richland, Sumter, Lee, Lancaster, or Fairfield County sometimes choose to apply in Camden if it is closer to their home or venue.