Marlboro County Marriage License Application Process
The Marlboro County Probate Court handles all marriage license applications in Marlboro County, South Carolina. This court is at the Marlboro County Courthouse in Bennettsville. Couples who want to marry in the state can visit this office to start the process. You do not need to be a resident. The Probate Court staff will walk you through each step and help with forms. Marlboro County has kept marriage license records for over a hundred years. The court also provides certified copies of marriage certificates for those who need one down the road. If you are looking for local filing details, this page covers what you need to know.
How to Apply in Marlboro County
Both people must appear at the Marlboro County Probate Court together. One person cannot file on behalf of the other. Each of you must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport will work fine. You also need your Social Security card.
Once you arrive, court staff will hand you the application. Both parties fill it out and sign it in front of staff. After that, the 24-hour waiting period starts. This is a state rule under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. The Probate Court cannot issue the license until at least one full day has gone by.
Come back after the wait to pick up the license. It is valid for use at any location in South Carolina.
Marlboro County Marriage License Rules
Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are between 16 and 18, a parent or guardian must provide sworn consent. The court will ask for a birth certificate or similar proof of age for any minor. These rules are in Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
South Carolina does not require a blood test. There is no residency rule, so you do not need to live in Marlboro County. Couples from any state or country can apply here. Bring your ID and Social Security card. If you had a prior marriage, bring a final divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse. The court needs these to confirm you are free to marry.
Marlboro County Ceremony Officiant Rules
A marriage license on its own does not make you married. You still need a ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can lead a wedding. Under Section 20-1-20, only these people may officiate:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to give oaths in the state
- The chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by South Carolina
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate. They return it to the Marlboro County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the state.
Marlboro County Marriage Records
The Marlboro County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. Show ID and give them the names on the record and the date of the marriage.
Below is a screenshot from the Marlboro County government website, which lists details about the Probate Court and services for those who need a marriage license.
You can also request copies from the South Carolina Department of Public Health for marriages that took place from July 1950 through December 2023. The state charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for faster service. Records before or after those dates must come from the Probate Court.
Payment and Fees for Marlboro Licenses
State law adds $20 to the base marriage license fee. This extra charge goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The full cost may differ, so call the Marlboro County Probate Court to get the current amount before you visit.
Most Probate Courts accept cash. Some take money orders or checks. Whether the office takes credit cards may vary. It is wise to call ahead. Also keep in mind the 24-hour wait. Plan your trip so you can pick up the license at least one day after you file.
Premarital Course Tax Credit
Couples in South Carolina can earn a one-time $50 state income tax credit by taking a premarital preparation course. The course must last at least six hours. A licensed counselor or active member of the clergy must teach it. Both people must attend the course together.
You have to finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the license. Bring proof of the course to the Marlboro County Probate Court when you file. Staff will note it on the license. This credit is found in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Vital Records for Marlboro County
Once a wedding takes place, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Probate Court within a set time frame. The court records the document and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This step is required by Section 20-1-340 of the state code. It keeps a central record of all marriages in South Carolina.
If you are doing family history work, you may find older Marlboro County marriage records at the state archives. The Probate Court can also look through their local files. Many researchers check both the county and state offices.
Marlboro County License Questions
Can you apply online? Not at this time. Both parties must visit the Marlboro County Probate Court in person. There is no mail or phone option.
What about the wait? The 24-hour rule comes from state law. It applies to every county. It cannot be waived. Plan to apply at least one business day before you need the license.
Does the license work outside South Carolina? No. The license is only good for a wedding held in this state. But once the ceremony is done here, the marriage is recognized in all 50 states. If you lose your certificate, request a new certified copy from the Probate Court or the state vital records office.